School Nurse Job Description

Job Title: School Nurse

Reports To: Principal and/or Director of Student Services

FLSA Status: Exempt (or as determined by district policy)

Job Summary

The School Nurse promotes and protects the health and well-being of students and staff by providing direct nursing services, managing student health plans, preventing illness and injury, and supporting a safe learning environment. The School Nurse collaborates with families, healthcare providers, administrators, and staff to ensure students' health needs are met so they can achieve academic success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Health Services

• Provide direct nursing care for students with acute illnesses and injuries.
• Assess, evaluate, and respond to student health concerns.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, district policy, and state law.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and care plans for students with chronic medical conditions.
• Monitor students with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, severe allergies, and other health concerns.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student health records.

Health Promotion

• Promote healthy lifestyles through health education and wellness initiatives.
• Conduct health screenings, including vision, hearing, scoliosis, and other required screenings.
• Monitor immunization compliance and communicate requirements to families.
• Identify and report communicable diseases in accordance with local and state health regulations.

Emergency Response

• Respond to medical emergencies on campus.
• Provide first aid and emergency care.
• Coordinate emergency medical services (EMS) when necessary.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning and drills.

Collaboration

• Communicate with parents, guardians, physicians, and healthcare providers regarding student health concerns.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, special education staff, and administrators to support student success.
• Participate as a member of Section 504 and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams when appropriate.
• Provide guidance and training to school staff regarding health-related issues and emergency procedures.

Compliance and Recordkeeping

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations.
• Maintain medication administration records and health documentation.
• Prepare required health reports and documentation.
• Protect student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and district policies.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing required (Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred).

Certification/Licensure

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• School Nurse certification, if required by state regulations.

Experience

• Previous nursing experience preferred.
• Pediatric, public health, or school nursing experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of pediatric and adolescent health.
• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to respond calmly during emergencies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and community healthcare providers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 25 pounds, and assist students during emergencies.
• Ability to perform CPR and other emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to work in a school environment with frequent interruptions.

Working Conditions

• School setting with frequent interaction with students, staff, and families.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Occasional travel for professional development or district meetings.

Performance Responsibilities

• Provides quality nursing services that support student health and academic achievement.
• Maintains compliance with nursing standards and district policies.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective communication.
• Participates in professional development to maintain current nursing knowledge and licensure