School Nurse​/RN

RN/SCHOOL NURSE QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Connecticut RN Licensure
• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in the past five (5) years preferred
• Preferably he/she should have background in pediatric nursing, school nursing, or public health nursing
• Twelve academic credits or the equivalent in CEU’s or workshop hours beyond the basic preparation in nursing
• Ten hours of continuing education in school health every two (2) years
• Current Certification in CPR

The school nurse should have:

• Have completed or be in process of obtaining a baccalaureate degree preferably in nursing or, in lieu of that, in health or a related field; OR
• Certification as a school nurse by a national certifying body (when eligible)

* Minimum requirements mandated by Connecticut State Regulations 10-212-1 to

10-212-7

The school nurse is accountable to the school health supervisor for clinical practice.

Under Section 20-87a(b) of the Connecticut General Statues the definition of nursing is as follows: “The practice of nursing by a registered nurse is defined as the process of diagnosing human responses to actual or potential health problems, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen and executing the medical regimen under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist.”

The school nurse in cooperation and consultation with the medical advisor, other health professionals, educators, and schools personnel, assumes the initiative and responsibility for providing a wide variety of health care services designated to promote and protect the student’s optimal health status. As an integral member of the schools staff, the school nurse contributes to the planning, implementation, and evaluation. The nurse acts as a health advocate for all school children and coordinates the resources of home, schools, and community as they pertain to the health of students and staff.

The school nurse implements state laws, Boards of Education policies, and administrative procedures relative to health services in assigned schools.

• Applies appropriate theory as a basis for decision making in nursing practice
• Represents the School Health Services and the Board of Education in a professional manner at all times, using courtesy and tact when dealing with students, parents, staff, visitors, etc.
• Implements and maintains a comprehensive school program at the building level by:
• Promoting and maintaining open and effective relationships and communications between family and school with regard to health and safety
• Consulting with the school health supervisor and the building administrator to implement, review, and recommend revisions in policies and procedures for the school health program
• Actively participates in the training of principals and teachers in the safe administration of medications in the school setting according to state regulations
• Arranging in-service programs for school personnel on first aid, emergency care procedures, current health issues, and other relative matters
• Establishes a process to identify students at risk for health problems and communicating relevant health needs to other school personnel
• Maintains a state mandated cumulative health record on each student including a health history (health assessments, immunization status, individualized health care plan (IHCP), emergency health care plan, nurses’ and dental notes, medication records, and any records regarding the health and welfare of the student
• Implements and evaluates the response to the orders of physician’s regarding medication and/or treatments needed during the school day, performs specialized treatments for complex health care needs of students
• Develops a written plan of care including interventions for the medically fragile, students with potentially life-threatening diagnosis, and/or any medical condition that may lead to difficulties
• Evaluates response and effectiveness of the plan of care and/or treatment with the student, parent, and other school disciplines
• Documents observations and nursing care given to students to include interventions, student response, and effectiveness
• Provid…