Lead School Nurse

Primary Purpose

The Lead School Nurse is responsible for implementing, coordinating, and evaluating the division-wide school health program to support student health and academic success. This position combines direct nursing services with leadership responsibilities, including supervision of school nursing personnel, development of health policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, and staff training. The Lead School Nurse works collaboratively with school administrators, families, healthcare providers, and community agencies to remove health-related barriers to learning and promote optimal wellness for students and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Nursing Services

• Assess student health needs and provide nursing care, including medication administration and medically prescribed interventions, in accordance with school division policy and the Virginia Nurse Practice Act.
• Provide first aid and emergency care to students and staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), emergency action plans (EAPs), and Section 504 accommodations related to student health needs.
• Provide nursing oversight and care for medically fragile students and students with chronic health conditions.
• Manage communicable diseases in accordance with school division policy and public health guidelines.
• Conduct or coordinate mandated health screenings, including vision, hearing, scoliosis, blood pressure, height, and weight.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential electronic documentation of nursing visits, medication administration, and health interventions.
• Monitor student health records and immunization compliance.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide supervision, coordination, and evaluation of school nurses, health assistants, substitute nurses, and other assigned personnel.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and orientation of nursing staff.
• Maintain personnel records related to licensure, certifications, and required training.
• Observe and evaluate nursing practice and provide consultation, coaching, and demonstrations of clinical skills as needed.
• Serve as a clinical resource to nursing staff regarding complex health issues and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) practice within their legal scope and receive appropriate Registered Nurse supervision.

Program Development and Administration

• Develop, implement, and periodically revise health services policies, procedures, protocols, and templates, including:
• Individualized healthcare plans
• Medication administration procedures
• Screening procedures
• Nursing documentation forms
• Coordinate and monitor Medicaid billing activities and ensure required care plans are completed.
• Manage equipment used in school health clinics, including AEDs, emergency supplies, maintenance, and recall management.
• Develop and implement health promotion initiatives for students, staff, and families.
• Prepare reports and maintain records required by the school division, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Education, and other regulatory agencies.

Training and Professional Development

• Plan and deliver health-related training for staff, including:
• CPR/First Aid
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Medication administration
• Diabetes care
• Epinephrine auto-injector use
• Food allergy management
• Maintain instructor certification for CPR/First Aid as required.
• Coordinate professional development for school nursing personnel, substitute nurses, and student nurses.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with students, families, physicians, school administrators, teachers, counselors, and community agencies to support student health and educational access.
• Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies and healthcare organizations.
• Participate on committees and advisory boards as assigned, including serving as chair of the School Health Advisory Board when designated.
• Substitute for school nurses as needed to ensure continuity of health services.

Compliance and Professional Standards

• Carry out school division policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives.
• Maintain current professional licensure and certifications.
• Uphold confidentiality of student health information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, and applicable laws.
• Respect the cultural, religious, and individual rights of students and families.
• Maintain professional appearance, including visible identification badge.

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience in school nursing, pediatrics, public health, community health, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze problems, exercise sound clinical judgment, and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office software.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• National certification in School Nursing (NCSN).
• CPR/First Aid Instructor certification.
• Experience with Medicaid billing and school health regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric, adolescent, and public health nursing principles.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing school health services.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate nursing personnel.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures, and educational programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to respond effectively in emergencies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies used in school health clinics.
• Ability to travel between school sites as needed.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies.

This position is governed by school board policies, administrative regulations, professional nursing standards, and applicable state and federal laws. Decisions involving health services outside established programs or requiring budgetary commitments are subject to prior supervisory approval.

FLSA Status: Exempt