Brief Description of Position:  Under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent and the on-site general direction of the site principal the school nurse provides strengthening of the educational process through improvement and protection of the health status of children in the district

 PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Consults with administrators, teachers, and other school personnel to develop objectives for a health program which includes, but not limited to, programs prescribed by California Education or Health and Safety Codes.
2. Reviews health histories, observes students in classrooms and on playgrounds to identify health problems which may affect the learning process.
3. Conducts or facilitates screening programs such as:  vision, hearing, dental, immunization, scoliosis, physical assessments and communicable disease.
4. Interprets to parents any problems identified and refers to appropriate sources for diagnosis, care, and/or recommendations.  Assists parents with entry into health care system when needed.
5. Follows up on referrals from parents, teachers, and other health agencies.
6. Consults with teachers and other school personnel to plan adaptations of the educational program as indicated by health problems.
7. Provides individual and groups inservice instruction for teachers and parents in:  (a) health and safety, (b) Observation of students for health problems, (c) Community resources, (d) Objectives of the total health program.
8. Serves as a resource for health education and may provide health education to classes upon request of the teacher or school administration.
9. Maintains a working relationship with public and private agencies providing health or related services to students.
10. Collects statistical information on health service activities for purposes of budgeting, state, reports, and research.
11. Supervises administration of medication to students and implements the school medication policy.
12. Supervises the emergency services programming, including administration of First Aid when in school.
13. Maintains health records.
14. Duties and responsibilities specifically related to special programs for individuals with exceptional needs:  (a) Assists in identification of students in need of special programs. (b) Obtains by parent interview, a complete health, development, and social history, (c) Serves as a member of the SST, IEP or like groups, to provide assessment and prescriptive programs for certain students.
15. Performs related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Child growth and development
• Handicapping conditions
• School health services
• Laws pertaining to confidentiality and nursing
• Community health agencies and resources.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and communicate effectively with peers, school, community, personnel and parents
• Identify and assess health-related problems and/or issues in students and staff
• Deal with diverse populations
• Relate to staff, students, parents and community members in a positive manner
• Facilitate and/or provide appropriate services
• Utilize time management and organizational skills
• Work confidentially
• Meet scheduled deadlines
• Bilingual/Spanish desirable 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Health Services Credential authorizing service as a school nurse, or meets eligibility requirements for Preliminary Health Services Credential:  School Nurse
• Valid California license as a Registered Nurse
• Valid Basic CPR certificate
• Valid California driver’s license

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in working in an educational setting, or with school age students and with handicapping conditioning desirable. 

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Appearance, grooming and personality which establish a desirable example.
• Ability to meet district standards for physical and mental health.
• Ability to speak and write English clearly and correctly.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents in a sensitive manner.

 Approved 11/19/02