School Nurse Substitute

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Director, Student Health Services Department, coordinates, implements, and evaluates student health services at assigned school(s) by providing, delegating, and supervising nursing services and health programs. Supports the educational mission of the Washoe County School District by promoting optimal health and learning in all students. Assists medically fragile students and students with special health care needs to integrate safely and successfully into the school environment. Incumbent performs related work as required.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assumes a leadership role in promoting the health and safety of Washoe County School District students through health education, health counseling, advocacy, and by performing or supervising nursing care of students. Oversees or performs specialized nursing procedures such as insulin injections, tracheostomy care, ventilator management, and gastrostomy feedings on school campuses and on school-sponsored field trips. Instructs and supervises Clinical Procedure Nurses, unlicensed clinical aides, and school personnel in the delivery of nursing services at assigned school(s). Actively collaborates with parents, teachers, administrators, and other members of the educational team in order to maximize the learning potential of students. Supervises and manages the functions of the school health office(s) within assigned school(s), and ensures compliance with policies and procedures in all areas of student health services. Assesses the health status of students and refers students and families to appropriate community and medical resources. When available, takes the leadership role in managing, directing, and performing first aid and emergency care, including vital signs, in the event of a serious injury or illness. Develops and coordinates safe and appropriate health plans for students with special health care needs. Practices school nursing under the direction of the chief nurse in accordance with the Nevada Board of Nursing regulations and the Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapters and . Adheres to all policies and procedures of the Student Health Services Department and the Washoe County School District.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education/Experience: Any combination of knowledge and experience that would provide the required level of school nursing expertise is qualifying.

• Education: Bachelor 's Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university;

AND

• Experience: Experience in public health or school nursing is highly recommended but not mandatory. Three years of clinical nursing experience in pediatrics, critical care, or maternal-child health is desirable.

Knowledge of: The nursing process as it relates to preschool and school age children and to students with health disabilities; school nurse interventions that promote the academic achievement of a culturally diverse student population; current nursing theories relative to fostering physical, emotional and developmental health of students; first aid and emergency management in a non-acute care setting; the Nevada Board of Nursing laws and regulations relative to accountability and legal parameters of nursing practice; the organizational structure of school systems; community resources and agencies for referring children and families; principles of effective management, interpersonal relations, and supervision of staff in the delivery of student health and nursing services.

Skill at: Health counseling and assessment of pre-school and school-age children; planning, prioritizing, and implementing job responsibilities; communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with educational staff, students, parents, and all other stakeholders; providing support, recommendations, and input to student assistance personnel and IEP teams relative to a student's medical and health status or accommodations.

Licenses/Certificates: A valid license to practice as a registered nurse, issued by the Nevada State Board of Nursing; Health Care Provider CPR. Applicants who are offered employment will need to provide two original BSN transcripts in order to obtain a provisional school nurse endorsement, issued by the Nevada State Board of Education.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.