Exceptional Education Individual Student Support Nurse

Overview

The purpose of this classification is to provide individualized skilled nursing care and academic support to a student with complex medical, physical, and educational needs. The role integrates responsibilities of an Exceptional Education Ancillary Attendant and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), ensuring continuous health monitoring, physical assistance, and instructional support throughout the school day. The incumbent collaborates with school health and instructional teams to implement and maintain the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Health Plan (IHP), and Emergency Action Plan (EAP), promoting safety, well-being, and academic success.


The hourly rate for the candidate hired into this position will be on Grade F since it requires a LPN license.


Responsibilities

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described.

• Provide routine and emergency nursing care within LPN licensure, training, and district policies.
• Administer prescribed medications and perform specialized nursing procedures (e.g., tube feeding, suctioning, catheterization, respiratory support) in accordance with the student's IHP.
• Monitor the student's medical status, including vital signs, seizure activity, respiratory function, gastrointestinal tolerance, and overall health stability.
• Recognize and respond to changes in the student's condition, following emergency protocols and communicating immediately with the supervising RN and administrators.
• Maintain accurate documentation of medications, procedures, and daily health observations using approved medical records systems.
• Implement infection control, safety precautions, and proper equipment sanitation.
• Assist with toileting, feeding, mobility, lifting, positioning, and other health-related physical care tasks.
• Ensure all medical supplies, equipment, and emergency materials accompany the student throughout the building and on field trips.
• Work under the direction and supervision of the School Nurse for any training, delegable skills, and health plan updates.
• Assist the student in accessing instruction aligned to their IEP.
• Prepare, modify, and use instructional materials and assistive technology to support the student's learning needs.
• Provide direct academic prompting, re-teaching, guided practice, and task analysis to support engagement and skill development.
• Implement accommodations and specialized instructional strategies.
• Collect academic and behavioral data for progress monitoring.
• Assist the teacher during instruction, small groups, and hands-on activities.
• Provide mobility support, including wheelchair transfers, standers, and gait trainers.
• Perform safe lifting, positioning, and physical assistance consistent with the student's medical and physical needs.
• Ensure adaptive equipment is set up and functioning properly.
• Use proactive, positive behavior strategies to support regulation and engagement.
• Maintain required training in non-violent crisis intervention methods.
• Model and reinforce appropriate communication and social skills.
• Work closely with the School Nurse, School Nurse Manager, teachers, related service providers, and administrators.
• Participate in IEP meetings, health plan reviews, staff trainings, and required meetings.
• Maintain professional, ongoing communication with teachers and, as directed, parents.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student medical and educational records.
• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Acts in a professional, respectful, and welcoming manner at all times.
• Creates a customer-focused climate and provides quality services and support to schools, community, businesses, Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education, and other stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Tennessee Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• Supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving nursing, preferably in a school, pediatric, adolescent, or public health environment.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess one of the following before reporting to work: (1) 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; (2) An Associate's degree or higher; (3) passing score on PRAXIS for Parapro Exam.
• Must possess and maintain valid CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience providing nursing care for children or students with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in a school, pediatric, or developmental disability settings preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform skilled nursing procedures safely and according to training.
• Ability to implement specialized instructional strategies and accommodations.
• Ability to lift, transfer, and physically support students safely.
• Skilled in monitoring, documenting, and communication changes in medical status.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, employees, community members, parents, and other stakeholders.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.
Grade: F
Salary Scale