Substitute School Nurse

Neosho School District

Substitute School Nurse

Job Title: Substitute School Nurse Department: Health Services Reports to: Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services and Building Principal Classification: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Substitute/As Needed

Summary

The Substitute School Nurse provides nursing coverage for Neosho School District buildings when regular nursing staff are absent or when additional nursing coverage is needed. The Substitute School Nurse works under the direction of the Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services and collaborates with school administrators and other members of the Neosho School Health Team. The Substitute School Nurse is responsible for providing appropriate student health services, responding to medical needs and emergencies, administering medications and treatments, maintaining accurate health records, and following established district health policies and procedures. The Substitute School Nurse must practice within the scope of their current Missouri nursing license. Registered Nurses (RNs) may perform nursing assessments, develop and evaluate healthcare plans, and provide clinical direction and delegation within their scope of practice. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse and perform duties within their authorized scope of practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides nursing care, first aid, and emergency response to students, staff, and visitors in accordance with district policies and established procedures.

• Administers medications and treatments according to provider orders, parent/guardian authorization, district policies, and applicable laws.

• Monitors students with chronic health conditions and follows established Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and other medical instructions.

• Recognizes changes in student health conditions and takes appropriate action, including notifying the Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services.

• Performs nursing assessments and clinical decision-making within the scope of their nursing license.

• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized healthcare plans when working within the RN scope of practice.

• Implements state-mandated vision, hearing, and other health screening programs as assigned.

• Identifies and reports suspected communicable diseases and follows district procedures for infection prevention and control.

• Maintains accurate, confidential, and timely student health records and medication documentation.

• Communicates relevant health information to parents/guardians, school administrators, appropriate school personnel, and the Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services while maintaining confidentiality.

• Provides health education and guidance to students, staff, and families as appropriate.

• Follows district emergency response procedures and participates in emergency drills and training as assigned.

• Reports significant health concerns, incidents, medication errors, and changes in student conditions to the Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services promptly.

• Maintains familiarity with building-specific health procedures, emergency supplies, and student healthcare needs.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Current, unrestricted Missouri Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.

• Current CPR certification.

• Current First Aid certification or willingness to obtain as required by the district.

• Previous nursing or healthcare experience preferred.

• School nursing experience preferred.

• Knowledge of medication administration, emergency response, and student healthcare needs.

• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain electronic health records.

Skills and Abilities

Clinical Skills

• Recognize and respond appropriately to student health concerns and medical emergencies.

• Follow provider orders, healthcare plans, and district health protocols.

• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment within the scope of their nursing license.

• Recognize when additional nursing support or emergency medical services are needed.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, administrators, staff, and healthcare professionals.

• Maintain professional relationships and confidentiality.

• Communicate promptly with the Lead Nurse/Director of Health Services regarding significant student health concerns.

Technology

• Demonstrate computer skills, including word processing and working with spreadsheets and databases.

• Maintain electronic health records and complete required online reports.

• Demonstrate the ability to learn new systems and software.

Additional Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently while following district policies and nursing supervision requirements.

• Ability to adapt to different school buildings and student healthcare needs.

• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and use fingers and controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach, bend, and lift and carry up to ten pounds.

Attendance

Reliable and consistent attendance is essential. Substitute employees must be available to accept assignments as needed and report to the assigned building at the designated time.