JOB TITLE:   Substitute Nurse                                                                           CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

 

REPORTS TO:  Principal                                                                                    PAY GRADE: Salary Schedule

 

LOCATION: ASSIGNED CAMPUS                                                                        DATE REVISED: 9/1/2023

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Promote and protect the optimal health status of school-age children with a model of prevention, early intervention, referral, and primary care. Implement a comprehensive program of health services for the campus.  Provide health services to students.  Promote health education and preventive health practices for students.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
• Valid registered nurse license to practice skilled nursing in Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
• Certified by the Arkansas Department of Health to conduct vision, hearing, and spinal screening, Body mass index, BLS, CPR, and First-aid certification

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
• Familiar with the Arkansas Nursing Practice Act and the National Association of School Nurse’s standards of nursing practice
• Possess appropriate skills for meeting school emergencies
• Ability to implement policies and procedures
• Knowledge of national, state, and local student health requirements
• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Computer skills and willingness to learn/adapt/lead other nurses in the implementation of district software

Experience:

• Two years of experience in school, community health, or pediatric nursing preferre   

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

 

Nursing Services

1. Provide temporary and emergency care for sick and injured students or staff according to
   district policy and procedures.
2. Notify parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
3. Administer medications to students according to district policy and procedures.
4. Assist with health assessments.
5. Perform screening procedures as required by the Arkansas Department of Health, Department of Education, and district policy.  Make referrals as necessary.
6. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the campus health program and make changes based on findings.
7. Provide relevant assessment, counseling, and guidance, serving as a resource to staff so that they may take responsibility for their health.
8. Assist staff with accessing and effectively utilizing community resources for health.
9. Provide leadership and/or support for staff wellness programs.

Instruction

1. Participate in the development of campus health education curriculum, and provide health education to individuals and groups.
2. Act as a resource person in promoting health careers.
3. Provide learning and growth experience for professional nursing students.
4. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

Consultation

1. Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community.  Interpret the health status of students to parents and school personnel.
2. Assess student problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
3. Participate as the health team specialist on the special education evaluation team as needed.
4. Participate in the assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
5. Communicate regularly with the principal and health services supervisor regarding health services issues.

Administration

1. Monitor school compliance with mandated state, federal, and district regulations affecting school health.
2. Communicate regularly with the Principal and Health Services Supervisor regarding health services issues.
3. Review and evaluate immunization records.
4. Enforce procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy.
5. Develop procedures and provide for crisis intervention for acute illness, injury, and emotional disturbances.
6. Supervise and train nurse aide(s) in clinical procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
7. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students.
8. Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
9. Maintain current files of community resources.
10. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Education rule, and board policy in the health services area.
11. Report potential health and safety hazards to the principal.
12. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Maintain certification in CPR, vision and hearing screening, and as a health screener. 
2. Join and actively participate in school nurse and teacher professional organizations.
3. Maintain a high level of professional competence through self-study; participate in professional organizations, workshops, and in-services.
4. Perform duties in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Direct the work of assigned nurse aide(s) and volunteers.

 

 EQUIPMENT USED:

• Thermometer audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, vision screening equipment, thermoscan, basic clinic equipment, personal computer, and copier
• Pulse oximetry, Automated External Defibrillator, glucometer, continuous glucose monitor, and applications

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands

• Walk/stand for a long period, lift heavy objects (40 pounds  occasionally)

Environmental Demands

• Normal office environment
• May work prolonged or irregular hours
• Exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; good general health and stamina needed