Licensed Practical Nurse

The purpose of LPNs in the school setting is to carry out nursing procedures and related activities, as delegated by other health professionals, which enhance the health and well-being of school-age children and adolescents.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may practice in a school setting under the supervision of a licensed Professional Registered Nurse (RN). Supervision is defined by the Tennessee Board of Nursing as overseeing or inspecting with authority. The LPN must function within the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act, the standards of practice established for LPNs, and other state and local statutes and regulations applicable to school nursing practice. They must also adhere to the Rutherford County Board of Education policies and administrative guidelines.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Works as a team member with RN assigned to the school.

Prepare and administer medications and treatments to students according to district protocols and under the supervision of the RN, using knowledge of the purpose and adverse effects of nursing care provided. Expertly care for a student with a tracheostomy under the supervision of an RN.

Intervenes prudently and promptly on students' behalf, observing standards of care based on current medical and nursing knowledge.

Completes all documentation for observation, planning, and evaluation of care provided to students.

Maintains open lines of communication with the RN and other appropriate school personnel while ensuring confidentiality.

Acts with first aid knowledge in emergencies.

WORK ETHICS :

Confidentiality –maintains confidentiality of all students or faculty members.

Competence – demonstrates effective in applying nursing skills.

Reliability –stays on task on assigned duties.

Responsibility – accepts directions well, carries out directions from RN and Nursing Supervisor.

Accountability – must maintain routine daily schedule as filed with the Nursing Supervisor.

Diplomacy – is tactful in dealing with others.

Interaction with others – maintains positive interactions with students, parents, and other school employees.

Loyalty – is loyal to the Rutherford County School system and co-workers.

Safety – uses Universal Precautions and Aseptic / Sterile technique appropriately.

Open Mindedness – is willing to accept suggestions.

Professionalism – practices good nursing ethics, maintains confidentiality, maintains current CPR certification.

Dress Code – is dressed and groomed appropriately in scrubs or lab coat over business casual street clothes, and no low cut or revealing blouses. No sweat pants. No jeans unless "casual day" at assigned school(s). No perfumes or colognes. No smoking.

Cooperation – works well with others.

Communication – consults with other professionals appropriately, notifies RN of any concerns with students.

Punctuality – Reports to school on time.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT :

This is full-time 10-month non-tenured position.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Holds an active Tennessee LPN license in good standing;
• Is a licensed graduate of a Practical Nurse program with a minimum of two years of recent nursing experience, preferably in school nursing, pediatric nursing, community health nursing, home health, and / or emergency department;
• Has access to a serviceable automobile in order to perform required travel between schools (reimbursed for mileage from first school to all other school-related travel throughout the day);
• Has good verbal and written communications skills, experience in computer charting advantageous;

Must be physically able to fulfill all performance requirements for grades pre-K to 12 (i.e., lifting, stooping,

bending, etc.).