Certified School Nurse

Certified School Nurse

Southland College Prep Charter High School is seeking a qualified and student-centered Certified School Nurse to provide comprehensive school health services and support the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of students. The Certified School Nurse serves as a vital member of the educational team by promoting student health, managing health-related concerns, providing nursing assessments and interventions, and supporting a safe and healthy school environment.

The successful candidate will serve as a health resource for students, families, faculty, and administration; provide direct nursing services and health-related guidance; assist in the development and monitoring of student health plans; and help ensure compliance with applicable state laws, school policies, and health regulations.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, sound clinical judgment, strong communication skills, compassion for students, and the ability to contribute positively to a school climate focused on academic success and student wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Health Services

• Provide professional nursing services to students during the school day in accordance with school policy, Illinois School Code, and accepted nursing standards.
• Assess and respond to student illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies occurring during the school day or at school-sponsored activities, as assigned.
• Administer first aid, medications, and treatments as authorized by physician orders, parent/guardian consent, and school procedures.
• Monitor students with acute and chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, severe allergies, and other medical needs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain individualized student health care plans, emergency care plans, and accommodations as needed.
• Perform health screenings and assist with follow-up related to vision, hearing, immunization compliance, physical examinations, and other required student health documentation.
• Maintain accurate daily health office records, treatment logs, medication records, incident reports, and other required nursing documentation.

Health Records, Compliance, and Reporting

• Review student medical records, immunization records, physicals, and health-related forms to ensure compliance with state and school requirements.
• Notify families regarding missing health records, immunization deficiencies, or required medical documentation.
• Maintain confidential student health records in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA as applicable, and district/school procedures.
• Prepare and submit required health-related reports to administration and/or state agencies as required.
• Assist in the implementation of communicable disease control procedures and school health protocols.
• Monitor and support compliance with state-mandated health requirements and school nursing regulations.

Medication Administration and Health Procedures

• Safely store, document, and administer prescription and non-prescription medications in accordance with physician orders and school policy.
• Perform nursing procedures and treatments as ordered by licensed healthcare providers and authorized by parents/guardians.
• Ensure that emergency medications and medical supplies are properly maintained, accessible, and within expiration dates.
• Provide training or guidance to designated staff, as appropriate, regarding emergency health procedures, student medical alerts, and response protocols.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as a health resource to administrators, teachers, counselors, support staff, students, and parents/guardians regarding student health concerns and school health procedures.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding student illness, injury, medication needs, health concerns, and required follow-up care.
• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, psychologists, and outside healthcare providers to support student success and attendance.
• Participate in problem-solving meetings, student support meetings, Section 504 meetings, IEP meetings, and other school-based meetings when health information is relevant.
• Promote effective communication between school and home regarding health concerns that may affect student learning, attendance, safety, or participation in school activities.

Health Education and School Wellness

• Promote a healthy school environment through health education, prevention strategies, and wellness support.
• Provide health-related guidance and resources to students and staff on topics such as hygiene, illness prevention, chronic disease management, nutrition, and general wellness.
• Support school efforts related to student attendance, health promotion, and safe school practices.
• Assist administration in developing procedures related to student health, emergency response, and school safety.

Emergency Preparedness and School Safety

• Respond promptly and appropriately to medical emergencies involving students, staff, or visitors.
• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of emergency response plans related to health and medical situations.
• Maintain appropriate emergency supplies and coordinate emergency care planning for students with serious health conditions.
• Support the school in maintaining a safe, clean, and health-conscious environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain current professional knowledge regarding school nursing practices, state requirements, and student health trends.
• Participate in professional development, meetings, and training as required.
• Perform other duties related to school nursing and student health services as assigned by the administration.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license.
• Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Nurse endorsement issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, or eligibility to obtain required Illinois school nurse credentials.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of adolescent health issues, school nursing practices, medication administration, emergency care, and student health record management.
• Ability to exercise sound nursing judgment and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student and family information with discretion.
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents/guardians, faculty, administrators, and community health providers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a school nurse, pediatric nurse, public health nurse, or in an educational setting.
• Experience working with high school students and families.
• Knowledge of Illinois school health requirements, immunization requirements, and student health compliance procedures.
• Experience supporting students with chronic health conditions, 504 plans, IEP-related health services, and emergency care planning.
• CPR/AED certification and other relevant health/safety certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and procedures applicable to a school setting.
• Ability to assess health needs, prioritize care, and make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to manage multiple student health concerns and interruptions in a fast-paced school environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong recordkeeping, time management, and follow-through.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Commitment to professionalism, student care, equity, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• School-based health office and general school environment.
• Frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• May require standing, walking, bending, lifting school health supplies, and responding quickly to medical situations throughout the building.
• Exposure to communicable illnesses and routine school health office conditions.

Interested candidates should apply online or send a letter of interest, resume, copy of license, and three current letters of reference to:

SCPCHS 4601 Sauk Trail Richton Park, IL 60471 SCPCHS is an equal opportunity employer