School Nurse Candidate Pool (Cluster Nurse)
Job Description
ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
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
Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
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.
One (1) year of school nursing or community health 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 POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Ensures the delivery of safe school health services to students and staff.
Provides basic first aid to students and staff and makes referrals for additional care when indicated.
Administers medications and treatments to students as ordered by the physician.
Clarifies physician orders and writes procedures for treatment in consultation with the physician.
Utilizes the nursing process to assess student’s health needs and develop appropriate plans of care.
Participates in the hiring of school health assistants.
Trains, supervises, and participates in the evaluation of the school health assistant.
Provides training, consultation and support to school staff and students regarding health problems and school health issues, and makes referrals as appropriate.
Delegates nursing tasks to school health assistants and other unlicensed personnel in compliance with COMAR 10.27.11. Maintains accurate and appropriate records.
Plans, develops, implements and evaluates professional staff development activities and training programs for health assistants and school staff.
Stays current with nursing theory and practice through professional conferences and workshops.
Serves as case manager, coordinator, and integral member of school and interdisciplinary teams coordinating information sharing as appropriate.
Provides school-based telehealth services as appropriate
Participates in health promotion and accident prevention activities for students, families, and staff.
Keeps the health services specialist informed of training and staffing needs and concerns.
Collaborates with school administrators regarding school health services issues.
Facilitates the adjustment of students and staff with health-related needs to the school setting.
Advises school staff of health and safety issues.
Maintains confidential information in compliance with nursing practice, state and federal regulations, and school board policy.
Serves as liaison, consultant, and resource person with students, parents, school staff, related services personnel, and the community.
Job performance may include performance of physical activities such as walking, standing, lifting, and/or transfer up to 40 pounds.
Must be able to perform CPR on the floor.
Maintains regular, on time attendance.
Maintains dress code requirements as determined by the Office of Health Services.
Monitors and reports environmental health concerns.
Maintains current licensure in nursing and related certification as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Employee Safety
The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Hours
The duty day for this position is seven and one-half hours (7.5) including a thirty-minute duty-free lunch.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted. Once your application is submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Compensation
This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators-Administrators, Non-Certificated Supervisors (HCASA-NCS) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is in the Nurses lane on the Non-Certificated Supervisors salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCASA-NCS Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
Retirement
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.
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.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Jackita Moore([email protected]).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.