College Health Nurse

The College Health Nurse position at Washington College Health Center in Chestertown, Maryland, provides comprehensive, student-centered nursing care in a fast paced, ambulatory clinical setting dedicated to the health and wellness of full-time undergraduate students. The role emphasizes promoting student well-being, managing acute and routine health concerns, coordinating care, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the daily operations of the on-campus Health Center. This position requires adherence to clinical procedures, infection control, inventory management, lab processes, and facility maintenance, while working collaboratively with the Health Center Leadership, clinical and administrative team members

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Daily Opening and Closing Procedures

• Conduct opening routines, including manual recording of refrigerator/freezer temperatures on CDC logs, unlocking secure medication areas (cabinet and closet), and preparing exam rooms with necessary supplies and equipment.
• Perform thorough end-of-day closing: clean and disinfect all exam rooms, lab areas, bathrooms, and waiting areas; lock secure storage; and ensure the facility is ready for the next day.

Patient Intake, Triage, and Vital Signs

• Triage and escort students to exam rooms individually; obtain weights during intake.
• Complete initial visit record details, including provider information, allergies, current medications, LMP (for females), alcohol/tobacco use, and reason for visit summary.
• Obtain and document vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry as indicated).
• Perform indicated diagnostic tests, such as rapid strep, throat cultures, rapid flu, rapid mono, blood glucose, urine pregnancy (HCG), and urine cultures.
• Manage fevers by administering ibuprofen or acetaminophen per protocol when permitted.

Medication Administration and Clinical Support

• Administer IM medications (e.g., Toradol, Benadryl) per provider orders and document all administrations in the student chart.
• Participate in the allergy injection program: ensure completion of required forms (allergy policy, intake, storage); administer injections per individualized records; monitor students for 20 minutes post-injection; document details (date, dose, sites, reactions); and manage serum inventory/notifications.
• Support other injections/vaccinations as applicable (e.g., read PPD tests within 48-72 hours; document self-injected Depo-Provera or other refrigerated medications brought by students).

Exam Room and Infection Control

• Ensure prompt turnover of exam rooms: clean and disinfect tables, counters, equipment, and door handles between every patient.
• Manage hazardous waste: collect red-bag waste and full sharps containers; coordinates pickups for medical waste management.

Laboratory and Specimen Management

• Prepare and process LabCorp specimens (e.g., throat/urine cultures, viral tests, STI testing): complete lab slips, label specimens, attach insurance details/copy, bag appropriately, and store until end-of-day pickup in the outdoor LabCorp box.
• Order lab supplies as needed (e.g., swabs, kits) via email to supplyrequest@labcorp.com.
• Conduct proficiency checks on diagnostic tests (rapid strep/flu, Hemocue, COVID, mono, STI, HCG, glucose) with each new shipment and document in the lab manual. Maintain records of proficiency checks

Appointment Coordination and Follow-Up

• Schedule and coordinate specialist appointments, imaging (e.g., at Chesapeake Medical Imaging in Chestertown), MRIs, X-rays: fax orders, email students with details/directions/copies, and work around student schedules.
• Review ED visit charts; email students for required follow-up, including mandatory Health Center visits and counseling for alcohol-related ED visits (unless student is 21+).
• Manage appropriate processing of completed charts/encounter forms to designated staff

Supply, Medication, and Inventory Management

• Check expiration dates monthly; remove expired medications from Pyramed inventory; inspect Emergency Drug Box.
• Restock exam rooms weekly/as needed; order supplies from primary vendors and medications from Pharmedix/BRP (import shipments and provide documentation for purchase orders to Medical Office manager).
• Maintain autoclave processes: clean as needed/full clean before each semester; sterilize instruments; keep logbook; perform Unispore biological testing each semester.
• Prepare semester-specific items: RA kits (order supplies end-of-spring, inspect/restock/reuse/clean ~30 kits, store extras); condom bags for RA distribution. Coordinate with Residential Life for Distribution.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Change refrigerator temperature recorder paper weekly and ink as needed.
• Perform semesterly decontamination shower checks and document.
• Ensure standing orders are signed/updated (email to Dr. King at fall semester start).
• Maintain secure storage: lock kitchen cabinets, store extras appropriately (e.g., paper products, respiratory supplies/nebulizers, RA kits in designated areas).

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with health education, prevention, and referrals as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant regulations (e.g., HIPAA, CDC guidelines).
• Participate in monthly/semester tasks, such as inventory audits and facility checks.

Qualifications

Current License in Maryland as LPN or RN.

Education Required: Associates Degree, Bachelor's Degree Preferred.

Field of Study: Nursing.

Other professional licensures, certifications, or designations required: Current unrestricted license in Maryland as either an LPN or RN; CPR certification; ACLS preferred.

Work Experience Required: 1 - 3 years of relevant nursing experience. Preferred: Experience in college health services, student/young adult health, or ambulatory care in a higher education setting.

Time to Proficiency One year (to become fully proficient in Washington College-specific protocols, systems (e.g., Pyramed), campus resources, and the unique aspects of providing care to college students).

Problem Solving Varied situations that require significant analysis or interpretation; general precedents and practices used, but may be modified.

Example: Every student encounter or problem may present unique needs for individualized intervention, testing, education, or follow-up.

Independence of Action Outcomes are monitored by supervisor/manager; incumbent follows precedents and procedures, sets priorities, and organizes work within general guidelines.

Typical example: Utilizes professional knowledge base and legal scope of practice as guidelines to independent intervention and critical thinking ability.

Physical/Environmental Demands The position operates in an office/clinical environment with no unusual demands beyond standard ambulatory care nursing.

Physical Effort

• Often: Vision and hearing abilities; extensive standing, walking, etc. (e.g., moving between exam rooms, escorting students, standing during procedures).
• Sometimes: Heavy lifting, carrying, etc. (e.g., assisting with patient mobility or handling supplies/equipment).

Environmental Conditions

• Often: Exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious diseases (standard in clinical nursing; PPE provided and required).
• Sometimes: Exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., biohazard waste, cleaning/disinfecting agents).

Salary: $50,000

Additional Information

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in college health services or student health centers, as this role is tailored to the unique needs of a residential liberal arts college environment like Washington College, including seasonal patterns (e.g., semester starts, RA kit preparation, alcohol-related follow-ups), coordination with campus partners (e.g., Residence Life, Counseling Services), and a focus on preventive care, education, and quick access for young adults.

This job description represents an overview of the essential functions of this job. This is not a complete listing of all required duties. Specific duties may vary over time to meet the needs of Washington College. The role demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication for interacting with college students and staff, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive health environment while adhering strictly to SOPs and regulatory standards.