The Support Nurse serves as an assistant to the Certified School Nurse. To assist staff and administration in performing medical procedures and carrying out protocol as identified for particular needs of individual students. To create and maintain good relationships with administrators, students, parents and other staff members.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Follow procedures and practices consistent with current approved nursing strategies for assessment and intervention that will foster a climate of health and wellness in the schools.
Provide health room coverage under the guidance of the Principal and Certified School Nurse.
Provide information to Teachers and Administration on the medical condition of students within the building.
Serve as a liaison between medical personnel, parents, and school staff when meeting the needs of ill or injured students.
Assist with health screenings according to State policies and guidelines.
Assume responsibility to render emergency care to a student or staff member when injured or ill.
Inform the Principal and Certified School Nurse when state law or local policy indicates exclusion or readmission of students with infectious or contagious diseases.
Dispense medication and provide first aid, and/or other requisite health care as deemed necessary and appropriate within a school setting.
Assist school personnel in establishing and maintaining sanitary conditions and standards in the school.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by District policies.
Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal.
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma
Education required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for Licensure as a Practical Nurse Minimum two years of experience in related field
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations
Current PA License as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse required
Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certificates required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Ability to think critically and problem solve, especially as it relates to human growth and development. Knowledge of medical emergencies as it relates to crisis situations and ability to react and respond appropriately to crisis. Ability to organize, manage and communicate electronically. Knowledge of current office technology devices and applications.
Academic Skills - Knowledge of medications, first aid, diagnostic procedures and basic health care. Knowledge of human growth and development and ability to apply this information in the school setting. Knowledge of discipline polices and ability to make decisions appropriately. Knowledge of K-12 Education and ability to understand, manage and organize resources to support the specific school. Ability to learn the use of new technological resources and tools with minimal training.
Language Skills - Must possess the ability to use the language in both oral and written form. Be able to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Ability to communicate effectively with administration, staff and parents.
Math Skills - Knowledge of arithmetic applications. Possess the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Possess the ability to analyze and interpret data.
Technology Skills - Demonstrate competency with up-to-date computer software, including Word processing and Excel. Ability to manage and manipulate large databases of information.
Reasoning Abilities - Ability to problem solve, multi-task and utilize time and resources properly. Ability to observe and evaluate students to make decisions regarding students' health and wellness.
Other Skills and Abilities
Possess the ability to maintain high emotional energy.
Develop effective coping strategies for dealing with the high expectations and frequent demands.
React quickly in volatile situations and maintain composure even under stressful conditions.
Advocate for students to create a positive and healthy learning environment.
Make equitable decisions with sound emotional judgment.
Concentrate with numerous interruptions.
Maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.
Maintain strict confidentiality and compliance with FERPA regulations.
Understand and facilitate needs of various personality types.
Perform duties with awareness of all District policies and professional obligations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position is considered to be a LIGHT Physical Demand Characteristic of Work position according to the physical demands strength rating of the Dictionary of Occupation Title, Fourth edition published by the US Department of Labor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.