Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Summary

Florence School District Three is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and highly skilled Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to provide direct health care services to a student(s) with significant medical needs. Under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) and in collaboration with school administrators and instructional staff, the CNA is responsible for supporting the health, safety, comfort, and educational access of a medically fragile student throughout the school day.

The CNA serves as a dedicated health care provider, ensuring the student's individualized medical, physical, and personal care needs are met while promoting dignity, independence, and inclusion in the educational environment. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one care for a medically fragile student in accordance with the student's Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), physician orders, Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, and district policies.

Assist with activities of daily living, including toileting, diapering, dressing, feeding, hygiene, positioning, transferring, and mobility as needed.

Safely lift, reposition, and transfer students using appropriate equipment and techniques while maintaining student comfort and dignity.

Observe, monitor, and document the student's physical condition, behavior, respiratory status, skin integrity, nutritional intake, and overall well-being throughout the school day.

Promptly recognize and report changes in the student's condition to the supervising Registered Nurse and school administration.

Assist the Registered Nurse with prescribed medical procedures and delegated nursing tasks as permitted under South Carolina law and district protocols.

Administer routine health-related support under the direction of the supervising Registered Nurse, including but not limited to tube feeding support, catheter care, suctioning assistance, oxygen monitoring, seizure observation, or other delegated procedures as appropriate to certification and training.

Monitor and respond appropriately to medical equipment, including feeding pumps, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, communication devices, and other specialized equipment utilized by the student.

Remain vigilant for signs of medical distress or emergency situations and implement emergency response procedures as trained, including CPR and First Aid when necessary.

Maintain accurate documentation of care provided, treatments performed, observations, and incidents in accordance with district procedures and applicable privacy laws.

Maintain confidentiality of all student medical information in compliance with FERPA, HIPAA (where applicable), and district policies.

Collaborate with school nurses, teachers, therapists, transportation personnel, special education staff, and parents to support the student's health, safety, and educational success.

Accompany and assist the student during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, emergency drills, and school-sponsored activities as assigned.

Assist with health screenings, basic first aid, and general student health needs as directed by the school nurse when student assignments permit.

Maintain inventory, cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation of medical equipment, treatment areas, and health supplies.

Follow infection prevention and universal precautions at all times.

Participate in required district trainings, nursing competencies, emergency preparedness exercises, and professional development activities.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising Registered Nurse, Principal, or Director of Student Services consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

Current South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing.

High school diploma or GED required.

Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Experience providing care for medically fragile children or individuals with complex medical needs is strongly preferred.

Experience in pediatric, school, hospital, rehabilitation, home health, or long-term care settings is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to follow physician orders, nursing care plans, and delegated medical procedures accurately.

Ability to recognize changes in a student's medical condition and respond appropriately.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate documentation.

Ability to work independently while remaining under the clinical supervision of the Registered Nurse.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to:

Frequently lift, transfer, reposition, and assist students weighing up to 50 pounds independently and greater weights with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment.

Push and maneuver wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.

Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday.

Respond quickly during medical emergencies.

Perform repetitive physical tasks associated with direct personal care.

Possess sufficient visual, auditory, and manual dexterity to safely perform delegated nursing tasks.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a school setting and may include classrooms, health rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, community-based instructional settings, and other school-related environments. The position may involve exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, medical equipment, and emergency situations. Universal precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be utilized at all times.

Terms of Employment

This position follows the district-approved work calendar and salary schedule. Employment is contingent upon maintaining current CNA certification, successful completion of required background screenings, required health-related certifications, and all district employment requirements.