School Nurse (0.5 FTE)

Cedar Rapids Community School District seeks a School Nurse (0.5 FTE) to advance the well-being, academic success, and lifelong health achievement of students. School nursing is a specialized practice that supports student learning by serving as the school's health professional and advocate for individual students. This position relies on student-centered, evidence-based practice and performance data to inform care.

Clinical Setting

This position is based in assigned school building(s) within the district. The role may rotate between schools and follows the school year calendar as part of the Teacher workgroup.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate health services for students at assigned building(s)
• Assess student health concerns and write and implement Individual Health Plans, Emergency Plans, and Evacuation Plans
• Contribute to student 504 plans and coordinate delivery of school health services
• Function as an active member of multidisciplinary teams to provide health expertise in planning and evaluating support services
• Provide case management and care coordination
• Manage health office activities and oversee Health Secretary responsibilities
• Delegate to, train, and supervise unlicensed personnel performing health procedures while ensuring compliance with district procedures and protocols
• Provide anticipatory guidance and health education emphasizing self-care, wellness activities, personal health practices, and appropriate use of health resources
• Provide health counseling and guidance to students and families
• Provide consultation services including home and community visits
• Initiate and coordinate referrals to and linkages with health agencies
• Collaborate with school and community members to improve students' health
• Work to minimize environmental risk factors and promote health and safety within the school setting
• Assist staff with strategies to support students' needs and achievement of academic goals
• Use active communication and motivational interviewing skills to build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and community members
• Assist in planning and delivery of social, emotional, and behavioral school-wide screening, education, and follow-up
• Maintain appropriate records and document according to health services procedures while protecting data confidentiality
• Provide individual and group education to support student development of health literacy skills
• Provide bloodborne pathogen training to identified staff with occupational exposure
• Lead and manage the building emergency medical responders
• Meet the Standards of School Nursing Practice and Iowa Teaching Standards consistently, including participation in observation, co-planning, and performance review activities
• Participate in nurse professional learning communities, serve as a member of building Tier teams, and participate in other school or district teams as needed
• Report to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis
• Adhere to all District, State, and Iowa Board of Nursing rules and regulations and practice consistent with the School Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, or BS or BA degree with relevant nursing experience
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Iowa Board of Nursing
• Statement of Professional Recognition from the Board of Educational Examiners required before commencement of the position
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and implement ideas contained in technical documents, assessment data, professional journals, and regulations
• Ability to effectively write reports and communications to students, colleagues, parents, and staff
• Ability to effectively present information orally and respond to questions from administrators, teachers, staff, and students
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals, and fractions
• Ability to solve problems effectively using sound nursing judgment
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a distracting environment with frequent interruptions while being responsive to student and family needs
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research as it relates to the Educational Goals of the District
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in oral and written communication
• Ability to work under moderate to high levels of stress
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (preferred over other bachelor's degrees)
• Previous pediatric nursing, school health nursing, or community health nursing experience

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools or controls, and talk and hear. The employee frequently must squat, stoop, or kneel, reach above the head and forward 0-24 inches and on occasion up to 36 inches. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items and will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds 0-12 feet and occasionally up to 20 feet, such as curriculum materials, desks, chairs, and boxes. The employee will sometimes push or pull items such as tables and carts. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus while supervising students and working with computers, written materials, reports, and assessment data.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment varies but typically does not exceed normal voice level. The position requires commitment of professional working hours that may extend beyond a typical 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. workday. The employee will frequently work in different areas of the classroom building including at desks, on or near the floor, standing, and in movement while supervising indoor and outdoor activities. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but may work outdoors when supervising students outside of the classroom.

Schedule

This position follows the school year calendar and is part of the Teacher workgroup.

Compensation

Salary is based on verified certified experience and education level. Refer to the district's new hire salary placement guide for specific information.