Nurse

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

8d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Chattanooga Head Start is a grant-funded program, and is subject to reapplication every 5 years. The Head Start Nurse supports the health and wellness of enrolled children and families by providing health assessments, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, coordinating health services, and promoting a safe, healthy learning environment. This role works collaboratively with families, staff, community providers, and program administrators to ensure that every child receives comprehensive health services.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited LPN program minimum required.
Currently licensed/registered in the State of TN or Compact State License in state of residence. Must maintain a minimum active Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) license in good standing throughout employment.
Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
Licensure as LPN or RN required for hire; must be maintained throughout the term of employment.
Knowledge of child and family health, which includes prevention concepts, and an interest in learning skills such as hearing and vision testing.
Intermediate knowledge of computer applications, word-processing software in a Windows environment and ability to learn and master other computer technology /software as needed.
Knowledge of diseases and disease processes.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
Knowledge of health, human development, community health, nursing principles, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of HIPPA/FERPA laws as it relates to student records.
Ability to recognize problems in the area of health and/or child safety.
Ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and other agencies.
Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating before making decisions and maintain all information in strict confidence.
Able to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to work on databases, and spreadsheets.
Ability to carry out oral and written directions; write correspondence independently; make routine decisions; communicate effectively; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; be flexible and receptive to change.
Ability to work creatively and skillfully with children.
Employees in this position must have the ability to sit for extended periods of time, enter data into a computer terminal, operate standard office equipment, and use a telephone. Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone. Speak so that others may understand at normal levels and on the telephone. Stand, walk, and bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull and move, lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds to waist height.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited RN program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Health & Wellness Coordination: Coordinate with Family Support Professionals to ensure every child completes their physical and dental exams within 90 days of enrollment.
Will perform vision, hearing, and growth screenings within 45 days of enrollment, per Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS).
Monitor and maintain Individual Health Plans (IHPs) for children with chronic medical conditions, collaborating with parents and healthcare providers and training staff on their implementation.
Monitor all classroom first-aid kits for completeness and ensure medications are stored correctly, with proper documentation logged in the ChildPlus system.
Record-Keeping & Compliance: Obtain and review children's health histories and immunization records to ensure they are up-to-date.
Maintain comprehensive and strictly confidential health records for all enrolled children.
Utilize the ChildPlus system to monitor health requirements, track follow-ups, and generate required reports.
Family & Community Engagement: Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's health status, providing education and follow-up information after screenings.
Provide referral assistance to families, helping them connect with community health resources.
Assist families with the logistics of scheduling necessary medical and dental appointments.
Occasionally provide health-related training and support during parent meetings.
Team & Program Support: Provide technical support and assistance to the Health Manager for parent meetings, the Head Start Policy Council, and advisory committees.
Train staff on health practices, including medication administration, first aid, CPR procedures, and management of health conditions (e.g., asthma, EpiPen use).
Perform all duties within the professional scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse to support the Head Start/Early Head Start Health component.
Performs other duties as assigned.