Employment Term: 187 days

Primary Purpose:

To provide safe, direct services to an assigned student with highly-complex medical needs so that he/she is able to consistently access educational services.

Qualification Guidelines:

Education/Certifications:

Licensed Vocational Nurse with valid Texas license

Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening certification

CPR certification

Experience:

Two years of experience in Community Health and/or Pediatric Nursing (preferred)

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of the nursing process

Excellent communication skills

Ability to problem-solve and use a computer

Knowledge of school law relating to health services and special education

Willing to obtain Tracheostomy Care Training (including suctioning) and Tube Feeding Training

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands:

Tools/Equipment Used: Diagnostic screening equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, suctioning equipment, enteral feeding devices and supplies

Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping

Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; frequent driving

Lifting: Frequent light lifting (less than 15 pounds); occasional moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds)

Environment: Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; potential for exposure to bacteria, blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases; frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Acquire and maintain current knowledge and competency in school health practice, and complete mandated continuing education requirements to maintain LVN license.

2. Practice within the defined limits of the Texas Vocational Nurse Practice Act.

3. Use effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

4. Plan health appraisal schedule with school administrators and health service coordinator.

5. Collaborate with the campus principal, school counselor, teacher, parents, registered nurse, and other staff regarding the health needs of the general population and those students with identified health conditions.

6. Provide direct care utilizing school health protocols and care plans established under the direction of the Coordinator, Health Service.

7. Maintain accurate student health records, including immunization records, medication administration records, screening records, and individual student treatment records.

8. Contribute to and implements the individualized student health care plans as established by the RN or Coordinator, Health Services.

9. Routine monitoring, suctioning, cleaning and replacement as needed of tracheostomy for 1-1 student.

10. Routine monitoring, feeding and cleaning of equipment for tube feedings for 1-1 student.

11. Provide 1-1 direct medical care as guided by physician’s orders and the ARD committee.

12. Attend ARD meetings of students with identified health needs, collaborating with members of the team regarding implementation of the Individualized Education Plan.

13. Participate in the School Health and Related Services and/or Medicaid documentation and billing as guided by the VISD SHARS/Medicaid Coordinator and the Executive Director of Special Services.

14. Make home visits when necessary.

15. Communicate with parents regarding individual students.

16. Participate in meetings of professional and school nurse organizations.

17. Maintain a file of community, state, and other resources applicable to the school health program.

18. Make arrangements for professional medical care in the events of serious injury or illness when parent or guardian is not available.

19. Keep a daily record of each student seen.

20. Participate in staff meetings and professional growth activities.

21. Under direction of the RN, guide unlicensed assistive personnel in specific tasks, including medication administration and other health-related tasks.

22. Interpret the requirements of the State of Texas Immunization Law and maintain compliance with these requirements including notification to parents on updating immunizations.

23. Report any case of suspected neglect or abuse to the Department of Human Services, the Police Department, the building administrator, and the Coordinator, Health Services.

24. Report any case of disease as outlined in Senate Bill 1064 "Communicable Disease and Prevention Control Act" to the local health authority.

25. Report potential health/safety hazards in school to the principal.

26. Promote wellness and provides information to facilitate healthy lifestyles among students and staff.

27. File reports as required by the Texas Education Agency and state or local Health Department.

28. Maintain student and staff confidentiality.

29. Deliver care in a manner that is sensitive to student/staff diversity and promotes and preserves student, staff and family autonomy and dignity.

30. Use available technology as appropriate to the school setting.

31. Implement and comply with established district policy and regulations.

32. Perform related duties as assigned.