What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Nurse position at West Northfield School District 31?
The Registered Nurse supports the mission of West Northfield School District 31 and is committed to empowering every student to make a positive impact on tomorrow's community. The Registered/Licensed Professional Nurse promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff to ensure every student is healthy, safe, present, and ready to learn. The school nurse serves as a vital member of the educational team by providing direct nursing care, managing student health services, responding to medical emergencies, promoting wellness, and collaborating with families, staff, healthcare providers, and community agencies to support student success.
QUALIFICATIONS: The Registered/Licensed Professional Nurse shall:
● Hold a current, active, and unrestricted Illinois Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license in good standing issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), in accordance with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.
● Hold, or obtain within a District-established timeframe, certification as an Illinois Vision Screening Technician and Illinois Audiometric Technician through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
● Maintain current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), including Basic Life Support (BLS), or equivalent certification appropriate for a school setting.
● Possess strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
● Successfully complete District-required training, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and participate in crisis prevention and intervention strategies as appropriate to support student safety. ● Meet all District employment requirements, including required background checks and mandated reporter training.
Preferred Qualifications
● Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Nurse endorsement or eligibility to obtain one. ● Previous experience as a school nurse, pediatric nurse, public health nurse, or in a related healthcare setting.
● Experience working with students with chronic health conditions, disabilities, and medically complex needs.
Physical Requirements
● Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and move throughout school buildings and grounds.
● Frequently communicate effectively with students, staff, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and emergency personnel in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
● Read, prepare, and maintain electronic and written health records, reports, and documentation.
● Use standard office equipment, computers, electronic health record systems, and medical equipment.
● Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary.
● Assist students with mobility, transfers, positioning, and activities of daily living as appropriate to the position.
● Respond quickly to medical emergencies, including moving rapidly throughout the building, climbing stairs, kneeling, crouching, and assuming positions necessary to assess and provide emergency care.
● Perform CPR, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), administer first aid, and safely perform other emergency nursing procedures.
● Administer medications and perform skilled nursing procedures requiring manual dexterity and fine motor coordination.
● Tolerate exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and other environmental conditions commonly encountered in a school setting while following appropriate infection control procedures.
● Occasionally work outdoors in varying weather conditions while supervising or responding to student health needs.
● Maintain regular attendance and the ability to respond to student health needs throughout the workday.
Essential Skills
● Listening and speaking skills
● Visual observation skills of students, faculty, and staff
● Problem-solving skills
● Maintenance of confidentiality
● Ability to engage in physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, reaching, and lifting and physically supporting students
● Engages in continuous professional improvement
● Possesses job-specific skills required to meet essential job functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Student Health Services
● Assess, evaluate, and provide nursing care to students experiencing illness, injury, or medical emergencies during the school day.
● Administer first aid and respond appropriately to medical emergencies and crisis situations.
● Administer medications and perform nursing procedures in accordance with physician orders, District policy, and applicable laws and regulations.
● Monitor students following medication administration or medical treatment, including students with seizure disorders, cardiac conditions, diabetes, allergies, asthma, and other chronic health conditions.
● Provide specialized nursing care, including G-tube feedings, catheterization, tracheostomy care, or other procedures as assigned and within the scope of nursing practice.
● Assist in implementing individualized toileting and personal care programs as needed.
● Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and nursing care plans.
Student Support & Special Programs
● Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and other individualized accommodations.
● Participate in IEP, 504, problem-solving, and student support meetings as appropriate.
● Recommend health-related accommodations and modifications to support student access to educational programs.
● Monitor implementation of health-related accommodations and follow up as necessary.
Health Screening & Compliance
● Maintain accurate and confidential student health records in accordance with District, state, and federal requirements.
● Monitor compliance with immunization, physical examination, dental, vision, and health requirements.
● Conduct or assist with state-required vision and hearing screenings and coordinate referrals and follow-up, when appropriately certified.
● Identify health concerns and facilitate referrals to families and healthcare providers for evaluation, treatment, and follow-up.
Health Promotion & Prevention
● Promote healthy lifestyles, wellness, injury prevention, and disease prevention through education and consultation.
● Assist in implementing communicable disease prevention, infection control, and public health initiatives. ● Participate in accident prevention, emergency preparedness, and school safety planning.
● Collaborate with instructional staff to support health education and student wellness initiatives.
Collaboration & Communication
● Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, staff, physicians, and community agencies regarding student health needs while maintaining confidentiality.
● Provide consultation and training to staff regarding student medical conditions, emergency procedures, medication administration, and health-related accommodations.
● Assist families in understanding student health needs and accessing appropriate community resources and healthcare services.
● Collaborate with public and private agencies to coordinate services that support student health and success.
School & District Support
● Accompany students requiring nursing services on field trips, extracurricular activities, athletic events, or community-based instruction as assigned.
● Support building administration and the school office with health-related matters and other duties as assigned by the principal.
● Maintain a safe, organized, and fully stocked health office.
● Maintain inventory of health office equipment, medications, and medical supplies.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
● Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of student visits, assessments, treatments, medications, communications, and nursing interventions.
● Utilize District technology systems and electronic health records to document services and maintain required records.
● Prepare reports required by the District, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, and other regulatory agencies.
Professional Responsibilities
● Maintain all required professional licenses, certifications, and continuing education requirements.
● Participate in professional development activities to remain current with school nursing best practices, applicable laws, and emerging health issues.
● Participate as an active member of the school community and contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture.
● Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and sound judgment in all aspects of the position.
● Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, or Superintendent.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Established by the District calendar, Board of Education policy, any applicable Agreement between the Board of Education and WNTA, and any memoranda of agreement or understanding agreed upon Updated July 2026 between the WNTA and Superintendent and school law pertaining to certified personnel or educational support personnel.
EVALUATION: Performance is evaluated by the building or district administration in accordance with Board of Education Policy and the West Northfield School District 31 Certified Staff Performance Appraisal Process.