School Health Nurse

The RN School Health Nurse position is part of a school-based health team serving students in the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas school district. This role is responsible for addressing the health care needs of students, coordinating state-required health screenings, and maintaining communication between counselors, teachers, and parents regarding student health and wellness. You will support individualized health care plans for students with identified health needs and serve as a key link in the school's health and safety infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Health Records and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate completion and maintenance of cumulative health records for each student per district systems
• Organize and conduct student health appraisals including medical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and height/weight measurements to meet state regulations
• Ensure continuation of communicable disease control programs based on Kansas immunization laws by assessing and monitoring immunization status
• Coordinate with parents regarding immunization compliance options
• Observe district reporting requirements for student illness, accidents, safety hazards, and unsanitary conditions
• Submit accurate and timely reports to health and state agencies as required
• Comply with all district health and safety policies, including Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan precautions
• Participate in district emergency preparedness planning
• Maintain compliance with state and federal privacy and confidentiality requirements including HIPAA and FERPA

Student Care and Emergency Response

• Provide ongoing nursing support for students with identified conditions requiring consistent monitoring
• Coordinate care for students who are injured or become ill at school
• Assist in providing emergency care for accidents and sudden illness until parents assume responsibility
• Establish communication, obtain proper consent, and use referral processes for students to access school-based health clinic or tele-med services when applicable
• Maintain student medications following district policies on medication administration

School-Based Clinic Duties (if applicable)

• Interview and assess clinic patients for health concerns and obtain health history
• Measure vital signs and update medication lists and allergies at each visit
• Record information in the Electronic Health Record system
• Prepare examination stations ensuring all areas are clean
• Support clinic providers in patient care including specialty procedures, injections, treatments, and vaccines
• Perform phlebotomy and routine in-house laboratory tests as ordered
• Educate patients about medications, provider orders, and follow-up care
• Maintain clinic and school nurse office supplies following district policies
• Ensure proper cleaning and sterilization of instruments
• Transport specimens, equipment, and supplies using appropriate and safe techniques

Additional Duties

• May be requested to fill in at alternate locations to assist with staffing needs as directed by supervisor
• If working in a float position, travel to alternate schools and school-based health clinics is required
• Perform all duties, services, and documentation in full compliance with CHC/SEK policies and procedures

Required Qualifications

• Valid Kansas or Oklahoma Registered Nurse license or Licensed Practical Nurse license, depending on state of practice
• BLS Certification through American Heart Association within 90 days of hire
• If hired in a float position, valid driver's license required with daily travel expected; must meet CHC/SEK driving standards (no more than 2 minor or 1 major violation within the last 3 years)

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-State License (must be in nurse's state of residence)
• Two years' experience in an outpatient clinic
• Experience in a school health setting or working with children

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient and employee populations
• Knowledge of appropriate patient care rationale
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt to change in a positive manner and work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively
• Computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office products and advanced Excel knowledge
• Proficiency with Electronic Health Record software
• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with coworkers and healthcare team members
• Commitment to customer service in accordance with organizational mission
• Courteous and respectful interaction with patients and family members
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with organizational policy, HIPAA requirements, and FERPA regulations
• Effective communication through appropriate channels and proper chain of command

Working Conditions

The employee is regularly required to sit for up to the entire shift, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent. Good lighting and comfortable temperature and ventilation are required at all times. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases and high-stress situations.