Special Education Nurse

Job Overview

POSITION TITLE:     Special Education Nurse

JOB GOAL:  The Special Education Nurse provides health care services (from routine to complex medical needs) for designated student(s) with special health care needs as outlined in the student’s IEP and individualized health care plan (this may include riding the bus and Extended School Year work). When not needed with an identified student with special health care needs, lead nurse will assign health liaison to an assignment in the role as a float nurse across the district in the greatest area of need.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal and Lead Nurse

Consults with: Administrators, Health Services Coordinator, Colleagues, Parents, Students, Medical Community and Community Agencies, General Public

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1.    Nurse with a valid Registered nurse (RN License) in the state of Iowa
2.    Certified in BLS (or obtain in the first 6 months)
3.    Mandatory Reporter
4.    Evidence of strong organizational skills
5.    Evidence of strong communication skills
6.    Knowledge of special health care needs of children
7.    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

DISTRICT RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Registered Nurse with an active license to practice in the state of Iowa.
2. Minimum of one (1) year experience in public health nursing, community health nursing, school health nursing or pediatric nursing preferred.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.     Provide health care services to designated student(s) with special needs as outlined within the student’s IEP and individualized health care plan including but not limited to mobility, toileting, positioning, tracheostomy cares, g tube cares, and other services that allow student(s) to access education.
2. Completes health assessments including screenings and evaluate findings of deficits in all health-related areas.
3.  Develops and implements a student health plan in collaboration with school nurse.
4. Provides ongoing health counseling with students, parents, school personnel or health agencies
5. Coordinates existing health resources to provide appropriate care of students
6.  Plans and implements school health management protocols
7.  Participates in home visits when indicated to assess the family needs as related to the child’s health
8.  Promotes and assists in the control of communicable diseases
9.  Provides direct health education, and health counseling to assist students and families in making decisions on health and lifestyles that affect health
10. Collaborate with the IEP team in the development and implementation of the IEP, attending IEP meetings as scheduled.
11. Collaborate with the school nurse
12. Communicate regularly with parents and health care providers.
13. Maintain student health records.
14. Adhere to all HIPPA/FERPA guidelines
15. Accurately complete and submit Medicaid forms and related documents
16. Other duties as assigned

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
1. Principles and practices underlying professional nursing.
2. Principles and practices underlying the special field of school health.
3. Current trends in nursing and of literature in the fields of school health.
4. Organization and administration of other cooperating agencies.
5. State and local laws relating to health, individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA)and social issues.

Ability to:
1. Participate cooperatively in a program of school health nursing.
2. Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
3. Communicate appropriately, collaboratively, and effectively with students, parents, administrators, other school personnel, health care providers, and community agencies.
4. Demonstrate a genuine interest in the student population and its health needs.
5. Be a self-starter or self-motivated.
6. Use a computer and various software applications.
7. Flexibility to adapt to working in various buildings with different team members daily.
8. Ability to work an extended day to accommodate student transportation needs.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  190 Contract Days; 7 hours per day; benefit package included salary based on education and experience.

BUILDING ASSIGNMENT: Districtwide.