TAHLEQUAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

                                                            JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  SCHOOL NURSE (L.P.N.)

JOB DESCRIPTION NARRATIVE:

To enhance the educational process of children and youth by assisting them to improve or adapt to their health status.  Provide coordinated, comprehensive health services to the students within the school system.  Advocate and facilitate conditions that promote optimal physical, mental and emotional health for children, families, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge:                                                                           

1.         A Licensed Practical Nurse holding a valid license issued by the Oklahoma Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

2.         Clinical experience in one or more of the following areas preferred:

a.         Pediatric Nursing

b.         Medical/Surgical Nursing

c.         Emergency/Trauma Nursing

d.         Public Health/Community Health Nursing

3.         The LPN must be able to interpret and follow directions, perform basic academic tasks, assume the responsibility of the assignment, assess situations and make appropriate judgments.

4.         Must maintain current CPR certification and first aid training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary:

1. Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
2. Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician to all students requiring such interventions.
3. Report deviations in health status to teacher, building principal, and Director of Special Services.
4. Maintains health records.  Must chart and keep records per regulations set forth by Nurse Practice Act and National Association of School Nurses.
5. Monitors the school immunization records in accordance with Oklahoma Immunization Laws and notifies parents of noncompliance, as directed by the building principal.
6. Establishes priority of care and performs medical procedures according to nursing standards of care.
7. Collaborates with school administrators and counselors in assessing and improving the social and emotional climate of the school and classrooms.
8. Provides health screenings for students referred by school personnel, parents and coordinating agencies.
9. Implements appropriate nursing measures to meet identified health needs of students.
10. Administers emergency care/first aid for injuries or sudden illness in accordance with American Red Cross, National Association of School Nurses and School Nurses Organization of Oklahoma guidelines to all students and staff..
11. Serves as a resource person for faculty, parents, students and community in health education through classroom teaching, bulletin boards and in-service educational training for teachers and administrators.
12. Participates and is an active member of the CARE team at the designated school site.
13. Presents to students in the classroom, health information that is age-specific to health and safety needs of a particular age group or specific and individual groups of students, including tobacco, alcohol, drugs and puberty education.
14. Participates in training programs and other programs designed to promote professional growth.
15. Serves as an agent in the control and prevention of communicable diseases and conditions, utilizing the Board of Education, School Health Policy Guide and State Law 1550 as guidelines for exclusion practices.
16. Advises/consults with building principal regarding authorizing exclusion and re-admission of students in connection with communicable diseases or conditions.  Reports exclusions to Principal and Transportation Director, when applicable.
17. Provides health counseling to students and parents.
18. Interprets medical reports and contacts physician for clarification of the students’ medical needs while at school.
19. Interprets school health policies to parents, staff and others in the community.
20. Carries out Individualized Health Care Plans for students with specialized medical concerns during the school day through information shared by the students’ guardian and physician. 

Secondary:

1. Assigned to a school to work under the supervision of the principal.  Responsible to inform the building principal of health concerns in their building.  The principal and Director of Special Services are responsible for the formal evaluation.
2. Must have the ability to assess the degree and significance of the health problems in students with chronic health conditions.  Knowledge of signs and symptoms of impending emergencies are mandatory.  Must observe, evaluate, and report reactions to medications and treatments given at school and secure emergency care as needed, upon consultation with building principal.
3. Maintains a professional attitude and must have the ability to effectively communicate.
4. Communicates with parents about student health concerns, immunizations and activities.
5. Must be in good health.  Regular attendance is required for continuity of care.  Lifting and assisting students with limited self-help skills may be necessary.  Work is performed with patience, consistency and endurance.
6. Attending school-related field trips may be required.
7. Performs similar or related duties as requested or assigned.
8. Assumes responsibility for professional growth and continuing education.
9. Participates in professional organizations and community groups concerned with improving the quality of children’s health.
10. Functions with confidence, maintaining the highest standard or nursing ethics and practice.

SUPERVISOR:         Building Principal and Director of Special Services

Approved by Board of Education on 7-31-03, Revised on 7-16-07.