Substitute Registered Nurse (RN) – School District

• Position Type:
  Substitute
  
• Date Posted:
  9/22/2026
  
• Location:
  Estes Park School District R-3

Substitute Registered Nurse (RN) � School District
Position Title: Substitute Registered Nurse (RN)
Department: Student Services / Health Services
Reports To: Director of Student Services, School Nurse Coordinator, Building Administrator, or Designee
Employment Status: Substitute / On-Call
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, as applicable
Work Calendar: As Needed

Position Summary

The Substitute Registered Nurse (RN) provides school health services in the absence of the regularly
assigned school nurse or when additional nursing coverage is needed. The Substitute RN supports student
access to education by addressing health needs, providing appropriate nursing care, responding to illness
and emergencies, administering medications and treatments, and implementing student health plans.

The Substitute RN works collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and community healthcare
providers while maintaining student confidentiality and complying with district policies and applicable
federal and Colorado laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Substitute RN may perform the following duties based on the needs of the assigned school or program:

Provide direct nursing care to students and staff for illness, injury, and other health concerns.
Assess student health needs and determine appropriate nursing interventions, referrals, emergency
responses, and return-to-class recommendations within the RN's scope of practice.
Administer prescribed and authorized medications and treatments according to provider orders,
parent/guardian authorization, district procedures, and applicable law.
Follow and implement student Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans
(EAPs), medication orders, and other established health protocols.
Support health-related accommodations and services identified in students' Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, as appropriate to the nursing role.
Provide care for students with chronic or complex health conditions, which may include asthma,
diabetes, seizure disorders, severe allergies/anaphylaxis, and other medical conditions.
Recognize and respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including activating emergency
medical services when indicated.
Perform first aid, CPR, and other emergency interventions within professional training and scope of practice.
Maintain accurate, timely, confidential documentation of student health visits, medication
administration, treatments, communications, and other nursing services.
Communicate significant health concerns to parents/guardians, administrators, the regular school
nurse, and appropriate staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Follow infection prevention and communicable disease procedures consistent with district protocols
and applicable public health guidance•
Review relevant health information at the beginning of an assignment to identify students with
significant medical needs and emergency plans.
Maintain the security and confidentiality of student health information in accordance with FERPA,
applicable HIPAA requirements, district policy, and professional nursing standards.
Follow district procedures related to mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Maintain a safe, organized, sanitary, and welcoming health office environment.
Collaborate respectfully with educators, paraprofessionals, related-service providers, administrators,
families, and healthcare professionals.
Promote a school environment in which students feel safe, respected, included, and supported.
Perform other health-related duties consistent with RN licensure, district policy, and the needs of the
assignment.

Minimum Qualifications
Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license valid to practice in the State of Colorado.
Current CPR/AED certification from a district-approved provider; Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
may be required.
Ability to provide nursing services independently and exercise sound professional judgment in a
school environment.
Knowledge of emergency response, medication administration, infection prevention, chronic health
conditions, and basic pediatric/adolescent nursing care.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal and ethical requirements related to student
records and healthcare information.
Successful completion of district-required background checks and other employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
Previous experience in school nursing, pediatric nursing, public health, community health,
emergency nursing, or a related field.
Experience supporting students with disabilities and students with complex medical needs.
Familiarity with IEPs, Section 504 Plans, Individualized Healthcare Plans, Emergency Action Plans,
and school-based health procedures.
Experience working collaboratively with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students
and families.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and restorative practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful Substitute RN will demonstrate the ability to:
Make timely and appropriate nursing judgments in routine and emergency situations.
Establish positive, professional relationships with students of varying ages and developmental levels.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with students, families, staff, administrators, and
healthcare providers.
Recognize how health conditions may affect attendance, behavior, learning, participation, and overall
student wellness.
Provide equitable, culturally responsive care that respects student identity, family practices,
language, culture, and individual needs.
Work independently while seeking appropriate consultation when a situation exceeds the substitute
nurse's knowledge, authorization, or scope of practice.
Remain calm and organized during medical emergencies.
Follow written healthcare plans, physician/provider orders, district procedures, and nursing standards.
Use district-approved electronic health records and other technology as required.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Physical and Work Requirements

The position may require the employee to:
Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout school buildings and grounds.
Respond quickly to emergencies in classrooms, playgrounds, athletic areas, buses, or other school locations.
Assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, or personal healthcare needs when appropriately trained and when required by the assignment.
Lift or move supplies and equipment and assist students within district-established safe lifting requirements.
Have sufficient visual, auditory, and communication abilities to assess students, administer medications and treatments, document care, and respond to emergencies.
Work with potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, infectious illnesses, medications, and other occupational hazards while following required safety precautions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Professional Expectations

The Substitute RN is expected to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, sound clinical judgment, and
respect for the dignity of every student. The nurse supports a safe and inclusive learning environment and
recognizes that effective school health services contribute directly to student attendance, access to
instruction, academic success, and overall wellness.
The Substitute RN is also expected to follow all district policies, nursing procedures, emergency protocols,
professional ethical standards, and applicable state and federal requirements.

District Mission Alignment

Through responsive and equitable school health services, the Substitute RN supports district priorities
related to Academic Achievement and Growth, Demonstration of Learning through Real-World
Learning, and Wellness by helping ensure that students are healthy, safe, included, and able to participate fully in their educational experience.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
qualifications, or working conditions. Duties may be modified based on district needs and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.

If you have specific questions about the registered nurse substitute position in Estes Park Schools, please contact the Director of Student Services, Sundee Pietsch, at 970-586-2361 x3008 or via email at sundee_pietsch@psdr3.k12.co.us

• Salary:

• Short-Term Substitute - The daily rate of pay for a short-term substitute RN is $250.