School Nurse

DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POSITION: School Nurse

JOB GOAL: To manage a health services program for the Dedham Public Schools which fosters the development of a sound mind in a healthy body of every student, providing them an optimal opportunity for academic success and life-long achievement. .

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
• A bachelor's or master's degree of nursing
• Experience as a Registered Nurse in a child health, community health, or other relevant clinical nursing setting. Prior experience as a pediatric nurse and/or school nurse preferred
• Current, or ability to obtain licensure as a School Nurse (all levels), by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Current CPR certification
• Bi- or multi-lingual (specifically Spanish), preferred

REPORTS TO: Director of Health Services and Building Principal

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide first aid, emergency, primary care and nursing procedures for injuries, illnesses and mental health needs for the school population.
• Assess and evaluate students' health status
• Administer and/or supervise the administration of medication to students according to district protocols and state regulations, including delegation as appropriate.
• Organize and implement annual mandated screenings (vision, hearing, height/weight, postural and SBIRT), according to grade level, as required by MA DPH; carry out appropriate referrals and follow-up.
• Participate in student support and special education meetings, providing medical input or consultation as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary school and district staff, including (but not limited to) RNs, LPNs (where assigned), counselors, school psychologists, administration, teachers, interpreters, administrative assistants, food service and custodians.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation through an electronic health record.
• Counsel and/or educate students concerning medical issues.
• Monitor and follow up on compliance with state immunization and physical exam requirements, and complete required annual reports.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality with respect to student and staff medical and personal information in accordance to FERPA regulations; share information with appropriate school personnel as needed to maintain student safety.
• Develop and implement individual health care plans and emergency action plans for medically complex students (including field trips).
• Identify health causes for absenteeism and contribute to school plans to decrease absenteeism wherever possible.
• Serve as liaison between the home, medical community, and the school regarding student health concerns.
• Monitor the school environment and recommend changes to promote health and safety.
• Observe all health regulations, policies, protocols and procedures of the district, DPH and DESE.
• Attend professional development and departmental meetings
• Review and evaluate own job performance and develop appropriate goals and objectives.
• Conduct formal and informal staff training on school-wide and student-specific health issues, as appropriate.
• Work with community agencies, physicians and other health care providers as necessary.
• Communicate and collaborate with families regarding the health status and needs of their children.
• Participate in the identification of, and assist in, the removal of health-related barriers to learning in individual students
• Serve as a member of pertinent committees and teams supporting the school community.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Health Services.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT & SALARY :

• This position is covered by the Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement between the DEA Dedham Education Association and the Dedham School Committee.