School Nurse Candidate Pool (Cluster Nurse)

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a dedicated School Nurse to provide health services to students and staff. Responsibilities include administering medications, training health assistants, and conducting health assessments in compliance with state regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, an active Maryland nursing license, and experience in pediatric nursing. A comprehensive benefits package is offered for eligible employees, ensuring a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Active unencumbered license to practice registered nursing in Maryland.
• One year of school nursing or community health experience.
• Ability to independently perform treatments including suctioning and tube feedings.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of safe school health services to students.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate school health assistants.

Skills

CPR and First Aid certification

Communication skills

Pediatric nursing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing

Job description

Job Overview

Under the supervision of the Health Services Specialist, the School Nurse (Cluster Nurse) works collaboratively with School Health Assistants and school administrators. The School Nurse practices in accordance with the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and established professional standards of nursing practice. The School Nurse trains, observes, directs, supervises, evaluates, and supports school-based health assistants, and is responsible for assigning and authorizing Health Assistants to perform tasks in accordance with Health Services policies and procedures. Nursing tasks are delegated in compliance with the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and Delegation of Nursing Function criteria. The School Nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates school health services for students, families, and school staff, ensuring compliance with Health Services policies and procedures. The School Nurse also provides leadership and guidance to health assistants and school staff on health-related issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field from an accredited school.
• Certification/Licensure: Active unencumbeered license to practice registered nursing in the State of Maryland.
• Experience: Current CPR and First Aid certification issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Experience: One (1) year of school nursing or community health experience.
• Experience: One year of pediatric nursing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of pediatric or community health experience.
• Ability to independently perform treatments including suctioning, tube feedings, and administering oxygen.
• Experience working with Special Education students.
• Ability to effectively communicate and relate to children, parents, medical, and educational personnel.

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of safe school health services to students and staff.
• Provide basic first aid to students and staff and make referrals when indicated.
• Administer medications and treatments to students as ordered by the physician.
• Clarify physician orders and write procedures for treatment in consultation with the physician.
• Utilize the nursing process to assess student’s health needs and develop appropriate plans of care.
• Participate in hiring of school health assistants.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate school health assistants.
• Provide training, consultation and support to school staff and students regarding health problems and school health issues, and make referrals as appropriate.
• Delegate nursing tasks to school health assistants and other unlicensed personnel in compliance with COMAR 10.27.11.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records.
• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate professional staff development activities and training programs for health assistants and school staff.
• Stay current with nursing theory and practice through professional conferences and workshops.
• Serve as case manager, coordinator, and integral member of school and interdisciplinary teams coordinating information sharing as appropriate.
• Provide school‑based telehealth services as appropriate.
• Participate in health promotion and accident prevention activities for students, families, and staff.
• Keep the health services specialist informed of training and staffing needs and concerns.
• Collaborate with school administrators regarding school health services issues.
• Facilitate adjustment of students and staff with health‑related needs to the school setting.
• Advise school staff of health and safety issues.
• Maintain confidential information in compliance with nursing practice, state and federal regulations, and school board policy.
• Serve as liaison, consultant, and resource person with students, parents, school staff, related services personnel and the community.
• Perform physical activities such as walking, standing, lifting, and/or transfer up to 40 pounds, and be able to perform CPR on the floor.
• Maintain regular, on‑time attendance and dress code requirements as determined by the Office of Health Services.
• Monitor and report environmental health concerns.
• Maintain current licensure in nursing and related certification as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HCPSS is an equal opportunity employer and commits to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics outlined in federal, state, and local laws.