SY 25-26 Substitute School Nurse

Fitchburg School District • Fitchburg, MA

10h

About The Position

The registered nurse (RN) in the school setting is an integral part of the professional team employed to aid children and youth in developing to their full potential. The ability to assume the position of substitute school nurse based on knowledge and understanding of normal growth & development, health management, and education. The unique contribution of the nurse lies in the ability to provide professional health care and guidance and to coordinate the resources of the school, home, and community as they pertain to the total health of the students and staff. School nursing health care contributes to a healthy society. Daily Substitutes are required to be available 2-5 times per week and willing to be flexible with their assignments. Daily assignments may vary depending on the district's needs, with no guarantee of weekly hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in: School Nurse (All Levels)
• Must hold a Massachusetts RN License and have a current CPR/AED certification
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in community health, school nursing, pediatric nursing, or a related field of nursing
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents
• Ability to document (written & electronic documentation) and communicate effectively
• Commitment to self-assessment and professional improvement
• Ability to work with a team in the assessment of and planning for special needs students, students with special health care needs
• Willingness to participate in health education roles as appropriate, considering time restraints allowed by various schools and caseload numbers

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in the area of support is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain individual health records for each student
• Monitor and administer medications stipulated by state law and school medication policy
• Provide specialized nursing treatments for physically challenged students as required during school hours
• Develop and implement an organized and comprehensive program for the prevention and control of communicable diseases
• Oversee enforcement of local and state immunization regulations; review student immunization records to ensure compliance
• Oversee mandated screening programs (e.g., vision, hearing, scoliosis, height/weight – BMI, etc.) and make referrals to parents and/or physicians as appropriate
• Arrange for and assist school physicians with physical examinations (currently Grades K, 4, 7, 11, new students, sports physicals, etc.), and report pertinent physical exam findings as directed by the school physician to the parent/guardian
• Plan and implement an immunization program
• Assist in the development of policies related to communicable diseases and interpret these to school personnel, parents, students, and other appropriate parties.
• Identify, exclude, and readmit students as necessary, while always enforcing the regulations regarding confidentiality
• Distribute immunization summaries to high school seniors upon graduation
• Assume responsibility for the care of sick and injured in the school following the “First Aid and Medical Policy Manual for Schools”
• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain the optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.
• Confer with parents, students, and teachers on students’ health problems and refer to community health programs when appropriate.
• Assist in the identification and education of students with special health problems that affect learning and total growth
• Confer with administrators and other staff members on health concerns within the community.
• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.
• Respond to frequently encountered health problems: Child abuse and neglect Drug use and abuse Nutrition Adolescent pregnancy
• Assist with the implementation of attendance policy as requested (i.e. readmitting students to school after an illness, investigating attendance problems, etc.)
• Initiate referrals and assist with arrangements for home and hospital tutoring when requested.
• Participate in the health evaluation of special education/504 students at team meetings, annual reviews, and as requested by the Director of Special Education/504 coordinator; serve as the physician’s liaison and interpret medical findings; assist parents in securing medical evaluations approved by the Director of Special Education.
• Inform appropriate staff members of any student requiring a special program or classroom modification and assist in arranging for the proper facilities, equipment, programs, etc.
• Advise on health supplies and equipment to be used in the schools.
• Serve on various school, system-wide, or community committees as appropriate.
• Submit periodic reports as required.
• Provide for program evaluation.
• Prepare health records for entering students.
• Prepare health records for student grade advancement
• Review student records and prepare updated school building health office immunization, physical, disability, and emergency list.

What This Job Offers