Position: School Nurse 

Job Status: Full-Time/205 days

Classification: Certified

Class: Non-Exempt

Job Description:

 

Responsible for working through the school health program to help children and youth achieve their potential physical, emotional, and social well-being. Promote the student's ability to protect and maintain their health, adjust to their environment, and develop health behavior that will benefit them, their family, and the community.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district positively at all times.
• Follows Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s Nurse Practice Guidelines for School Nurses.
• Maintain and use cumulative health records and keep immunization records updated on all students.
• Provide first aid as needed.
• Establish effective rapport with students,
• Give and/or monitor administration of medication.
• Manages chronic disease management and education.
• Consult with the Nurse Supervisor, 504 Coordinator, Special Education Supervisor, and Special Education Designee on students with disabilities and medical care plans. 
• Maintain and order any supplies or equipment needed for the first aid room.
• Assume responsibility for screening procedures such as hearing, vision, Scoliosis, and dental.
• Make home visits as required.
• Travel from school to school as needed.
• Assist with physicals as required.
• Recognize safety hazards and report those accordingly.
• As applicable, contact physicians to arrange for school clinics and student appointments.
• Provide health counseling, help students with personal hygiene, and perform student catheterization, gastrostomy feedings, and other care as needed.
• Act as a resource person for teachers.
• Complete accident reports as necessary.
• Assess any students suspected or reported with an infectious disease and follow up on these students before they return to school.
• Participate in crisis team activities.
• Communicate with parents about students' immunizations, chronic health issues, and other health-related needs. 
• Inventory equipment and report non-functioning equipment to the principal and/or nurse supervisor. 
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned. 

Competencies:

• Use of Technology: Proficiency in integrating technology tools to enhance teaching and learning.
• Confidentiality: Able to exercise discretion and confidentiality, maintains privacy, and upholds HIPPA (to the extent applicable in a school setting) and FERPA. 
• Organization: Skill in managing time, materials, and resources efficiently.
• Engagement: Use of strategies to maintain student interest and active participation.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and respect for cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity.
• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Clear, concise communication with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Feedback: Ability to provide constructive and actionable feedback to students.
• Collaboration: Effective teamwork with colleagues, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Empathy and Support: Understanding and addressing students’ academic, emotional, and social needs.
• Motivation: Encouraging students to set and achieve goals, fostering a growth mindset.
• Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming and equitable learning environment for all students.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in modifying teaching approaches based on student needs and circumstances.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to professional growth and staying current with educational trends.
• Reflection: Regular evaluation of teaching practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Ethics and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and a commitment to students’ well-being.
• Data Analysis: Ability to use student performance data to inform and improve instruction.
• Goal Setting: Setting measurable learning objectives based on assessment outcomes.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in addressing classroom challenges and opportunities.
• Regular Attendance: Exhibiting regular attendance to perform duties satisfactorily.
• Self-motivated: Ability to be internally driven to perform a task to the best of one's ability. 
• Team Player: Ability to work with others toward a goal as well as maintain good relations with co-workers, students, and parents.

Other Requirements:

• Associate degree in Nursing from a two-year college or a registered or licensed practical nurse with a current Arkansas license or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPR and AED certification
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Knowledge and Expertise:

• Twelve months of experience is not required but preferred. 

Work Environment:

 

Most job responsibilities for this position are in an indoor school environment that is temperature controlled (heated and cooled) according to the season. Noise levels are mostly low to moderate. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. This job position may experience periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Some lifting, pushing, and pulling may occasionally be required as part of the job.