School Nurse (Public Health Nurse)

Public Health School Nurses

New Hanover County's Health department is seeking experienced nursing professionals to join their team as Public Health School Nurses. These 10-month positions provide skilled nursing services to the students of New Hanover County schools. Duties include identification of and planning for students with acute and/or chronic health care needs, provision of emergency care, medication administration, screening/referral/follow-up, prevention and control of communicable disease, providing health promotion and counseling, teach health-related classes, assist with strategies to improve the school health program, and maintenance of school health records.

New Hanover County Health and Human Services is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who remain committed to the County's goal of superior public health and public safety by providing services in the areas of nutrition, personal health, environmental health, school health, maternal health, child health, community health, counseling, epidemiology, lactation, health education and health administration. New Hanover County school health nurses provide services to over 26,000 students in 45 New Hanover County schools ranging from pre-K through age 21 in a variety of settings. Ideal candidates for Health and Human Services have an eye for detail, have the ability to work in a high-intensity environment, can shift priorities seamlessly, and have an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC: New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth. Considering a move here? Check out for helpful information on moving to the area.

Hours and Assignments: Hours for full time positions are Monday - Friday, either 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, or 7:30 am -4:00 pm, or 8:00 am -4:30 pm, depending on the needs of the school of assignment. Part-time positions may be available with different hours. School location assignments are subject to change depending on the needs of the department. Must be able to report for emergency work assignments during emergency situations. Compensation: This position is assigned to the school health division and works 10 months per year. Full-time positions (40 hours per week) are scheduled to work 1,760 hours per year. Public Health Nurses are exempt from FLSA and do not receive overtime pay. The hiring range for this position begins at $29.2995 per hour plus a competitive benefit and retirement package. Salary is negotiable, based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Qualifications

Must have the following at the time of application.

• Valid RN license with eligibility to practice in NC
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Associate's Degree in Nursing, or graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing, and at least two years of professional nursing experience serving in a hospital or health clinic setting.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds of equipment.

Prior experience in public or school-based healthcare is preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Licenses/Certifications

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• RN license with eligibility to practice in NC

Other Information

This is a continuous posting that will be open to receive applications throughout the year. As vacancies occur throughout the year, applications in the pool will be screened and considered for referral. Applications will be active for a period of 90 days. You must submit a new application every 90 days to keep your application actively under consideration for opportunities that arise.

Candidates referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. Updates regarding your application can be viewed through your applicant portal. If you have had an interview and would like to inquire about the status of your interview, please contact the hiring manager that you interviewed with.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.