Description Reports To Lead School Nurse
Position Summary
The Substitute Nurse provides temporary nursing services in the absence of the regularly assigned school nurse. The substitute promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff by providing skilled nursing care, managing health concerns, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a safe learning environment. This would be on an "as-needed" basis.
- Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of pediatric nursing principles and evidence-based nursing practice
- Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to medical emergencies
- Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements, including FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and district policies
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with school staff
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Basic computer skills and ability to utilize electronic health records and district software
Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
- Student Health Care
- Assess and provide nursing care for student illness and injury.
- Administer prescription and over-the-counter medications according to physician orders and district policy.
- Perform nursing procedures within the scope of licensure and as authorized by physician orders and district policy.
- Monitor students with chronic health conditions.
- Provide first aid and emergency care.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of all health office encounters.
- Emergency Response
- Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies throughout the school.
- Activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when appropriate.
- Implement emergency care plans for students experiencing asthma, seizures, diabetes-related emergencies, allergic reactions, cardiac events, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies.
- Assist with emergency preparedness activities and follow district emergency response procedures during drills and actual emergencies.
- Support a safe learning environment through implementation of individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), emergency action plans (EAPs), trauma response protocols, and district health and safety procedures.
- Medication Management
- Safely administer medications in accordance with physician orders and district policy.
- Maintain secure storage and accountability of medications.
- Complete accurate medication administration documentation.
- Health Records
- Maintain student health records in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), district policies, and nursing standards.
- Review Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), medication authorizations, and physician orders.
- Update documentation throughout the school day as needed. Collaboration
- Communicate professionally with students, families, teachers, administrators, and healthcare providers regarding student health concerns.
- Collaborate with school staff to support student health, attendance, and academic success.
- Refer students for additional medical evaluation when appropriate.
- Health and Safety
- Follow district infection prevention and communicable disease procedures.
- Assist with health screenings and wellness initiatives as assigned.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe health office.
- Promote a healthy and safe school environment through proactive nursing practices and health education.
- Professional Expectations
- Report to the assigned school and be prepared to assume nursing responsibilities promptly.
- Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, compassion, and sound clinical judgment.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student and staff information.
- Follow all district policies, procedures, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Complete all required documentation before the conclusion of the workday.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead School Nurse or school administration.
- Work Environment
- School health office and various locations throughout the school building.
- Frequent interaction with students, staff, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and emergency responders.
- Exposure to communicable illnesses and bodily fluids while following appropriate infection prevention procedures.
Disclaimer This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed to support the health and safety of the school community.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Current unrestricted Missouri nursing license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
- Graduate of an accredited practical nursing or registered nursing program (LPN, ADN, Diploma, or BSN)
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Successful completion of all required background checks
- Preferred experience in school nursing, pediatrics, emergency nursing, public health, or community health
- Excellent communication, organizational, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and respond quickly during emergencies.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary.
- Ability to perform CPR and other emergency interventions.
