Substitute School Nurse

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

The registered nurse (RN) in the school setting is an integral part of the professional team employed to aid children and youth in developing to their full potential. The ability to assume the position of substitute school nurse based on knowledge and understanding of normal growth & development, health management, and education. The unique contribution of the nurse lies in the ability to provide professional health care and guidance and to coordinate the resources of the school, home, and community as they pertain to the total health of the students and staff. School nursing health care contributes to a healthy society.

Daily Substitutes must be available 2-5 per week and willing to be flexible in their assignment.  Daily assignments may vary depending on the needs of the district with no guarantee of weekly hours.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in: 
• • School Nurse (All Levels)
• Must hold a Massachusetts RN License and have a current CPR/AED certification;
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in community health, school nursing, pediatric nursing, or a related field of nursing;

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents;

• Ability to document (written & electronic documentation) and communicate effectively;

• Commitment to self-assessment and professional improvement;

• Ability to work with a team in the assessment of and planning for special needs students, students with special health care needs;

• Willingness to participate in health education roles as appropriate, considering time restraints allowed by various schools and caseload numbers;

• Previous experience in the area of support is preferred.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Health Services:

• Develop and maintain individual health records for each student;

• Monitor and administer medications stipulated by state law and school medication policy;

• Provide specialized nursing treatments for physically challenged students as required during school hours;

• Develop and implement an organized and comprehensive program for the prevention and control of communicable diseases;

• Oversee enforcement of local and state immunization regulations; review student immunization records to ensure compliance;

• Oversee mandated screening programs (e.g. vision, hearing, scoliosis, height/weight – BMI, etc.) and make referrals to parents and/or physicians as appropriate;
• Arrange for and assist school physicians with physical examinations (currently Grades K, 4, 7, 11, new students, sports physicals, etc.): and report pertinent physical exam findings as directed by the school physician to the parent/guardian;
• Plan and implement immunization program;
• Assist in the development of policies related to communicable diseases and interpret these to school personnel, parents, students, and other appropriate parties.
• Identify, exclude, and readmit students as necessary, while always enforcing the regulations regarding confidentiality;
• Distribute immunization summaries to high school seniors upon graduation.

• Assume responsibility for the care of sick and injured in the school in accordance with the “First Aid and Medical Policy Manual for Schools”;

• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain the optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.

• Confer with parents, students, and teachers on students’ health problems and refer to community health programs when appropriate.
• Assist in the identification and education of students with special health problems which affect learning and total growth
• Confer with administrators and other staff members on health concerns within the community.
• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.

Respond to frequently encountered health problems:

• Child abuse and neglect
• Drug use and abuse
• Nutrition
• Adolescent pregnancy
• Assist with the implementation of attendance policy as requested (i.e. readmitting students to school after an illness, investigating attendance problems, etc.)
• Initiate referrals and assist with arrangements for home and hospital tutoring when requested.

Special Needs:

• Participate in the health evaluation of special education/504 students at team meetings, annual reviews, and as requested by the Director of Special Education/504 coordinator; serve as the physician’s liaison and interpret medical findings; assist parents in securing medical evaluations approved by the Director of Special Education.
• Inform appropriate staff members of any student requiring a special program or classroom modification and assist in arranging for the proper facilities, equipment, programs, etc.

Support Activities:

• Advise on health supplies and equipment to be used in the schools.
• Serve on various school, system-wide, or community committees as appropriate.
• Submit periodic reports as required.
• Provide for program evaluation.

Summer Activities:

• Prepare health records for entering students.
• Prepare health records for student grade advancement
• Review student records and prepare updated school building health office immunization, physical, disability, and emergency list.

Reports to:        Principal/Assistant Principal

Evaluated by:    Principal/Assistant Principal

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year: $267 per day

Daily substitutes are hired temporarily each year; there is no guarantee of continued employment beyond the school year.  Substitutes will be notified by July 15 regarding continued employment for the following year. 

Timesheets must be submitted to payroll weekly.  Enrollment in direct deposit is required. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us