Elementary School Nurse

This position provides comprehensive health services to students at an assigned elementary school campus. As the School Nurse (RN), you will implement the district's health services program, promote health and safety education, and serve as a key liaison between school personnel, families, healthcare professionals, and the community.

Clinical Setting

You will work in a school-based health clinic environment, serving the student population of your assigned campus. You will have supervisory responsibility for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and health clinic aides.

Responsibilities

Nursing Services

• Provide direct care using professional assessment skills, the nursing process, individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), and established school health protocols
• Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students
• Assess student health problems and communicate with parents regarding individual students
• Ensure appropriate referrals and follow-up as needed
• Serve as a liaison between school personnel, families, healthcare professionals, and the community
• Notify parents of accidents or illnesses and secure emergency medical care for students as needed
• Develop and implement individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) for medically fragile students and evaluate outcomes of skilled nursing care and procedures
• Serve as a health advocate for students
• Ensure medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures
• Establish and implement effective procedures for mandatory screening programs
• Make home visits to help with student health problems as necessary

Instruction

• Participate in development of campus health education curriculum
• Educate faculty and staff on health-related topics
• Provide health education to individuals and groups
• Contribute to campus communications to parents and the local community regarding health issues

Consultation

• Collaborate closely with the campus principal and other staff to ensure a healthy school environment
• Work to meet the health needs of the general school population and students with identified health conditions
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings for students with identified health needs
• Develop Individual Health Plans (IHPs) and work with district personnel regarding implementation of IEP goals and services
• Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations
• Participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse

Administration

• Work with the health services coordinator to develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of the campus health program
• Make changes to the program based on findings
• Develop and recommend campus policies and procedures to promote health and wellness of students and staff
• Supervise, train, and participate in evaluating LVNs and other staff with responsibility for assisting students with health needs
• Coordinate and deliver training for school employees acting as unlicensed diabetes care assistants
• Evaluate unlicensed diabetes care assistants
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and documents required, including clinic records and accurate, confidential student health records such as immunization records, medication administration records, individual student treatment records, and IHPs
• Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rules, State Board of Education rules, and board policy
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
• Report potential health and safety hazards to the principal
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures

Professional Development

• Maintain professional nursing skills and knowledge as required by the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing
• Maintain certification for mandated screenings and Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers (CPR/AED)

Required Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid registered nurse (RN) license from the Texas Board of Nursing
• Current Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certificate
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
• Ability to implement policies and procedures
• Knowledge of basic first aid
• Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. You will frequently walk, grasp/squeeze, and perform wrist flexion/extension movements. The role involves frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) and may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, including controlling behavior through physical restraint and assisting nonambulatory students.

You will work with standard medical clinic equipment including an automated external defibrillator (AED), special needs adaptive equipment, and standard office equipment including computers and peripherals. The position involves exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases. You will work with frequent interruptions and must maintain emotional control under stress.

Employment Status

This is an exempt, professional position reporting to the Campus Principal.