School Nurse - Ashford Elementary School

Houston County Schools is hiring a School Nurse for Ashford Elementary School. This position serves school-age children with routine and special health care needs in a school-based clinical setting. You will work collaboratively with a supervising RN, school administration, parents, faculty, and students to provide direct nursing care and health services.

Clinical Setting

You will work in an elementary school environment, providing nursing services to students with varying health care needs, from routine care to specialized procedures. The role requires you to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment with the ability to move about the school as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the supervising RN to identify students with routine or special health care needs and follow individualized plans of care
• Gather pertinent health data and assist in developing and implementing individualized health care plans for students with health care needs
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner 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; administration of injectable medications; administration of rectal or vaginal medications; tracheostomy care including suctioning; invasive procedures; 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 within assigned schools
• 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 as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Registered Nurse and/or Head Nurse

Required Qualifications

• Current Alabama License as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• 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)

Preferred Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public health nursing
• Ability to observe students for development and health patterns in making nursing judgments and diagnoses
• Ability to implement plans for students with chronic health problems and coordinate medication administration within state law and Board policies
• Skill in listening, speaking, and writing
• Ability to work with school personnel, parents, children, and agencies
• Ability to communicate with the public, staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons
• Ability to organize and plan to maximize the use of available time
• Adherence to attendance, punctuality, and proper dress rules
• Adherence to good safety standards
• Maintenance of confidentiality regarding school and workplace matters
• High ethical standards
• Initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities
• Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in a fast-paced, high-intensity work environment

Employment Terms

• Non-Exempt FLSA status
• Reports to: Lead Nurse, Supervising RN, Principal, or Designee
• 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

Note: This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job qualifications and responsibilities. The Houston County Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.