Nurse

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Program Nurse is responsible for the coordination and delivery of health services to children and families participating in the Head Start (HS) / Early Head Start (EHS) / Home Visiting programs according to set performance standards and program requirements.   He/she acts as a resource to families and staff on an ongoing basis.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently licensed/registered as an R.N. or L.P.N. in the state of New Hampshire or compact state.
• Current CPR/First aid certification.  Ability to become CPR/First aid program trainer.
• Computer literate; able to enter and track data
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate records
• Ability to effectively communicate with young children, families with low income, coworkers, and community service providers
• Ability to effectively screen children for vision, hearing, blood pressure, blood lead, HGB, height and weight
• Ability to perform an accurate newborn assessment
• Must have a reliable source of transportation with insurance (100/300 liability minimum), to be used in fulfilling responsibilities of the position
• Must be able to lift 40lbs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

 Head Start/ Early Head Start (32 hours per week):

• Provides education, training and resources in the areas of health, nutrition and prenatal care to program participants and staff (e.g. nebulizer, epi-pen, inhalers, medication administration, etc.).
• Assists in ensuring that the program meets all health screening mandates within the mandated timeframe.
• Reviews for accuracy and thoroughness, health information for the Program Information Report (PIR) as entered by the Program Assistant, Home Visitors and Family Advocates.  
• Assists Early Head Start home visitors with the provision of an educational program and assurance of appropriate prenatal care for pregnant women with the goal of a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Ensures that all families receive information regarding available health, dental and nutrition programs through the EHS Home Visitors.
• Provides home visits to enrolled prenatal women providing support and follow-up as needed.  
• Conducts post-partum / newborn home visits within 2 weeks of birth (when enrolled prenatally) and at 6 weeks.  Administers screening for maternal depression using the Edinburgh tool.  
• Provides breastfeeding support and resources as appropriate addressing topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, environmental tobacco smoke, depression, family planning, etc.
• Conducts joint visits with home visiting staff thereafter when appropriate and requested by the parent or staff.
• Makes home visits to address any health issues for children enrolled in home-based programs.
• Is available to families during weekly socialization times to answer questions, provide education and resources.
• Provides scheduled drop-in hours for families and staff.
• Responsible for care and upkeep of hearing and vision screening equipment.
• Responsible for oral health screenings on pregnant moms, newborns and newly enrolled EHS children.
• Assists Family Advocates and Home Visitors with growth, oral, hearing and vision screenings for all children ages 3 and over.
• Provides blood pressure screenings on any child age 3 and over, if not completed during physical examination.
• Provides and/or coordinates for onsite blood lead and HGB clinics as needed to meet program standards.
• Screens each child for health status.  Facilitates Individual Health Plan meetings as needed, recommending appropriate actions for identified health problems and generating appropriate paperwork for each child.  Ensures all needed authorizations are in place.
• Uses Child Plus to monitor and ensure EPDST schedules are up to date. If schedule is not current, works with the Home Visitor/Family Advocate to facilitate a plan to bring EPDST up to date.
• In conjunction with the Family & Community Engagement Manager, plans and participates in spring screenings for returning children, summer/fall screening for newly enrolled children
• Provides emergency health care and first aid when needed.
• Monitors administration of all medications according to child care licensing standards.  
• Monitors and requests replenishment of necessary health and medical supplies.
• Assists in creating opportunities for meaningful family engagement..
• Assists in planning and actively participates in Health Advisory Committee meetings.
• Completes the annual New Hampshire Childcare Immunization survey each fall.
• Pursues ongoing professional development related to health services and program requirements.  
• Constructively utilizes monthly supervision to evaluate and improve effectiveness in providing services.  This includes active participation in supervision, team meetings and agency meetings.  
• Any other duties assigned for the benefit of the program and/or agency.

Healthy Families (3-8 hours per week):

• Provides home visits to enrolled prenatal women (one per trimester depending on enrollment date) providing support and follow-up as needed addressing topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, environmental tobacco smoke, depression, family planning, lactation counseling, etc.  
• Conducts post-partum / newborn home visits at the hospital or within one week of birth (when enrolled prenatally).
• Administers screening for maternal depression using the Edinburgh tool within two weeks of birth and six to eight weeks postpartum.  Provides breastfeeding support and resources as appropriate.
• Provides annual home visits for infants and toddlers up to age three depending on program enrollment.
• Documents all home visits in case records in accordance with program requirements.
• Participates in monthly home visiting team meetings.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.  
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Plan, assign, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports other in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.  
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practices honest, respectful and direct communication as well as active listening.