School Nurse

Description:

Title: School Nurse

Reports to: Supervisor of Related Services

Employment Information: This is a full-time, FLSA-non-exempt, 10-month union position.

Summary:

The School Nurse provides direct health services to students, addressing immediate needs, managing acute and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy habits. This includes conducting student health assessments, administering medications, maintaining accurate health records, and supporting the overall school health program. The nurse works closely with school staff, families, and community providers to ensure students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the School Nurse monitors staff injuries related to first aid and workers’ compensation, without providing general healthcare to employees.

Responsibilities:

• Support and coordinate school health services including mandated screenings, medication administration, G-tube feedings and management of acute and chronic health problems.
• Ensure compliance with immunization requirements, infectious disease control, and safety regulations
• Advocate for and protect the overall health and well-being of students, working to maintain optimal health standards within the school environment.
• Perform comprehensive health assessments and gather detailed health histories for students to ensure accurate and timely care
• Serve as liaison between private duty nurses, nursing agencies and the school.
• Develops plans for student care based on assessment, interventions, and identification of outcomes, and the evaluation of care
• Serves as consultants with other school professionals, such as food service, physical education teachers, coaches, and counselors
• Deliver targeted health-related education to students and staff, both in one-on-one and group settings, to promote healthier lifestyle choices
• Monitors immunizations, managing communicable diseases, and assessing the school environment as to prevent injury and ensure safety
• Supervise infection control measures, ensuring compliance with established protocols to maintain a safe and healthy school environment
• Provides first aid treatment to students and staff.
• Refers staff to outside treatment for work related injuries and submits reports to HR.
• Actively participating in school safety plans that address school violence, bullying, and emergencies that may occur at school
• Oversees medication administration, health care procedures, and the development of healthcare plans
• Oversee the execution of mandatory vision, hearing, body mass index (BMI), and mental health screenings for students to ensure early detection and intervention
• Make informed decisions regarding the delegation of healthcare tasks in line with state regulations and professional healthcare practice standards
• Provides health advice to school educational teams, such as the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) team
• Support families in locating external healthcare providers and obtaining health insurance, ensuring that students receive necessary care outside the school environment
• Model and exhibit PSD’s core values Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement in all interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support student success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
• Current PA Registered Nurse license
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification as Educational Specialist - School Nurse PK-12 or ability to obtain certification.
• CPR/AED certification
• Background/experience preferred in pediatric nursing, community health nursing, critical care nursing, medical-surgical nursing and/or emergency room nursing.
• Knowledge of current Child Abuse Law
• Fluency in ASL or willingness to develop fluency in ASL within a reasonable period of time.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds and age groups
• Compassionate and reassuring bedside manner when supporting students’ health and emotional needs
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure or emergency situations
• Ability to assess and respond quickly in emergencies, while directing and collaborating with others as needed
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, families, and the broader school community
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize effectively, and perform efficiently under time constraints.
• Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required; advanced proficiency preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students as needed.
• Manual dexterity for administering medications, operating medical equipment, and performing health assessments.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, or crouch during student care and health-related activities.
• Visual and auditory attention to accurately monitor student conditions and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to move quickly in emergency situations.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a school health office or classroom setting.
• Exposure to common illnesses, minor injuries, and bodily fluids.
• May be required to respond to emergencies during school events or outside regular hours.
• Work environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable.

Mental & Cognitive Demands:

• Ability to assess, prioritize, and respond to multiple student health needs simultaneously.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student health records.
• Apply clinical judgment and problem-solving in emergency and routine health situations.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, school staff, and community providers.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a dynamic and sometimes stressful environment.
• Understand and implement individualized care plans for students with chronic conditions or special health needs.

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, as long as such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship or remove the essential functions of the job. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [email protected].