Lead Nurse

Cook County SD 130; Blue Island (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Registered Professional Lead Nurse to enhance the health and wellness of students. This role involves collaborating with school staff to address health-related barriers, implementing preventative health measures, and providing direct nursing services. You will lead health education initiatives, manage health screenings, and ensure compliance with health regulations. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in students' lives and possess a strong nursing background, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a supportive team and contribute to a healthier school community!

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Reimbursement

Mentoring Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing and a valid school nurse license required.
• Strong communication and crisis management skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide health services to support students' academic and emotional development.
• Oversee health screenings and maintain student health records.

Skills

Professional Nursing

Health Education

Communication Skills

Crisis Management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Professional Educator License with School Nurse endorsement

Tools

MS Word

MS Outlook

Internet Explorer

Job description

Position Type:
School Nurse/ School Nurse

Date Posted:
9/12/2024

Location:
District Wide

Date Available:
August 2025

Job Summary:
The Registered Professional Lead Nurse works with the building administration and staff to provide health services designed to modify or remove health-related barriers that affect the academic and social emotional development of individual students. The Registered Professional Lead Nurse provides preventative health services such as health education, referrals, and basic care to prevent serious health problems and manage current health conditions. The Registered Professional Lead Nurse will oversee the School-based Certified School Nurse (CSN-PEL) and Registered Professional School Nurses in collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and communicating health-related information for Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and implementing the Health Related Educational recommendations. This position is for the 2025-2026 school year.

Job Duties/Essential Functions:

• Assesses the health and safety needs of the school and implements preventative measures and procedures to protect the health and safety of the students and staff.
• Assists school personnel with health curriculum planning and serves as a resource person in the area of health education and in-service activities.
• Consults with school personnel and parents about the health needs and problems of specific students, maintaining professional confidence.
• Assists in organizing and implementing various screening programs, such as vision, hearing, etc., for both regular and special education students.
• Provides follow-up for deficits in vision, hearing, growth and development, and other physical deficits.
• Maintains communication with administrators, teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians regarding the school health program as it relates to the health needs of the students and members of the community.
• Provides health information, services, and counseling to students, parents/guardians, and staff effectively to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
• Participates as a crisis team member and provides assistance to students and staff in the event of a sudden illness or injury.
• Maintains communication with other school nurses, health paraprofessionals, teachers, parents/guardians, and staff to enhance cooperative action to meet the health and safety needs of the students.
• Acts as a liaison between the home, community health agencies, and the private medical sector to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
• Responds promptly to requests by physicians and parents for medications to be administered at school, and assists in obtaining required written instructions from the physician.
• Participates in student case study conferences, taking responsibility for synthesizing, evaluating and interpreting all information concerning the health of a student.
• Participates in IEP and 504 Plan meetings, collaborating with team members to develop and complete individual health care plans for students and health history updates for students having case study evaluations or three-year reevaluations in collaboration with the CSN-PEL.
• Organizes a system for reporting known communicable diseases to the local public health department.
• Participates in the public health immunization program. Compiles and reviews necessary data for the annual state physical and immunization status surveys.
• Cooperates with the principal in the orientation of teachers regarding the recognition of student illnesses and in the use of the district’s approved procedures and policies.
• Develops medication protocols to safely store, administer, document, and monitor the effectiveness of medication given at school.
• Provides direct nursing services, including administering medication and treatment in accordance with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, district policy and procedures; assessing student illnesses and the need for emergency care; identifying health problems; making referrals for treatment; recommending educational modifications; following up with students, parents, and staff; completing accident/incident reports for students; and maintaining appropriate documentation.
• Makes appropriate assessments and referrals in cases of suspected abuse or neglect as required as a mandated reporter.
• Maintains accurate student health records and ensures compliance with state mandates including immunizations, physical and dental examinations, and medical conditions.
• Collaborates with members of the health department to review and develop health-related procedures that comply with state mandates and current best practices.
• Keeps abreast of current research and participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance professional knowledge in the field of school nursing.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all student and school-related health matters.
• Responds promptly to emails and phone calls, maintaining consistent follow-through.
• Professionally represents the District in interactions with parents, community members, and staff.
• Ensures that all activities adhere to District and department guidelines, procedures, and Board policy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Professional Educator License with a School Nurse endorsement;
• CPR Instructor Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification upon hire;
• Vision and hearing certification preferred;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional nursing and the field of school health;
• Knowledge of state and local laws relevant to health and social issues;
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment in making decisions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and/or other required written materials;
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information;
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints;
• Courteous and respectful when dealing with others;
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form;
• Ability to identify and define problem(s), collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality;
• Promote a harassment-free environment;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate a commitment to teamwork;
• Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software especially as systems are updated;
• Ability to proficiently use MS Word, Internet Explorer, and MS Outlook;
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism;
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, Board, state and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision;
• Ability to prepare and maintain records;
• Must have a valid State of Illinois driver’s license.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary for a candidate with a PEL is $49,029 (Please click the link to view the current salary schedule);
• Qualified candidates with a PEL may be granted up to twenty years of verified full-time experience for credit on the salary schedule;
• We offer a mentoring program for nurses with a PEL who are new to the District;
• The District offers a competitive benefits package, which includes health (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental (MetLife), vision (VSP) and life insurance plans (2024-2025 CCSD130 Benefit Summary Guide);
• Reimbursement of up to $100 for goods and activities that promote wellness as part of the District's Employee Wellness Program;
• Employee assistance program offered to employees and their immediate family members.

Work Calendar:

• 180 days (August to May/June)
• 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To apply: Complete application online at www.district130.org. Attach copies of a resume, three letters of reference, and transcripts online.

Cook County School District 130 is an Equal Opportunity Employer