Nurse Leader

Nurse Leader The Nurse Leader coordinates the school health services program for the Somerset Public Schools and Somerset Berkley Regional School District, providing comprehensive nursing leadership throughout the districts. The role involves supervising the clinical aspects of the school health program while collaborating closely with school and district administration.

Core Duties: Program Management: Developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive school health program tailored for the student population. Compliance: Maintaining strict confidentiality and complying with all applicable FERPA and HIPAA regulations regarding student records and health information. Flexibility & Teamwork: Willingness to adjust to the changing needs of the department, while working cooperatively with others to achieve common district goals. Interpersonal Excellence: Possessing a high level of interpersonal skills, a generally pleasant demeanor, and a respectful attitude toward employees, students, and families.

Performance Responsibilities

1. Administrative Leadership & Policy Establishes and manages the health program consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, statutes, and school district policies. Consults with the School Physician and Administrators to review and revise health policies and specific programs. Assists in the formation of district-wide health policies, goals, and objectives. Conducts needs assessments and population-based data collection to plan, evaluate, and engage in research regarding school health services. Prepares written reports for school officials, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other external agencies. Manages the preparation, tracking, and timely submission of state health certifications and forms (e.g., CLIA certification applications and renewals). Provides Medicaid reimbursement documentation.
2. Clinical Operations & Staff Management Reviews medical issues, staffing needs, and schedules with the nursing staff. Directly supervises and provides clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) within the district to ensure compliance with standard nursing practices. Manages and supervises all health office communications and oversees reporting procedures for health care logs. Provides school nursing services district-wide, assists building-based school nurses, and acts as a substitute nurse when necessary. Provides training to unlicensed school personnel for the administration of prescription medications per MA DPH regulations. Assumes responsibility for in-service programs regarding first aid, emergency care, and current health issues.
3. Student Care & Case Management Provides and supervises medically prescribed interventions (Medication, First Aid, CPR, triage) in accordance with standard nursing practices and legal regulations. Maintains accurate medication records. Obtains doctors' orders and parental consents for dispensing student medications. Consults with family physicians when appropriate and with parental consent. Writes, annually updates, and distributes Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) for students with medical issues, ensuring parent signatures are obtained prior to implementation. Reviews IHCPs and Individual Medical Protocols with teachers and relevant staff. Identifies health-related needs for inclusion in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and serves on pertinent teams and committees, including the PK-12 Wellness Committee. Plans and implements health protocols for children with special health needs.
4. Health Promotion, Safety & Environment Organizes and implements state-mandated programs such as immunization surveillance and screening programs. Promotes and assists in the control of communicable diseases. Recommends provisions for a safe school environment and assists in developing/communicating an emergency response plan. Collaborates with administration to assess and improve the social, emotional, and physical climate for students and faculty. Provides health counseling and leadership/support for staff wellness. Provides health assessments, develops crisis intervention procedures, provides health education, and acts as a resource person for promoting health careers. Involves students and parents/guardians in team conferences, communicates health needs to classroom/office staff, and attends field trips when necessary.
5. Professional & Other Duties Obtains and updates the Certification of Registration for Administration of Epinephrine and Field Trips from the MDPH. Assist with and organize professional development activities for the nursing staff Completes ongoing continuing education programs pertinent to school health and school nursing practices. Performs other duties as determined by the Superintendent of Schools, Director of Special Education, or their designee.