REPORTS TO: Health Services Director and Building Administrator
JOB GOAL: To enhance the educational process of students by maximizing their health and well-being- modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning- and promoting an optimal level of wellness.
JOB SUMMARY:
Applies nursing practice to the unique needs of individuals- groups- and populations of schools
Promotes- implements and upholds the professional standards of school nursing practice as established by the Kansas Nurse Practice Act
Follows state and local health practice statutes- district policies- and administrative guidelines
Serves as a medical resource and health advocate for students and staff
Assumes the responsibility of appropriate health assessment- planning- intervention- evaluation- management- and referrals for students
Plays a key role in identifying health concerns and treatment measures- providing instruction- counseling- and guidance in the maintenance of good health practices and disease prevention
Serves as a direct link between the healthcare provider- family- and community agency in securing access to health services and is assuring continuity of health care for students
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing (preferred)
Five years of nursing experience- preferably in community health- pediatrics or adolescent health (preferred)
Valid registered nursing license to practice professional nursing in the state of Kansas from the Kansas State Board of Nursing
School Nurse Certification through state or national program or board (preferred)
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The school nurse’s duties will vary depending upon the needs of the individual school population; however- the purpose of the school nurse as described in the work summary remains the same. The duties fall into the following categories:
Provider of Health Services
Conducts mandated screenings for vision- hearing- growth- and dental
Supervises prescribed medical treatments and medication administration according to district policy
Provides assessment- planning- intervention- evaluation- management- and referral for appropriate medical care of students with acute/chronic health conditions and in emergency situations
Participates in the development and implementation of a complete and functioning program to provide ongoing emergency health care
Manager of Student Health Care
Assists in the development or revision of policies- procedures- and work standards for the school health services program
Monitors compliance with current state immunization and health assessment requirements
Serves as liaison and facilitator for access to health care resources in the community
Collaborates with school support staff to meet health care needs of students
Provides identification- assessment- care planning- referral and follow up for students with acute/chronic health care needs and/or communicable diseases
Serves on school and community committees upon request and as needed as a health care advisor and student advocate
Educator/Counselor
Interprets student health care needs to families and school staff
Educates families through written communication- verbal contacts- and home visits when necessary to encourage follow-through of health care referrals
Educates students- staff- and parents/guardians regarding medication administration- medical procedures needed at school- acute/chronic illness management- prevention and control of communicable diseases- emergency care- and other health-related issues
Provides assistance and counseling for students with psychological and medical concerns and/or physical limitations and assists in adaptation of any limitations
Serves as consultant and resource for health and wellness promotion- (ie hygiene; nutrition; increasing physical activity; weight management; smoking – consequences/cessation- etc.)
Provides information regarding the availability of community resources and assistance to families in the utilization of health care and treatment services
Develops and conducts in-service training sessions for school staff on Bloodborne Pathogens- CPR/First Aid/AED- chronic health- wellness and other health-related topics as needed
SUPERVISING RESPONSIBILITY:
The school nurse reports to the Health Services Director and building administrator and is responsible for supervising health professionals- volunteers- and non-health professionals within the scope of practice as a licensed Registered Nurse as outlined in the Kansas Nurse Practice Act.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Frequent district-wide travel and/or possible travel on bus with medically fragile students;
biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases;
mentally and physically able to perform job functions;
lifting up to 50 pounds;
flexibility to get down on hands and knees to render first aid if needed
KNOWLEDGE- SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
Competent in physical assessment- hearing and vision screenings
Competent in trach care- inhaler/nebulizer treatments- tube feedings- catheterizations- vaccinations- specialized feeding care- and other health services procedures
Computerized documentation (Word- Excel- email)
Writes reports- business correspondence- and procedural manuals as needed
Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students- staff- parents and the general public
Creation of Individualized Health Care Plans- Emergency Action Plans- and other written instructions for student health needs
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students- peers- parents- and other professionals
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Director of Health Services
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 186 day school year or days deemed by local school board
If you are applying for a Seaman USD #345 vacancy, you must do so by going to our website; http://www.seamanschools.org , click on Job Openings or you can link to https://seamanschools.tedk12.com/hire/ to start the application process.
Seaman USD 345 is primarily a suburban district of about 4,000 students, located within and adjacent to Topeka, Kansas. USD 345 is large enough for a well-diversified academic program, but small enough to provide individual attention. The district operates one high school, one middle school, five elementary schools, one alternative school, and one early learning center. Seaman has high quality teachers, administrators, and professional support staff members, with approximately 700 district employees. Many staff members have received recognition at the state and national levels as leaders in their field. Seaman is committed to excellent professional development, and new teachers participate in a high quality mentoring program. The Seaman School District is an excellent place to live and to work. Please visit our website at www.seamanschools.org to learn more about our outstanding district and the opportunities it provides.
