School Nurse - Ashford Elementary School

Houston County Schools is hiring both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide comprehensive health services at Ashford Elementary School. These positions serve school-age children with routine and specialized health care needs in a school-based clinical setting.

Clinical Setting

You will work in a school health office serving elementary school students. The role involves collaborating with supervising RNs, school administration, parents, faculty, and students to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care.

Responsibilities

LPN Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the supervising RN to identify students with routine or special health care needs and follow individualized plans of care
• Gather pertinent data and assist in developing and implementing individualized health care plans for students with health care needs
• Communicate effectively and timely with the supervising RN to keep health care plans current and accurate
• Administer medications following all criteria in the Medication Curriculum developed by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Provide nursing care services as directed by the prescriber, including gastric tube insertion, replacement, and feedings; urinary catheterization (clean and sterile); administration of injectable medications; administration of rectal or vaginal medications; tracheostomy care including suctioning; invasive procedures or techniques; sterile procedures; and receipt of verbal or telephone orders from a licensed prescriber
• Document all nursing activities thoroughly and accurately following established protocols
• Compile required departmental and state reports accurately before scheduled deadlines
• Assist in carrying out policies and procedures for control of communicable diseases
• Administer first aid to students according to standard nursing protocols and school policies
• Assist teachers with health education programs as directed by the supervising RN
• Perform nursing care within the LPN scope of practice as defined by the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Perform screening procedures as directed by the supervising RN
• Serve as a health liaison between school, healthcare provider, family, and community
• Report potential or current school health/safety/abuse issues or code of conduct violations to the Principal and supervising RN
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA
• Assist the supervising RN in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the school health office
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Registered Nurse and/or Head Nurse

RN Responsibilities:

• Prepare the school nurse area for use, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and adequate stocking of supplies
• Assist health professionals to perform and document required screenings
• Maintain a clinic log of visits by students with appropriate descriptive information
• Provide routine first aid and health procedures including proper referral of serious illnesses or injuries
• Administer CPR if indicated in emergency situations
• Support and participate in health screening activities, special clinics, and staff meetings as directed
• Administer medications and perform procedures (including invasive procedures) following school and system policies
• Review health records and immunization for compliance
• Counsel students and parents concerning health problems
• Establish safe clinic procedures
• Maintain a current list of students with acute and/or chronic conditions
• Provide nursing assessment and health appraisals of students to identify existing or potential health problems, communicable diseases, or other conditions affecting school performance
• Serve as a health liaison between home and school
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with appropriate governmental agencies
• Maintain expertise in assigned area to fulfill project goals and objectives
• Participate in training programs to increase skill and proficiency related to assignment
• Keep the supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
• Serve on school/system committees as required or appropriate
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member
• Demonstrate support for the school system and its goals and priorities
• Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records
• Participate in cross-training activities as required
• Provide CPR instruction for staff
• Serve as a member of the Student Support Team as needed
• Assume other reasonable job-related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor
• Supervise LPNs and Medication Assistants

Required Qualifications

LPN:

• Current Alabama License as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• Clinical nursing skills necessary to provide safe care to students with special health care needs
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with the supervising RN, administration, parents, faculty, and students
• Current CPR certification (may be obtained after employment)

RN:

• Current Alabama Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Valid Alabama Driver's License
• Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations
• Current first aid and CPR certification

Preferred Qualifications

LPN:

• Clinical nursing experience with school-age children in the hospital, community health, or a pediatric clinic

RN:

• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing school
• Three years of successful experience in pediatric, public health, or school nursing

Education

RN:

• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing school (preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

LPN:

• Current Alabama Licensed Practical Nurse license (required)
• Current CPR certification (required; may be obtained after employment)

RN:

• Current Alabama Registered Nurse license (required)
• Current first aid certification (required)
• Current CPR certification (required)

Employment Terms

• Non-Exempt status
• Salary and benefits paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan
• Length of work year and hours of employment as established by the system
• Performance evaluated in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel

Reports To

LPN: Lead Nurse/Supervising RN/Principal/Designee

RN: Principal/Lead Nurse/Designee