Operations / Administration School Nurse (LPN or RN)
Job Description
SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – $80,000
CALENDAR: 181 days
FTE: 1.0
A school nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare to students by assessing and treating minor injuries and illnesses, administering medications as prescribed, monitoring chronic health conditions, educating students on health practices, collaborating with parents and school staff to ensure students’ optimal health and well-being, and maintaining accurate medical records within the school setting. The Registered Nurse (ADN/BSN) assists in coordinating the health services to students and employees within the District and ensures that all health services comply with Federal and State laws and standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current Colorado State Licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN)
- Special Service Provider (SSP) School Nurse Licensure from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) or ability to acquire licensure
- Preferred BSN or MSN
- Current CPR certification (maintenance of certification while employed)/AED
- Experience working with school age children, staff, parents/guardians and providers.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to work effectively, collaboratively and positively with employees, students, parents, medical personnel and the general public.
- Ability to maintain a sense of humor and use a positive, caring, supportive approach while working with a variety of people.
- Ability to adapt the nursing process to fit the health needs of each school community.
- Ability to display proactive behavior through initiative, decisiveness and the ability to work independently.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information (medical and personal information).
- Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
- Demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior.
- Ability to be culturally competent and inclusive, being mindful of factors like gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
- Remain flexible in order to adapt to changes in the work environment.
- Study and apply new information, and take initiative.
- Excellent time-management, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
- Work accurately with close attention to detail.
- Work effectively, professionally and tactfully with District staff and public.
- Possess a work ethic that includes neatness, punctuality and accuracy.
- Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.
- Basic computer skills, including e-mail, word processing and spreadsheets.
KEY DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
Direct Patient Care:
- Assessing and treating minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Assessing, treating and referring moderate to emergent injuries such as sprains, possible fractures and concussion injuries.
- Taking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respirations)
- Administering first aid and CPR
- Dispensing prescription medications as directed by physicians
- Monitoring students with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes)
Health Screening and assessments:
- Conducting vision and hearing screenings per Colorado Department of Education guidelines.
- Checking immunization records
- Assessing student health concerns and referring to appropriate healthcare providers when necessary
Health Education and Promotion:
- Providing health education on topics like hygiene, nutrition, puberty, reproductive health and safety
- Implementing health awareness campaigns within the school
- Teaching students about managing chronic health conditions and medication administration
- Teaching staff about safety and managing health conditions, following care plans and medication administration/delegation policies
Communication and collaboration:
- Communicating with parents/guardians regarding student health concerns
- Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support student health needs
- Maintaining open communication with students’ primary care providers
Documentation and record keeping
- Maintaining accurate and confidential student medical records
- Documenting all healthcare interactions and interventions provided to students
- Completing required reports and forms related to student health
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical: The primary emphasis is assisting and maintaining an optimal level of “health” through established District/medical policies and practices for all students through:
1. Develop, update, and maintain health related policies, protocols, and procedures based on evidence based research, standards of care, and with input from the Medical Advisor and associated committees/boards.
2. Perform nursing tasks consistent with educational preparation commensurate with certification/licensure.
3. Provide emergency care of student illness or injury and in procedures of emergency care.
4. Communicate with parents/guardians and children regarding health problems with cultural competence.
5. Participate in student evaluations and develop student health care plans for students with significant chronic health needs.
6. Refer emergency situations to parents, physicians, and hospitals, referring non-emergency situations to parents and appropriate personnel.
7. Maintain connections with community agencies, schools and families to provide on-going health support.
8. Support wellness and health activities to improve and maintain a healthy school environment.
9. Assist in the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
10. While maintaining student confidentiality, act as a resource for teaching staff in appropriate medical processes and/or procedures.
11. Initiate teaching of nursing tasks to staff members and oversee and delegate tasks to other medical personnel employed in the health office .
12. Act as a resource person to staff members for materials pertaining to various health units.
13. Conduct informational/educational program(s) on human growth and development, physiology and hygiene, and/or other curricular health needs as directed by the curriculum director or administrator.
14. Assist in obtaining and maintaining emergency cards, immunization records and other appropriate medical documents for students and personnel.
15. Monitor students’ health status during periods of short-term rest or recovery; follow up on medically excused absences as necessary.
16. Assist in preparing a preliminary budget for supplies, materials and equipment. Assist with inventorying of supplies and equipment. Make recommendations toward the purchases of larger medical/office equipment.
Updated: SSP Licensure Rules as of 5/30/24
The Code of Colorado Regulations Rules for the Administration of Educator License Endorsements, 1 CCR 301-101, were updated effective 5/30/24. This update clarifies the rules for Special Service Provider (SSP) licensure with endorsement as a School Nurse and includes:
7.5 School Nurse (Ages Birth�21)
To be endorsed as a school nurse, an applicant must hold an earned associate’s or higher degree in nursing from an accepted institution of higher education or one recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a specialized accrediting agency; and hold a valid RN license to practice professional nursing in Colorado pursuant to the Nurse Practice Act (section 12-38-101, et. seq., C.R.S.) or a valid multi-state license and able to practice in Colorado pursuant to the Nurse Licensure Compact (section 24- 60-3202, C.R.S).
The CDE Special Service License Requirements and Application Checklist webpages have been updated to reflect current requirements. Of note, Associates Degree RNs no longer require 3 years of practical experience working with school aged children to be eligible for an Initial SSP license. The clause about a supervised practicum was removed and the application system updated so RNs do not need to submit the Approved Program Verification they previously had to obtain from their college.
For questions about licensing, please contact the Educator Talent – Licensing Office
Technical Assistance & Support:
Call 877-314-1412
Submit Online Support Form
Questions About Educator Preparation & Licensure Requirements:
Submit Licensing Support Requests Form
Call 720-739-3304
Phone hours: 7:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday
