School Nurse Practitioner
A School Nurse Practitioner provides healthcare services to students and staff within an educational institution, addressing both emergency and preventive health needs.
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Sample Job Descriptions for School Nurse Practitioner
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An entry-level School Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing basic healthcare to students in an educational setting. This role involves working closely with children and adolescents, offering medical care, health education, and support for a range of health issues that can affect students' ability to learn and thrive in school.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills and knowledge of pediatric nursing practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Knowledge of local and state health regulations as they pertain to school health.
- Compassion and patience when dealing with students and their health concerns.
Qualifications
- Valid nursing license (RN, LPN/LVN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) license.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing.
- Certification in pediatric or school nursing is preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Previous experience in pediatric, community, or school nursing is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provide basic medical evaluation and care for students with health complaints.
- Administer first aid and emergency care as needed.
- Manage and document student health records in compliance with privacy regulations.
- Perform screenings for health conditions such as vision, hearing, and scoliosis.
- Collaborate with school staff and parents to promote a healthy school environment.
- Educate students on health-related topics and preventative measures.
- Participate in the development and implementation of school health plans for students with chronic conditions.
- Assist in the management of medication administration for students as directed.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The School Nurse Practitioner is a specialized role aimed at providing healthcare services within an educational environment. The individual will work closely with students, staff, and parents to manage and treat minor illnesses and injuries, promote health education, and contribute to a healthy school community.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with both children and adults.
- Strong clinical skills with an ability to assess and manage minor illnesses and injuries.
- Good organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Capacity to create and deliver effective health education presentations.
- Knowledge of public health practices and principles in a school setting.
Qualifications
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the applicable state.
- Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program.
- Certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) with a specialization in pediatrics, family practice, or public health.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Experience in a school or pediatric healthcare setting preferred.
- Clear understanding of and ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations related to school health services.
Responsibilities
- Provide primary health care services to students and staff, including diagnosis and treatment of common acute illnesses and injuries.
- Develop and implement health plans for students with chronic illnesses.
- Conduct health screenings and referrals for conditions such as vision, hearing, and scoliosis.
- Collaborate with school counselors and other staff to address students' physical, mental, and social health needs.
- Administer medications and vaccinations per school district policies.
- Promote health education by creating and conducting presentations on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student health records in accordance with legal requirements.
- Participate in the development and enforcement of health policies within the school.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A School Nurse Practitioner is a certified healthcare professional who oversees the physical and mental health needs of students in an educational setting. The candidate must be able to provide primary healthcare services, promote wellness, and collaborate with school staff to ensure a healthy school environment. This senior position requires a practitioner with extensive experience in pediatric or adolescent health.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills with an emphasis on pediatric and adolescent care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, parents, and school staff.
- Ability to work independently and manage health issues within the school environment.
- Proficiency in maintaining and managing health records.
- Leadership skills to supervise and mentor less experienced nursing staff.
Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) or equivalent.
- Valid state license as a Registered Nurse (RN) and certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on pediatric or adolescent health.
- CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Experience in a school setting is preferred.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to school health services.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct healthcare to students and staff including the management of acute and chronic illnesses, and injuries.
- Develop and implement health plans for students with chronic conditions, special needs, or disabilities.
- Conduct health screenings and assessments, such as vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings.
- Administer medications and vaccinations in accordance with school policy and state regulations.
- Promote health education and preventative care amongst the student population.
- Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and parents to promote a healthy school environment.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to school health and safety.
- Manage a team of nurses or health aides, providing guidance and professional development as needed.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student health records.
- Participate in the development of school health policies and procedures.
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