School Nurse

Job Type


Full-time

Description

Position Overview

Lovell Academy seeks a highly qualified and compassionate professional to serve as a School Nurse. In this vital role, you will support student health and wellness by providing medical care, coordinating health services, and promoting preventive education within our vibrant boarding school community.

The School Nurse plays a critical role in supporting student well-being, implementing health policies, and fostering a safe and nurturing environment. This position combines clinical care, collaboration, and health coordination to ensure comprehensive support for students across all areas of school life.

Clinical Care and Student Health

• Provide direct healthcare services to students including: assessment, treatment, and management of illnesses and minor injuries.
• Administer prescribed medications safely and maintain thorough medical documentation.
• Develop and implement individualized healthcare plans for students with chronic or specialized medical needs.
• Respond promptly to medical emergencies and coordinate emergency services when necessary.
• Maintain complete and up-to-date student health records, including medical histories, immunizations, and detailed documentation of any and all health related incidents, illnesses, injuries and treatments.

Health Services Coordination

• Support implementation of school health policies and procedures, including infection control, communicable disease response, and emergency preparedness.
• Collaborate closely with the Athletic Trainer to align care, prevention, and rehabilitation for student-athletes and communicate any necessary injury accommodations to faculty and staff.
• Assist in maintaining all aspects of the School Handbook related to health policies and procedures and ensure compliance with DPH, DESE, and any other boarding school related health regulations.
• Coordinate state-mandated and/or suggested programs such as immunizations, screenings, and preventive health initiatives.
• Organize annual flu clinics and other community wellness events.
• Coordinate with food service operations regarding allergies, dietary restrictions, and nutrition-related needs.
• Arrange and coordinate off-site medical appointments related to illness and non-sports related injuries, including transportation and instruction to students regarding presentation of their health insurance and payment of their copays.
• Maintain communication with school supervising physician regarding required approvals and standing orders, student health concerns and treatment recommendations.
• Conduct regular dormitory health and hygiene checks in coordination with residential staff.
• Serve as the primary resource and provide direction to residential staff if a health related question or concern arises.

Student Support and Collaboration

• Support the delivery of school health services with professionalism, empathy, and sound clinical judgment.
• Assist with training faculty, coaches, and residential staff in emergency response, CPR/First Aid, medication administration, and concussion protocols (in coordination with athletic training staff).
• Maintain on-call availability, as needed, for urgent health and wellness concerns during occasional evenings and weekends.
• Serve as a liaison between students, families, faculty, and external healthcare providers.
• Assist with health-related planning for schoolwide events, field trips, and overnight travel.

Mental and Emotional Health Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact for student mental health needs, providing compassionate support and appropriate referrals.
• Collaborate with counselors, outside providers, and families to support continuity of care and medication management.
• Assist with the annual Mental Health Questionnaire process and help identify trends and opportunities for proactive intervention.
• Communicate regularly with outside providers and maintain complete records regarding students' outside services and health status.

Health Education and Prevention

• Teach Health and Wellness Education classes or courses as requested, covering topics such as physical wellness, emotional health, behavioral health, social well-being, and substance education.
• Promote health and wellness literacy within the broader student life curriculum and community initiatives.

Policy, Compliance, and Reporting

• Support implementation and enforcement of schoolwide health-related policies, including illness, mental health, and medication protocols.
• Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and confidentiality standards.
• Assure domestic student compliance with insurance requirements.
• Coordinate international student health insurance program and facilitate enrollment for all international students.
• Maintain accurate health records and assist with reporting and tracking health trends as needed.

Community Relations and Engagement

• Maintain transparent and empathetic communication with parents and guardians regarding student health concerns.
• Build strong, trusting relationships within the Lovell Academy community through professionalism and care.
• Participate in community wellness initiatives and school events.

Work Hours

• The School Nurse shall work onsite from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the Lovell Academy academic school year.
• The onsite start time ensures that students' health needs are met before the start of classes.
• The School Nurse must maintain on-call availability, as needed, for urgent health and wellness concerns during evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Active Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) License required.
• Strong clinical background in pediatric, adolescent, or school nursing.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and composure under pressure.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts health regulations and best practices in school health management.
• Experience with mental health coordination and student wellness programs preferred.