K-12 RN Nurse

School Nurse (RN)

The School Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive health services to support student well-being, reduce health-related barriers to learning, and promote academic success. Under the direction of the Special Services Administrator, the School Nurse delivers direct care, coordinates services for students with acute and chronic health conditions and serves as a key member of the educational team. This role integrates clinical nursing practice, public health principles, and culturally responsive care to meet the diverse needs of students and families, including Native American communities served by Chief Leschi Schools.

About Chief Leschi Schools: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct nursing care including assessment, triage, treatment, and follow-up for student illness and injury.
• Develops and implements individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), emergency care plans, and supports IEP and Section 504 processes.
• Manages care for students with acute and chronic health conditions to ensure safe participation in school.
• Administers medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, district policy, and state regulations.
• Maintains accurate and confidential health records; ensures compliance with immunization and reporting requirements.
• Conducts health screenings and coordinates follow-up care and referrals.
• Collaborates with families, healthcare providers, and community agencies to coordinate care and support student success.
• Provides health education and resources to students, families, and staff; delivers training on health procedures and emergency response.
• Supports communicable disease prevention, response, and overall school health and safety initiatives.
• Serves as a liaison between school, home, and community health systems.
• Applies culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and supports equitable access to health services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of student health and learning.

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Chief Leschi Schools reserves the right to assign or modify duties consistent with operational needs. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) School Nurse Certificate
• 2 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher degree
• Prior experience in a school or educational setting
• Experience working with Native American communities or diverse student populations
• Knowledge of community and public health issues impacting youth (e.g., chronic illness, behavioral health, substance use)
• Experience developing and implementing Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and participating in IEP and/or Section 504 processes
• National School Nurse Certification (NCSN) or willingness to obtain
• BLS/CPR Instructor certification or experience providing staff training

Condition of Employment

• Successful criminal background clearance
• Successful and/or clear drug screening

Knowledge Of

• Professional nursing practices, including pediatric and community health
• Care and management of acute and chronic conditions in children
• Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and school health requirements
• Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), IEPs, and Section 504 processes
• Communicable disease prevention and public health practices
• Medication administration and emergency response procedures
• Social determinants of health and culturally responsive care practices

Ability To

• Assess, prioritize, and respond to student health needs
• Develop and implement healthcare and emergency care plans
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, and healthcare providers
• Maintain accurate and confidential health records
• Interpret medical information and apply regulatory requirements
• Provide staff training and health-related guidance
• Build effective relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment
• Exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and work independently

Reporting Relationship

Special Services Director or Designee

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.

• Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.
• This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.

Sovereign Immunity Notice

Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.

Indian Preference & Equal Opportunity Statement

Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.