The school nurse is responsible for implementing the school health program, assisting with student well-being, and completing health-related tasks.
Maintain student health records
Review records of entering students for immunizations, ensure all components of the School Health Entrance requirements, including immunizations, are complete and up to date, note health conditions documented on forms, collect information for reports, and keep emergency information up to date
Inform administrators and school personnel about students with health issues, in compliance with medical privacy regulations
Administer medications to appropriate students, with parental permission and a doctor’s order for prescription medication; keep medication permission forms on file
Train staff to administer medications under certain circumstances in the nurse’s absence or for field trips; ensure proper documentation
Supply and adequately maintain the school clinic; secure medications, including controlled substances, as required
Maintain a list of school staff trained in First Aid/CPR/Heimlich
Perform medical procedures as prescribed by a physician
Document clinic services to students; enter health information in the Student Information System
Assist sick or injured students and staff, perform routine and emergency first aid
Call parents of ill students; assist ill students as needed until the parent arrives
Manage outbreaks of infectious illnesses with input from physicians, the health department, and division guidelines as appropriate; follow health department directives regarding management of such illnesses when applicable
Refer additional health concerns as appropriate to a school counselor, school psychologist, physician, Child Protective Services, school administrator, or health department officials
Serve as a liaison with the public health department and other community agencies
Conduct basic screening programs as mandated in hearing and vision; refer students for follow-up
Provide guidance to staff for health-related procedures for students with special health needs
Assist students with disabilities with personal comfort and movement
Train/supervise unlicensed personnel to provide necessary health care
Ensure compliance with the law that all schools have the required number of staff trained for the administration of insulin and glucagon
Ensure compliance with IDEA legislation that all required medical procedures will be done safely and correctly at school, either by the school nurse or a designee trained and supervised by the school nurse
Develop or assist with the development of Individual Health Care Plans for students with medical conditions, including allergies; educate appropriate staff on necessary components of such health care plan, including criteria for medical emergencies and specific actions to take
Represent the nurses at the School Health Advisory Board (if selected by the nurses)
Ensure compliance with all laws protecting the confidentiality of medical information, and obtain written consent of parent/guardian to share information
Serve as a member of the School Crisis team
Conduct health-related counseling that is sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of students
Assist in special activities, fire drills, and field trips
Perform clerical duties, including typing, filing, and duplicating, related to school nurse functions
Assist teachers with designated instructional activities as assigned by the Principal
Assist in enforcing rules and discipline
Advise administrators on appropriate interventions to meet student needs
Advise administrators, teachers, and nutrition staff (with consent) on all students with food allergies; develop or obtain care plans for students with food allergies and advise school personnel in recognizing the signs of food allergies and the appropriate steps to take, including the administration of epinephrine
Perform other health-related duties as assigned by the Principal or designee
Basic keyboarding skills
Functional knowledge of current health issues as they relate to school age children
General knowledge of student behavior management practices, procedures and techniques
General knowledge of school system rules and procedures for classroom, halls, cafeteria, library and transportation
Ability to guide, direct, teach, and counsel students
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
Ability and skill to make physical, social and emotional assessments, plan and implement interventions requiring professional nursing knowledge and judgment
Ability to maintain confidentiality
A valid license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse is required.
A Registered Nurse license is preferred.
The school nurse must maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation from a recognized provider such as the American Heart Association.
Must be culturally responsive.
Bilingual in English and another World Language preferred.