School Nurse Teacher

The School Nurse Teacher provides comprehensive health services to students in a school setting, facilitating optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development. This role minimizes student absences due to illness and maximizes in-class time by creating a climate of health and well-being across all schools. The Certified School Nurse/Teacher reports directly to the School Principal and the Director of Special Education.

Responsibilities

• Administer nursing care according to district policies, procedures, and medical orders provided by the medical director
• Work with the School Principal, Director of Special Education, classroom teachers, and administrators to develop school health programs
• Conduct school immunization programs, physical examinations, and screenings as directed by the RI Department of Health and RI Department of Education
• Observe students regularly to detect health needs and provide treatments according to established standards and protocols using the Nursing Process
• Participate in the implementation and evaluation of student care
• Participate in health committee work as needed
• Maintain up-to-date, confidential cumulative health records for each student using the Skyward system
• Refer and consult with parents, school personnel, physicians, clinics, and community agencies on student health matters according to HIPAA guidelines
• Visit student homes when necessary
• Assume authority for the care of students or staff members who have suffered injury or emergency illness
• Administer first aid in accordance with established procedures
• Develop and implement individual health plans and 504 plans and participate in the IEP process as appropriate
• Participate directly and indirectly in health education to improve health literacy and promote responsible decision-making
• Implement policy on exclusion and readmission of students in connection with infectious and contagious diseases and immunizations
• Participate in in-service programs and maintain current knowledge in the nursing field
• Assist school personnel in maintaining sanitary standards in schools
• Provide age-appropriate health counseling with the goal of responsible decision-making
• Serve as a resource person to school staff members in health instruction
• Coordinate school and community health activities and serve as a liaison health professional between home, school, and community
• Provide population-based health services for nonpublic schools in the community as assigned
• Maintain the school nurse website with assistance from the Technology Department
• Assume responsibility for student safety
• Perform other general related responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved institution of higher education as defined in RI Department of Education regulations
• Active Rhode Island Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Completion of an approved program designed for the preparation of Certified School Nurse/Teachers
• Minimum of 3 years of documented experience in public health, acute care, or long-term care nursing, providing services as a professional Registered Nurse
• Ability to relate with students and staff and establish good rapport
• Experience and/or knowledge of medical computer systems and computer entry
• Current immunizations as required

Employment

• Position follows the policies of the Woonsocket School Department