1:1 Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Special Education

BUNA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: 1:1 Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Special Education
Department: Special Education / Health Services
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Work Location: Assigned Campus(es)

POSITION PURPOSE

The 1:1 Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides individualized nursing care and health-related support to a designated student receiving special education services. The LVN supports the student's health, safety, personal care, and participation in the educational environment while promoting the student's independence and access to instruction.

The LVN implements physician-ordered medical treatments, nursing procedures, and health care plans within the scope of the LVN license and under appropriate nursing supervision. The LVN collaborates with the school nurse, special education personnel, teachers, administrators, parents or guardians, and other service providers to support the student's individual health and educational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current, valid Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license issued by the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, as required by the District.
• Completion of required District training related to student health, safety, and emergency procedures.

Experience

• Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience providing individualized nursing care or managing complex medical needs preferred.

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of nursing practices, infection control, medication administration, and student health and safety procedures.
• Ability to recognize changes in a student's health status and respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
• Ability to follow physician orders, individualized health care plans, and nursing protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school personnel, families, and health care professionals.
• Ability to provide respectful, developmentally appropriate care that promotes student dignity and independence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Individualized Student Nursing Care

• Provide direct, individualized nursing care to the assigned student throughout the designated school day and during assigned school activities.
• Monitor the student's health status and recognize signs or symptoms requiring nursing intervention or referral.
• Implement the student's individualized health care plan, emergency action plan, and other applicable medical instructions.
• Perform nursing procedures and treatments authorized by physician orders and permitted under the LVN's scope of practice and applicable supervision requirements.
• Assist with activities of daily living and personal care needs, as medically necessary, including toileting, hygiene, feeding, positioning, and mobility.
• Provide appropriate assistance with medical equipment and prescribed health-related supports.
• Promote the student's comfort, safety, dignity, and independence to the greatest extent appropriate.

2. Medication and Medical Management

• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with applicable laws, physician orders, District policies, and nursing procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of medications, treatments, nursing interventions, and relevant health observations.
• Monitor and respond to medical equipment alarms and changes in the student's condition, as applicable to the student's health care plan.
• Follow established protocols for seizures, diabetes, respiratory conditions, feeding and swallowing concerns, allergies, or other medical conditions when applicable to the assigned student.
• Notify the supervising nurse and appropriate personnel of significant changes in the student's health status.
• Respond to medical emergencies and activate emergency medical services when indicated.

3. Special Education and Instructional Support

• Support the student's safe participation in classroom instruction, campus activities, and other educational settings.
• Collaborate with teachers and special education staff to coordinate health care needs with the student's instructional schedule.
• Provide nursing support during transitions, transportation, meals, recess, physical education, field trips, and other assigned activities when required by the student's documented needs.
• Implement health-related supports identified in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), individualized health care plan, or other applicable student-specific plans, as appropriate to the LVN's role.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid assuming instructional or disciplinary responsibilities outside the assigned role.
• Encourage student independence and participation to the greatest extent medically appropriate.

4. Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate with the school nurse, Special Education Director, teachers, campus administrators, parents or guardians, and other authorized personnel regarding student health needs, consistent with District procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Participate in meetings or consultations related to the student's medical needs when requested.
• Provide timely reports of medical incidents, injuries, changes in condition, and other significant concerns.
• Coordinate with designated school personnel to support continuity of care during school activities and transitions.
• Refer questions concerning nursing orders, changes in treatment, or clinical concerns to the supervising nurse or appropriate health care professional.

5. Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student health records and nursing documentation.
• Complete incident reports and other required District forms in a timely manner.
• Comply with applicable federal and state laws, Texas Board of Nursing requirements, District policies, and established nursing protocols.
• Protect confidential student information in accordance with FERPA, applicable privacy laws, and District procedures.
• Maintain required licensure, certifications, and professional development.
• Follow District procedures for infection prevention, universal precautions, emergency response, and workplace safety.

6. Other Duties

• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Maintain professional conduct and positive working relationships with students, parents, and District personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the position, licensure, and scope of practice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands: Ability to remain calm in stressful situations, exercise sound judgment, respond appropriately to emergencies, and communicate effectively with students and adults.

Physical Demands: Ability to perform assigned nursing duties, assist with student mobility and personal care when required, and respond to medical emergencies. Duties may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, positioning, and assisting with specialized medical equipment. Physical requirements must be consistent with the essential functions of the position and applicable safety requirements.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed in classrooms, health rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, school transportation settings, and other District facilities as assigned.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment is subject to District policies, applicable law, funding availability, and the terms established by the District. Work hours and assignments will be determined by the District based on the student's documented medical and educational needs.

The District reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities consistent with the position, applicable law, and the employee's professional license.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Buna Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status in its employment practices.