SCHOOL NURSE

DEFINITION:

To provide and coordinate all health school nursing services to Patterson Unified School District students.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Under supervision of the Coordinator of Student Services and Special Projects, provides school nursing services to all students.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. Consults with administrators, teachers and other school personnel to develop objectives for a health education program which includes but is not limited to programs prescribed by the Education or Health and Safety Codes.

2. Maintains and 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 diseases.

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. Provides individual and group health inservice instruction for staff and parents.

6. Collects statistical information on health service activities for purposes of budgeting, state reports, and research.

7. Supervises administration of medication to students and implements the school medication policy.

8. Supervises the emergency services programming including administration of first aid when in the school.

9. Assists in the identification of students in need of special programs. Completes health reports for all initial Individual Education Plans (IEP's) and tri-annuals.

10. Assists in the development of 504 health-related Action Plans for identified students.

11. Supervises and monitors District's Health Clerk.

12. Serves on the District's Health Curriculum Committee.

13. Monitors Home/Hospital progress, including instruction.

14. Other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Preventive health, health assessment and referral procedures and assistance in the removal or modification of health related barriers to learning in children; and
The school health services focus to prevent illness and disability and early detection and correction of health problems to strengthen and facilitate the educational process.

Ability to:

Conduct immunization programs pursuant to Section 49403 and assure that every pupil's immunization status is in compliance with the law, including parental or guardian consent, and good health practice;
Assess and evaluate the health and developmental status of pupils to identify specific physical disorders and other factors relating to the learning process, communicate with the primary care provider, and contribute significant information in order to modify the pupil's educational plan;
Interpret the health and developmental assessment to parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals directly concerned with the pupil;
Design and implement a health maintenance plan to meet the individual health needs of the students, incorporating plans directed by a physician;
Refer the pupil and his or her parent or guardian to appropriate community resources for necessary services;
Maintain communication with parents and all involved community practitioners and agencies to promote needed treatment and secure reports of findings pertinent to educational planning;
Interpret medical and nursing findings appropriate to the student's individual educational plan and make recommendations to professional personnel directly involved;
Consult with, conduct inservice training to, and serve as a resource person to teachers and administrators, and act as a participant in implementing any section or sections of a comprehensive health instruction curriculum for students by providing current scientific information regarding nutrition, preventive dentistry, mental health, genetics, prevention of communicable diseases, self-health care, consumer education, and other areas of health;
Counsel pupils and parents by;

(a) Assisting children and youth, parents, and school personnel in identifying and utilizing appropriate and
mutually acceptable private and community health
delivery services for professional care and remediation of
defects;
(2) Counseling with parents, pupils, and school staff
regarding health-related attendance problems;
(3) Helping parents, school personnel and pupils understand
and adjust to physical, mental and social limitations; and
(4) Exploring with families and pupils, attitudes, information
and values which affect their health behavior.
Assist parents and pupils to solve financial, transportation and other barriers to needed health services.

Experience:

School nursing experience is desirable, but not mandatory.

Credential(s):

Health Services Credential - School Nurse.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the direction, supervision and evaluation of the Coordinator of Student Services and Special Projects.



Board Adopted: 02/27/95