7 Miss. Code. R. 3-38.9 - Criteria for School Nurse (Registered Nurse) And Licensed Practical Nurse Working in the School Setting

1. QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Possess a valid Mississippi Nursing License

b. Possess a minimum of one year of work experience in the health care area

c. Possess good verbal and written communication skills

d. Possess organizational and time management skills, and the ability to communicate well with children, parents, school faculty and administration

e. Possess the ability to work independently according to all nursing practice standards

f. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the District School Board may find appropriate and acceptable

g. Attend annual training meetings sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Education/Office of Healthy Schools

i. It is the position of the Mississippi Board of Nursing that the scope of practice of the school nurse requires the knowledge of the RN (Registered Nurse). A LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) may not function in the role of "school nurse."

ii. A Licensed Practical Nurse working in the school setting is functioning within her scope when she is working under the direct supervision of a RN who is either physically present on the premises or available at all times to the LPN.

2. JOB GOAL: Ensure the health of all students as a means to ensure academic success

3. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The major focus of school nursing services is the prevention of illness and disabilities and the early detection and correction of health problems.

The school nurse promotes and protects the health status of students and staff through functions in all areas of Coordinated School Health.

h. HEALTH SERVICES

i. Provide health assessments

b) Obtain a health history

c) Screen and evaluate vision, hearing, scoliosis, dental and others as directed

d) Observe students as required for development and health patterns/concerns.

e) Participate in school registration process to procure parental consent and health insurance information

ii. Develop and implement health plans and procedures

a) Maintain a confidential cumulative health record for each student

b) Interpret the health status of students to parents and school personnel.

c) Initiate and follow referrals for intervention and/or remediation

d) Plan and implement health management protocols and modification of school programs and environment.

iii. Provide direct nursing intervention

a) Administer appropriate level of first aid for illness and injury, including CPR

b) Administer/supervise medication and monitor the effects.

c) Provide individual health counseling concerning high-risk behaviors.

d) Perform skilled nursing functions

i. HEALTH EDUCATION

i. Provide health education for students, staff and parents

a) Coordinate and participate in student support groups and activities.

b) Promote and interpret health careers which may include participation of school in Health Science programs.

c) Teach health topics as outlined in the Mississippi Comprehensive Health Framework which will include but not be limited to tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse prevention

i. Serve as a resource person in health education

a) Participate in health curriculum planning and evaluation.

b) Promote drop-out prevention programs

j. HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

i. Recommend provisions for a safe, healthy school environment.

ii. Serve on school committees to develop and implement safety programs.

iii. Promote and assist in control of communicable diseases.

iv. Ensure that each student complies with the immunization requirements of the State of Mississippi

v. Confirm that students have medical emergency cards on file.

vi. Participate in wellness projects

k. PHYSICAL EDUCATION

i. Promote healthy physical education, sports policies and practices

ii. Serve as a health resource to the physical education staff

l. NUTRITION SERVICES

i. Support healthy food service programs.

ii. Serve as a health resource to school food service staff

m. COUNSELING, PSYCHOLOGICAL & SOCIAL SERVICES

i. Provide crisis intervention for emotional/physical disturbances.

ii. Counsel students as needed

n. HEALTH PROMOTION FOR STAFF

i. Screen and counsel school employees as needed.

ii. Administer/provide influenza vaccinations for staff upon request.

iii. Provide staff with in-service training programs on health-related issues

o. FAMILY/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

i. Work with agencies and civic clubs in providing assistance to indigent children

ii. Make home visits as necessary

p. COLLECT DATA AS ESTABLISHED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION/OFFICE OF HEALTHY SCHOOLS AND REPORT TO SAME ENTITY MONTHLY (See Program Evaluation & Measurement document.)

Notes

7 Miss. Code. R. 3-38.9

Miss. Code Ann. § 37-1-3 and 37-14-3 (Revised 09/2022)

Adopted 12/30/2015 Amended 1/5/2023