The 1:1 Registered Nurse provides individualized nursing care and health-related support to an assigned student throughout the school day and during school-sponsored activities, as determined by the student's health care plan, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, and/or physician orders. The nurse supports the student's health, safety, access to education, and participation in the school environment while promoting independence to the greatest extent appropriate.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The 1:1 Registered Nurse will:
- Provide direct nursing care to the assigned student in accordance with physician orders, the student's individualized health care plan, emergency action plan, IEP, Section 504 Plan, and District procedures.
- Assess and monitor the student's health status throughout the school day.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with applicable laws, physician orders, and District procedures.
- Provide nursing interventions related to the student's identified medical needs and follow the established medical plan.
- Recognize changes in the student's medical condition and respond appropriately.
- Respond to medical emergencies and initiate emergency procedures when necessary.
- Maintain emergency medications, equipment, and supplies needed for the assigned student.
- Accompany and support the student during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, co-curricular activities, and other parts of the school day when nursing support is required.
- Accompany the student on field trips and other school-sponsored activities when nursing services are required.
- Collaborate with the District Nurse/School Nurse, administrators, teachers, related service providers, instructional assistants, and other staff members regarding the student's health and safety needs.
- Communicate relevant health information to appropriate staff while maintaining student confidentiality.
- Communicate with the student's parent/guardian regarding health-related concerns as appropriate and in coordination with District procedures.
- Maintain accurate and timely nursing documentation, including medication administration, treatments, observations, interventions, and significant health-related events.
- Follow District procedures related to infection control, medication administration, emergency response, confidentiality, and student safety.
- Participate in meetings related to the student when requested, including IEP, Section 504, health care planning, and re-entry meetings.
- Assist in the development and implementation of individualized health care plans and emergency action plans as appropriate.
- Maintain student confidentiality and professional communication in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, applicable state and federal laws, and District policy.
- Promote student dignity, privacy, inclusion, and independence.
- Encourage the student to participate independently in school activities and health-related routines to the greatest extent appropriate.
- Maintain professional boundaries while providing individualized support.
- Perform other nursing-related duties associated with the assigned student as directed by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, District Nurse/School Nurse, or building administrator. Professional
Professional Responsibilities The 1:1 Registered Nurse is expected to:
- Maintain current knowledge of the student's medical needs and emergency procedures.
- Follow physician orders and established nursing standards of practice.
- Maintain required professional licensure and certifications.
- Participate in required District training and professional development.
- Collaborate respectfully and effectively with students, families, District staff, and outside health care providers, when appropriate and when proper authorization is in place.
- Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality due to the individualized nature of the assignment.
- Notify the appropriate administrator as soon as possible when an absence may affect the student's nursing coverage.
- Follow all District policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Qualifications Required:
- Current Illinois Registered Professional Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Current First Aid certification, if not included within CPR certification.
- Ability to provide individualized nursing services based on physician orders and the student's identified medical needs.
- Knowledge of emergency medical procedures.
- Ability to maintain accurate health records and documentation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a school environment and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred:
- Previous pediatric, school nursing, community health, or medically complex student experience.
- Experience working with children with disabilities or complex medical needs.
- Professional Educator License with School Nurse endorsement, when applicable to the responsibilities of the position.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
- Moving throughout the school building and school grounds.
- Assisting with positioning, mobility, transfers, or personal care when required by the student's plan.
- Bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting as necessary to provide nursing care.
- Transporting or managing medical equipment and supplies.
- Responding quickly and appropriately during a medical emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment The 1:1 Registered Nurse works primarily in a school setting and accompanies the assigned student throughout the educational day as required. The position may involve exposure to bodily fluids, communicable illnesses, medical equipment, and emergency situations consistent with the responsibilities of professional nursing practice.
Terms of Employment Employment terms, work calendar, compensation, and benefits will be established by West Northfield School District 31 in accordance with the position classification and applicable District policies and agreements.
Evaluation Performance will be evaluated by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and/or designated administrator in accordance with District procedures.