Substitute Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Baccalaureate Degree preferred, minimum Associate Degree preparation.
2. Current Registered Nurse Licensure in State of Illinois.
3. Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Program completion.
4. Experience in nursing and completion of a School Nurse Emergency Care course.
5. Illinois Certified Vision and Hearing technician preferred.
6. Exemplary organizational, interpersonal, communication and technology skills.
7. Ability to work harmoniously with children.
8. Must be able to work under close supervision and follow orders.
9. Should have a caring and sympathetic nature.
10. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all staff and the public.
11. Communicates effectively.
12. Demonstrates proficient use of English language in written and oral forms.
13. Uses/operates computer equipment related to the position.

REPORTS TO: Nursing Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The registered nurse provides direct nursing services to students and staff members to maximize health and wellness in
the school community. All duties are performed in accordance with district/state board of education policies and
procedures and state law regarding nurse practice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

A. Nursing Care

1. Promotes and protects the optimal health status of children.
2. Provides direct professional nursing services, first aid, illness and emergency care to students and staff in
response to the nursing assessment and in accordance with professional standards, school policy and
procedures, and state and local mandates.
3. Assists Certified School Nurse in obtaining a health and developmental history.
4. Performs mandated screening procedures for vision and hearing (requires state credentials as a screener)
and evaluates findings and refers deficits in vision, hearing, and growth, etc.
5. Administers medication with appropriate guidelines and documentation; knows purpose and side
effects.
6. Participates in maintaining accurate medical records to assure compliance with state mandates, including
immunization, physical examinations, and medical conditions, and related archival responsibilities.
7. Makes appropriate assessments and referrals for suspected abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter.
8. Identifies deviant health findings.
9. Under guidance of Certified School Nurse, participates in special service meetings and completes health
care plans.

B. Communication

1. Maintains communication with the certified school nurse, teachers, other school personnel, and
parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action, which will meet the health and safety needs of students.
2. Initiates referrals to parents, school personnel and community health resources for intervention,
remediation and follow-through.

3. Completes accident/incident reports for students/staff including workman's compensation claims and
initializes exposure incident checklist.
4. Provides health services and counseling in an effective and positive manner to enhance.
5. Compiles data for statistical purposes.
6. Maintains confidentiality regarding all school and health related issues.
C. Organization
1. Maintains a daily log of student/staff visits and documentation on individual health record.
2. Maintains the daily environment of health office facility and supplies.
3. Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.
4. Provides leadership and/or support for staff wellness programs.
5. Assists in the formation of health policies, goals and objectives for the school district.
6. Performs other health or school-related work as required.

D. Professional Development

1. Participates as a member of their professional school nursing organization (IASN, NASN) and utilizes
continuing education opportunities to enhance professional knowledge in both nursing and education
fields.
2. Participates as an active member of the school community, representing health/wellness.

E. Other

1. Performs other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Registered Nurse will be responsible for delivering an individualized health

care plan and assisting with the delivery of an individualized educational plan if applicable. The use of adaptive
equipment may be necessary such as wheelchairs (manual, electric), Hoyer lift, specialized walkers or chairs, respiratory
devices, communication devices, feeding devices, and others depending on student needs. The job may require lifting for
therapies and toileting. Exposure to blood and body fluids is possible. The individual must be able to learn the necessary
adaptive equipment and institute use of said equipment; learn any therapies as designed by the special education team
and implement appropriately; and meet the physical care taking responsibilities in the health plan.