Certified School Nurse

The Certified School Nurse provides and coordinates school health services that protect student well-being, support attendance, and reduce health-related barriers to learning. The nurse uses professional nursing judgment to assess student needs, provide care, and connect families with appropriate resources, working collaboratively with school leaders, Pupil Services staff, and community health providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in nursing.
• Valid Pennsylvania Department of Education Educational Specialist certification as a School Nurse.
• Current, unrestricted registered nurse license authorizing practice in Pennsylvania.
• Current CPR and AED certification for health care providers.
• Required Pennsylvania school employment clearances and background reviews, including Acts 34, 114, and 151, and other applicable employment requirements.
• Experience in school nursing, pediatric nursing, community health, or a related setting preferred.
• Ability to maintain required credentials and complete professional development and mandated reporter training.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesStudent Assessment and Care:
• Assess student illness, injury, and health concerns; provide nursing care within the authorized scope of practice; determine appropriate follow-up, referral, or emergency response.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized health care plans and emergency care plans for students with chronic conditions or other identified needs. Coordinate care with families, health care providers, and authorized school personnel.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with provider orders, required authorizations, nursing standards, and District procedures. Maintain secure storage, accurate administration records, and appropriate monitoring.
• Provide first aid and emergency care, activate emergency medical services when needed, and promptly notify families and administrators in accordance with District emergency and incidentreporting procedures.Health Screenings and Prevention:
• Plan and conduct required health screenings; document results, notify families of concerns, and follow up on referrals. Coordinate required physical and dental examination documentation.
• Review and maintain immunization records; identify missing documentation and communicate with families and administrators regarding follow-up and applicable requirements.
• Monitor communicable disease concerns and collaborate with District leadership and public health authorities on prevention, reporting, and response.
• Provide health education and counseling on hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, chronic condition management, and other age-appropriate health topics.Student Support and Family Engagement:
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504, and multidisciplinary student support meetings when health needs affect access to instruction or school participation. Provide nursing input and implement assigned health services.
• Collaborate with attendance staff, counselors, social workers, and administrators to identify health-related causes of absenteeism and support safe return to school and continued participation in learning.
• Communicate respectfully and promptly with families regarding student health concerns. Help families access medical, dental, mental health, and community resources and follow up on identified needs.
• Coordinate health arrangements for field trips, school activities, and student transitions with appropriate District staff so students can participate safely.
• Provide authorized staff with relevant information and training on student health plans, emergency procedures, and health precautions while protecting confidentiality.Health Office Operations and Professional Responsibilities
• Maintain accurate, timely student health records in District-approved systems, documenting assessments, care, medications, referrals, and communications. Protect records and share information only as permitted.
• Maintain a safe and organized health office; monitor supplies and equipment, request needed materials, and use infection prevention procedures and appropriate protective equipment.
• Compile required school health reports and provide the Director of Pupil Services or designee with data on health services, screenings, referrals, and unmet needs to support program improvement.
• Coordinate with supplemental nursing staff and health office support personnel as assigned, consistent with licensure, professional standards, and District procedures.
• Follow District policies, applicable school health requirements, nursing standards, and mandated reporting obligations. Maintain professional boundaries and sound independent clinical judgment.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance and perform other related duties assigned within the employee's qualifications and authorized scope of practice.Knowledge Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of school nursing, child and adolescent development, public health, emergency response, and care of students with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
• Ability to recognize changes in student health, prioritize urgent needs, apply nursing protocols, perform medication calculations, and make sound clinical decisions.
• Clear oral and written communication, accurate documentation, and effective collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Compassion, cultural responsiveness, and respect for students and families with diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and health beliefs.
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies, manage interruptions and competing demands, and organize health office responsibilities.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, District-approved student information systems, and common office applications.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe employee works primarily in school health offices and throughout school facilities and may travel between District schools as assigned. Work involves frequent interruptions and potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and communicable diseases. Appropriate safety procedures and protective equipment must be used.Essential functions may require sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, fine motor activity, operating medical equipment, and responding promptly to emergencies. The employee may assist with student mobility or positioning and move equipment or supplies using safe practices, available assistance, and appropriate equipment.The employee must be able to observe and assess student symptoms, communicate effectively, and perform essential nursing functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Opportunity EmployerThe Chester Upland School District (CUSD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CUSD ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 445-236-8663.