Nurse

Description

The Nurse will promote and restore students’ health as part of a multidisciplinary team through the assessment of care needs and the delivery of high quality primary medical care.

The role requires a strong willingness to learn and perform duties within electronic medical records systems, as well as provide primary care for eligible students during scheduled health service hours. The nurse is expected to make independent clinical decisions guided by standing orders, established policies and procedures, and the direction of medical providers. It is essential to effectively organize workloads to balance student needs with those of the college, while fostering a welcoming and compassionate environment that offers emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. Promoting student independence is also key, which involves creating care plans and educating students on their conditions, medications, and self-care practices.

Maintaining thorough and up-to-date health records in both paper and electronic formats is necessary, as is ensuring the confidentiality of all visits, communications, and records in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA guidelines. Communication should be timely and appropriate, respecting consent protocols while coordinating with students, parents, and multidisciplinary team members to support student wellbeing. Responsibilities also include distributing non-prescription medications after assessment, assisting clinicians during exams and procedures, and referring students to community resources when needed, with the appropriate release forms.

The role includes managing risk appropriately based on clinical assessments and operating within OSHA and CLIA guidelines. Nurses must competently assess the need for and perform CLIA-waived tests such as strep, mono, hCG, and urinalysis, as well as conduct phlebotomy and specimen collections in accordance with South Bend Medical Foundation guidelines. They are responsible for tracking diagnostic test results and reporting them to providers, as well as notifying the St. Joseph County Health Department of reportable diseases.

Public health responsibilities involve promoting campus wellness, monitoring immunization histories, administering required vaccines, TB skin tests, and allergy injections under a specialist's direction. Daily operations support includes tasks such as opening and closing the clinic, recycling, ordering prescription medications, verifying deliveries, and managing billing for medication and services.

Educational outreach and supervision duties include encouraging health maintenance through awareness activities, overseeing administrative and student assistants, ensuring proper equipment functioning through maintenance and troubleshooting, and managing nursing supplies efficiently. Ongoing professional development is encouraged through workshops, literature review, and networking.

Additionally, the position requires collaboration with various college and community members, interpreting CDC recommendations for immunizations and travel health, and making related recommendations. The nurse functions as part of the Division of Student Affairs, supporting its goals and philosophy, while maintaining clear communication with the Director of Women’s Health on issues of institutional concern. Lastly, the nurse may be assigned special tasks by the Director or Vice President of Student Affairs.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Required minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing; a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is preferred.
• Current RN licensure in Indiana.
• CPR/AED certification.
• Basic TB Certification
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: medical/surgical, community health, emergency room, or in a physician’s office.
• Experience working with electronic medical records preferred.
• Experience working with a diverse population of women.

Preferred Qualifications    

• Ability to read, interpret and analyze general periodicals, professional journals, governmental regulations and medical reports.
• Possess knowledge of and functions in accordance with Indiana state laws that relate to health issues and reporting.
• Possess basic knowledge of computer and word processing skills, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones and fax machines.
• Ability to produce documents in Word, Excel and Banner.
• Good understanding of the nursing process and incorporate the steps of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in the delivery of patient care. 
• Possess a high level of clinical nursing skills, including but not limited to: physical assessment including complete vitals, microscope use, glucometer, ECG, oxygen/pulse oximeter, AED, urine/HCG/mono/Strep test analysis, ear canal flushing, nebulizer treatment administration, venipuncture draws, injection administration and TB skin testing.
• Capable and comfortable presenting health information to groups.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Has knowledge of a second language.
• Training and or certification to instruct staff or SMC community in health related fields.