10-Month School Health Nurse (RN/LPN)

Nurse Position at Forsyth County Department of Public Health

Forsyth County Department of Public Health is searching for a nurse to join the team. The program is implementing a flexible and innovative staffing model through a consolidated posting, allowing positions to be filled at either the Registered Nurse (PHN II) or Licensed Practical Nurse (School Health Nurse Extender) level based on candidate qualifications and program needs. This approach ensures the ability to adapt staffing to meet real-time service demands, optimize team-based care delivery, and maintain safe and appropriate levels of clinical oversight. This is a 10-month position aligned with the Forsyth County Government calendar, offering 11 paid holidays each year and eight weeks of unpaid furlough during the summer. This position requires travel between assigned schools and may include occasional home visits to support student health needs; a valid driver's license is required, and a county vehicle is available for work-related travel. Nurses work independently within their assigned schools while also functioning as part of a collaborative public health and school health team. The role may include participation in occasional evening or weekend community health events, immunization clinics, or public health response efforts.

Registered Nurse (RN) Responsibilities

The School Health Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for assessment, clinical decision-making, and oversight of student health services for those with acute and chronic health needs. Responsibilities include conducting health assessments, triaging illness and injury, developing and managing individualized healthcare plans, coordinating care with families and healthcare providers, and providing health education to students and staff. The RN also provides clinical leadership within the school setting, including delegation and supervision of nursing tasks to appropriate personnel, and ensures care is delivered safely and in alignment with nursing standards and public health guidelines.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Responsibilities

The School Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care to students with acute and chronic health needs under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities include medication administration, treatment of illness and injury, support for students with chronic conditions, and implementation of established healthcare plans. The LPN assists with health screenings, daily clinic operations, and ongoing monitoring of student health needs, while communicating changes in condition to the supervising RN. This role is focused on hands-on care delivery and consistent support for students throughout the school day.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, or 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Distinguishing Features

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of and skill in the application of nursing theory, practices, principles, and techniques employed in public health and school health settings
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of public health, including prevention, population health, and health promotion
• Considerable knowledge of available community resources and organizations, and the ability to coordinate services to support student health and reduce barriers to care
• Working knowledge of current social, economic, and environmental factors impacting student and community health
• Ability to perform comprehensive health assessments, triage acute and chronic health conditions, and make sound clinical decisions in a dynamic school environment
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized healthcare plans and coordinate care across providers, families, and school staff
• Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise, and delegate nursing tasks in accordance with scope of practice and regulatory standards
• Ability to provide clinical leadership within a team-based care model, including oversight of delegated tasks and support of LPN practice
• Ability to communicate effectively, deal tactfully with others, and exercise sound judgment in assessing situations and making decisions
• Ability to secure cooperation from students, families, and staff; elicit relevant health information; and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, interpret medical records, and apply provider orders within the school setting
• Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with program protocols, clinical guidance, and public health standards
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, healthcare providers, and community partners

Minimum Education and Experience

RN Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing (BSN preferred) and a minimum of two (2) years of professional nursing experience. Experience in pediatrics or the specialty area assigned is preferred.

Must hold a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina issued by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

LPN Requirements: Graduation/certificate from an accredited school of practical nursing and a minimum of two (2) years of professional nursing experience. Experience in pediatrics or the specialty area assigned is preferred. Must hold a current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina issued by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Additional Information: A higher level of education may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Registered Nurses hired without prior credentialing in North Carolina for Public Health Nursing will be required to complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health Nursing course and examination within one (1) year of hire.