School Nurse - Specific Purpose Contract

Horizons Cork; Cork; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible work environment

Competitive salary

Job summary

Horizons Cork is seeking an experienced School Nurse to support three Montenotte area schools. The role focuses on direct nursing care, chronic condition management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure student safety.

The candidate will administer medications, prepare individual healthcare plans, and participate in health promotion activities. A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with NMBI registration and paediatric/school nursing experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and NMBI registration required.
• Minimum 1 year experience with people with ID and complex needs.
• Experience in paediatric or school nursing is an advantage.
• Must have permission to work in Ireland at time of application.
• Strong understanding of school health policies and safeguarding procedures.
• Excellent clinical skills and evidence of CPD.
• Driver’s licence and access to own car is advantageous.
• CPR, catheterisation, PEG, and tracheostomy certifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform nursing assessments and provide direct care based on individual health plans.
• Administer medications and treatments including complex interventions.
• Provide first aid for accidents and injuries.
• Manage and monitor students with chronic conditions.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and healthcare providers to implement health plans.
• Educate students, staff and parents on health topics.
• Maintain student health records and incident reports.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

NMBI registration

CPR qualification

Communication skills

Record keeping

Ethical standards

Driving licence

Paediatric knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

NMBI registration

Job description

School Nurse

Specific Purpose Contract

30 hours per week

Salary: The 13-point salary scale for the post as of 01/06/2026: €38,166, €40,158, €41,175, €42,519, €44,213, €45,907, €47,591, €49,049, €50,509, €51,973, €53,466 €54,956, €56,592LSI

Horizons wish to recruit a highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic School Nurse to support the students of the 3 schools within the Montenotte area. The School Nurse plays an important role in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students. As the critical link between the home and school environment, they monitor the health and safety of the children under their supervision. They provide direct nursing care to students with disabilities, manage chronic health conditions, administer medications, and create individualised healthcare plans. This role also involves collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team and external agencies and ensures student safety through first aid and emergency preparedness.

As students are onsite September to June, school term, the School Nurse will be required to take their annual leave, during school closure times and during the summer months , when no students are at school. The remaining weeks will be allocated to administrative preparation.

Key responsibilities

Direct care

• Perform nursing assessments and provide direct care based on individualised healthcare plans.
• Administer medications and treatments, including complex interventions e.g. gastrostomy feeds and stoma care.
• Provide first aid for accidents and injuries.

Health management

• Manage and monitor students with chronic conditions, which can include conditions that interfere with learning.
• Participate in health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.

Collaboration and communication

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and healthcare providers to develop and implement individualised healthcare plans.
• Facilitate referrals to outside healthcare providers and specialists when necessary.
• Communicate with families and external agencies to ensure continuity of care.
• Act as an advocate for students, promoting self-advocacy where appropriate.
• Educate students, staff, and parents on health-related topics.

Administrative duties

• Manage and maintain student health records, including incident and accident reports.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development to maintain high standards.
• Assist with other related administrative tasks as assigned.

Essential Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in conjunction with current NMBI registration.
• A minimum of 1 year’s previous experience working with people with ID and complex needs.
• Experience working with children would be an advantage; in paediatric or school nursing.
• Have update to date permissions to work and reside in Ireland at time of application.
• A strong understanding of school health policies and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent clinical skills.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Hold a full driver’s licence and access to their own car is an advantage.
• Hold current CPR , catherisarisation, PEG , trachea certification is desirable.
• Be adaptable and flexible in their approach to the working environment.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations and emergencies calmly.
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have a track record of thinking creatively and being person centred.
• Detail orientated with evidence of strong and efficient record keeping.
• Strong ethical standards and professionalism.

What we offer

• A flexible and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.
• An opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

A panel may be formed for a 12-month period to fill any future temporary fixed term School Nurse positions that may arise.

The Department of Health & Children Consolidated Scales apply