Substitute, LVN

Primary Purpose:

To be able to function in the absence of the school nurse assigned to the campus. To provide direct services to meet the needs of the students and staff on the school campus or campuses. The vocational nurse is responsible for implementing the district school health program under the clinical supervision of the School Health Coordinator or the School Nurse (R.N.), in a way that is best suited to the population of the campus.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Licensed Vocational Nurse with valid Texas license Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Certification; CPR certification, Seizure First Aide/Stop the Bleed

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of the nursing process Problem solving skills

Knowledge of school law relating to health services and special education Familiarity with computers

Experience:

Two (2) years' experience preferred in Community Health and/or pediatric nursing.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Acquire and maintain current knowledge and competency in school health practice, and complete mandated continuing education requirements to maintain L.V.N. license.
• Practice within the defined limits of the Texas Vocational Nurse Practice Act.
• Use effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Plan health appraisal schedule with school administrators and health service coordinator.
• Collaborate with the campus principal, school counselor, teacher, parents, registered nurse, and other staff regarding the health needs of the general population and those students with identified health conditions.
• Provide direct care utilizing school health protocols and care plans established under the direction of the health service coordinator.
• Maintain accurate student health records, including immunization records, medication administration records, screening records, and individual student treatment records.
• Administer annual required screening procedures to pupils, and completes required reports.
• Contribute to and implements the individualized student health care plans as established by the R.N. or Health Services Coordinator.
• Attend ARD meetings of students with identified health needs, collaborating with members of the team regarding implementation of the Individualized Education Plan.
• Make home visits when necessary.
• Communicate with parents regarding individual students.
• Participate in meetings of professional and school nurse organizations.
• Maintain a file of community, state, and other resources applicable to the school health program.
• Maintain an emergency card file.
• Make arrangements for professional medical care in the events of serious injury or illness when parent or guardian is not available.
• Keep a daily record of each student seen.
• Maintain adequate supplies in health room and assists in plans for annual budget for health supplies.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional growth activities.
• Under direction of the R.N., guide unlicensed assistive personnel in specific tasks, including medication administration and other health-related tasks.
• Interpret the requirements of the State of Texas Immunization Law and maintain compliance with these requirements including notification to parents on updating immunizations.
• Report any case of suspected neglect or abuse to the Dept. of Human Services, the Police Department, the building administrator, and the Health Services Coordinator.
• Report any case of disease as outlined in Senate Bill 1064 "Communicable Disease and Prevention Control Act" to the local health authority.
• Report potential health/safety hazards in school to the principal.
• Promote wellness and provides information to facilitate healthy life styles among students and staff.
• File reports as required by the Texas Education Agency and state or local Health Department.
• Maintain student/staff confidentiality.
• Deliver care in a manner that is sensitive to student/staff diversity, and promotes and preserves student, staff and family autonomy and dignity.
• Use available technology as appropriate to the school setting.
• Implement established district policy.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used:

Diagnostic screening equipment, personal computer.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; potential for exposure to bacteria, blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases.