Position Summary
The Certified School Nurse (CSN) promotes the health and wellness of students by providing comprehensive school health services. This role supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students to maximize their access to instruction. The CSN ensures compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Health and PDE requirements, provides direct nursing care, supervises health room staff, and serves as a liaison between home, school, and healthcare providers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct health assessments, screenings, and evaluations in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized healthcare plans and emergency care plans for students with chronic and acute conditions.
- Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, parent authorization, and district policy.
- Provide first aid and emergency care to students and staff.
- Maintain accurate, confidential student health records using approved systems (e.g., SNAP Health, Sapphire) in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Monitor immunization compliance and complete all required state reporting and exclusion procedures.
- Communicate and collaborate with parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and school personnel regarding student health needs.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams, including IEP and 504 Plan development, to support student access and health-related accommodations.
- Supervise, train, and assign duties to health room staff, including LPNs, aides, and paraprofessionals.
- Provide guidance to staff regarding student health needs, medical protocols, and emergency response procedures.
- Promote student wellness through health education, prevention programs, and collaboration with staff.
- Serve as a resource for communicable disease management, including monitoring, reporting, and response.
- Support building and district-level health and safety initiatives.
- Maintain required licensure, certification, and continuing education.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.
Key Relationships
- Students and Families
- Building Principal and Administration
- Instructional Staff and Support Personnel
- External Agencies and Service Providers
Required Qualifications
- Current Pennsylvania School Nurse Certificate issued by the Department of Education.
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Strong assessment, communication, and clinical documentation skills.
- Knowledge of child development, health regulations, and best practices in school nursing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing or School Health Services.
- Experience in pediatric, public health, or school nursing.
- Familiarity with PDE reporting systems and local health department procedures.
- Training in mental health first aid, trauma-informed practices, or emergency preparedness.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
- Work performed primarily in a school health office and classroom settings.
- Frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 40 pounds).
- Regular contact with students, parents, and staff; possible exposure to illnesses and bodily fluids.
- Travel between school buildings may be required in multi-building assignments.
Professional Expectations
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student information in accordance with legal and ethical standards
- Communicate with students, families, staff, and external providers in a respectful, collaborative, and solution-oriented manner
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and timelines
- Demonstrate sound professional judgment when addressing student needs, including sensitive or complex situations
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support the whole child and remove barriers to learning
- Demonstrate responsiveness, flexibility, and initiative in meeting student and building needs
- Engage in ongoing professional learning to remain current in best practices and service delivery