Founding School Nurse (2026-2027)

Founding School Nurse

Excel Academy is a network of five schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college. At Excel, we believe that every studentregardless of race, zip code, or economic statusdeserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About the Role

Excel Academy is seeking a Founding School Nurse who is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and management of the school's health program at our Founding High School in Providence, Rhode Island. General responsibilities include program management, nursing services, collaboration, health education, and professional practice.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish and manage a comprehensive school health program consistent with the Rhode Island guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health, and Excel Academy's policies;
• Collaborate with other professionals, team members and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and other school health activities;
• Using the nursing process, collaborate with the parent/guardian and student, where appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student;
• Assist students and families to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education and promotion;
• Apply appropriate nursing theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to the student health needs and participating in research; and
• Serve as a productive member of the Excel community.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Understand how your identity markers (including race, class, and gender) impact your leadership. Demonstrate understanding and respect for the cultures and languages of our communities. Solicit and welcome collaboration and feedback from colleagues, students, families and the surrounding community. Understand the impact of historical and structural racism and use this lens in your decision-making. Take action to demonstrate personal reflections and growth/ be responsive to feedback and lessons learned.

Qualifications

Must hold a BSN or RN with a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline; Must have RIDE certification for the role or be willing to apply for certification; Minimum of 1 year experience in public health nursing, community health nursing, school health nursing, or pediatric nursing; school nursing experience preferred; Familiarity with insulin administration and/or Hoyer lift preferred, or a willingness to learn; An unwavering commitment to and belief in the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel's values and educational model. Preference will be given to applicants who also: Have experience in a public or charter school setting, and Speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, Khmer, and Vietnamese.

Smithfield Public Schools