School Nurse
A school nurse provides healthcare services to students and staff within educational institutions. These services can include first aid, illness management, health screenings, and health education.
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Sample Job Descriptions for School Nurse
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
As a school nurse, you will be responsible for providing basic healthcare to students and staff, promoting health education, and ensuring a safe and healthy school environment. This role requires a compassionate individual with a strong understanding of pediatric and adolescent healthcare.
Required Skills
- Excellent bedside manner and patient care skills.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Good judgment and critical thinking abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Qualifications
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of employment.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
- Must pass a background check.
- Understanding of child development and school health issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children and adolescents.
Responsibilities
- Provide first aid and emergency care to students and staff.
- Maintain accurate health records for all students.
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
- Conduct health screenings and assessments.
- Develop and implement health plans for students with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to promote student health.
- Educate students on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The School Nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of students on school grounds. They are responsible for providing first aid, handling medical emergencies, managing student health records, and promoting health education within the school community.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical nursing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Compassion and patience when working with children.
- Capability to design health education programs and materials.
Qualifications
- Current registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the state of employment.
- Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, school nursing experience preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
- Knowledge of child health issues and pediatric nursing practices.
- Familiarity with state and federal health and safety regulations related to schools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
- Provide first aid and emergency care to students and staff as needed.
- Administer medications to students in accordance with school policies and physician orders.
- Maintain accurate student health records, including immunizations, health screenings, and documentation of services provided.
- Develop and implement health plans for students with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to promote health and wellness in the school environment.
- Participate in the development and teaching of health education curriculum.
- Manage communicable disease prevention and control within the school.
- Conduct health screenings, such as vision and hearing tests, and make appropriate referrals.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a senior school nurse, you will be chiefly responsible for providing healthcare to students and staff within a school setting. Your role includes managing health plans for students with chronic conditions, responding to medical emergencies, conducting health screenings, and serving as a liaison between students, their families, and healthcare providers. With your extensive experience, you will also be tasked with developing policies and programs that promote the health and safety of the school community.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical nursing skills.
- Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
- Ability to make quick and accurate assessments of medical situations.
- Compassionate and patient-centered care.
- Strong communication skills in order to effectively engage with students, staff, and parents.
- Proficiency in maintaining and managing health records.
- In-depth knowledge of public health and pediatric issues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent.
- Valid nursing license and certification as a school nurse (where required).
- Minimum of 5 years of professional nursing experience, preferably in a school or pediatric setting.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Demonstrated experience in developing health care plans and health education programs.
- Knowledge of legal regulations and guidelines for school health services.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children and adults.
Responsibilities
- Provide primary care to students and staff, including medical treatment and emergency care.
- Develop and implement health and safety policies in collaboration with school administration.
- Manage and update student health records and ensure confidentiality.
- Conduct regular health screenings and assessments.
- Develop care plans for students with chronic illnesses and special health needs.
- Provide health education and counseling to students and staff on various health topics.
- Communicate and collaborate with parents, teachers, and outside healthcare providers.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies and ensure the health office is properly equipped.
- Train staff on first aid, CPR, and other health-related matters.
- Stay informed of the latest developments in school health and nursing practice.
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