Head Nurse

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Accomplish tasks to help staff members organize for program delivery and define staff member roles so that the fullest possible educational opportunity for each student whereby minimizing absences due to illness and creating a climate of health and well-being in the schools of the District can be achieved. To identify modify or remove barriers which may impede health and learning in the educational setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelors degree of Science in Nursing (BSN) required

Graduate nurse or current license to practice professional nursing issued by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners required

Current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course completion required

Special Skills/Knowledge:

Pediatric and adolescent assessment skills preferred

Mental health experience preferred

Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred

Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects

Strong pediatric nursing skills organizational communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrate interest in and aptitude for the work to be performed

Experience:

Employed within the last three (3) years in nursing practice preferred

Two (2) years of experience in a clinical/home health setting or one year in school health setting preferred

Supervisory experience preferred

Working Days:201

Daily Rate pay range:

Minimum: $317.01

Maximum: $442.29

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each persons job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Works under the direction of the Director for Health Services and Principals in planning the school health program.

1. Assist the Director of Nurses to access and recommend equipment and supply needs for appropriate and safe administration of health services.

1. Assist the Director of Nurses to serve as a liaison between district and members of the local medical profession and state health related agencies.

1. Assist the Director to recommend sound policies directed toward program improvement.

1. Supervise LVN and Health Assistant to provide direct care utilizing professional assessment skills the nursing process and established school health protocols.

1. Coordinates and develops Individual Health Care Plans for assigned LVNs.

1. Coordinates and attends ARDs to evaluate skilled nursing special procedures and serves as a liaison.

1. Performs first aid for injuries and minor illnesses; works toward the control of communicable diseases; follows up the recommendations of doctors in regard to remedial defects; observes early signs of illnesses and defects and assists the teacher in observing students; notifies parents and/or others of injuries or serious illness.

1. Performs health screenings as mandated by state and local policy.

1. Interprets school policies and health information obtained from any appraisals on students to the teacher student parent doctor and community as needed.

1. Provides information to teachers students and their parents about available medical and health resources and services through parents. programs classroom demonstrations etc.

1. Assists in the coordination of special health services doctors and public health personnel in regards to community health and encourages corrections in environmental conditions which may be detrimental to the health and safety of students/staff.

1. Assists in surveys/assessments for exceptional children and collaborates with the Special Education department.

1. Plan for and provide professional development for staff when appropriate.

1. Prepare the department budget request and recommend the purchase of supplies materials and equipment for the counseling and guidance program.

1. Maintains emergency care forms for students; secures emergency medical care if the parents or emergency contacts cannot be reached; notifies parents and/or others of accident or serious illness of student.

1. Assists with the annual health service reports and in planning for health services. Assists in planning campus health budget for supplies as needed.

1. Works closely with campus principal to help review crisis safety plan.

1. Provides health related resources to campus (i.e. health fairs health & wellness presentations).

1. Assists in all medical emergency crisis district-wide.

1. Assists with and investigates communicable disease outbreaks.

1. Works closely with campus crisis intervention teams.

1. Assist in preparing and responding to campus safety emergencies (i.e. medical emergency during a lock down).

1. Provides continuing education information needed for license use renewal when requested by supervisor.

1. Performs all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.

1. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and health aide(s).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

Ability to work well with multiple staff members; communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policies and procedures; maintain emotional controls under stress. Work with multiple tasks at the same time and maintain confidentiality. Prioritize work to meet deadlines work with frequent interruptions.

Physical Demands: Ability to work independently. Moderate standing stooping bending and lifting when working with children.