SCHOOL NURSE
20060
(Non‑Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for performing professional nursing services at a school in the maintenance of acceptable health standards, school health records and the emergency treatment of student and employee health problems. Under general direction, an employee in this class is responsible for giving care to students and for performing related nursing services such as pupil health appraisal and follow‑through and communicable disease control requiring specialized judgment and skills. The role of the school nurse is to help students participate fully in their learning by preventing, removing or modifying conditions that interfere with academic achievement. This is done within the context of standards of nursing practice and in accordance with State laws and regulations and district policies and procedures. The school nurse uses the nursing process to provide case finding, referral, intervention, and evaluation and provides health resource information to students, families and staff. Supervision may be exercised over a number of clerical assistants and/or auxiliary nursing staff. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Plans, coordinates, implements and provides any required follow up related to physical examinations conducted by the school physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant as required by state law and Board of Education policy.
Administers and provides follow up for age appropriate screenings such as auditory, visual, and scoliosis screenings.
Administers first aid and emergency treatment to students and employees.
Appraises the mental and physical health status of pupils through observation and analysis of records on a continuing basis.
Assists at school clinics where appropriate.
Consults with appropriate school staff, community agencies, families and primary care practitioners concerning health concerns related to educational achievement of students; makes referrals as appropriate.
Prepares, maintains and updates information on Cumulative Health Records.
Arranges transportation of sick or injured students or employees to hospital or home.
May supervise the work of auxiliary para‑professional health aides, assistant school health personnel, and/or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS) as appropriate.
Administers medications to students under the direction of a physician.
Orders, inventories and oversees the storage of first aid and related health supplies and equipment.
Assists the administrator in planning and maintaining a safe, healthful school environment, including the establishment and implementation of emergency care procedures.
Participates in the development of policies to improve and protect the health of students and school personnel.
Prepares records and reports as required.
Initiates, evaluates, and updates Individualized Health Care Plans on students as appropriate.
Attends staff conferences.
Provides in‑service training to staff regarding health‑related issues.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Good knowledge of nursing assessment and diagnosis, nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical practices.
Good knowledge of current school health practice and current laws associated with the health and education of school‑age children.
Working knowledge of dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene.
Skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices.
Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.
Ability to keep records and make reports.
Ability to operate a personal computer (PC).
Ability to plan and supervise the work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS) and unlicensed assistant personnel such as clerical assistants and health aides.
Ability to maintain constructive working relationships with students, parents, school staff and physicians.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with the ANA Code for Professional Nurses.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in New York State.
12/00 Revised