Special Education/Float Nurse

Washington County Schools (TN); Jonesborough (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Special Education Nurse at Washington County Schools (TN) provides skilled nursing, health education, and advocacy for students with significant disabilities and medical needs. Located at an assigned school, you will collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to support health, safety, and participation in school activities.

Must hold LPN or RN licensure; CPR certification; experience with special education preferred.

Qualifications

• Must hold licensure as LPN or RN.
• Experience with special education or medically fragile students preferred.
• CPR certification required or obtainable within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nursing care and health monitoring during the school day.
• Develop and update health plans (IHPs/EAPs) and contribute to IEP meetings as healthcare consultant.
• Train staff on medical needs, equipment use, and emergency protocols.

Skills

LPN certification

RN certification

Special education experience

Education

LPN or RN license

CPR certification

Job description

Job Title: Special Education Nurse

Education: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Higher; Experience with special education or medically fragile children is highly preferred.

Department/Group: Student Supports - Coordinated School Health

Certificates & Licenses: Current healthcare certification (RN, LPN, or equivalent); Valid CPR instructor certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)

Location: Assigned School

Required Testing: Pre-employment Physical Exam

Level/Salary Range: School Nurse Pay Scale

Continuing Education/Training: Maintain state license requirements; Participate in ongoing professional development and related training

HR Contact: HR Director or HR Generalist

Position Type: Full Time

Job Category: Certified

Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Purpose

The Special Education Nurse works as a critical member of the educational team in a Comprehensive Development Classroom (CDC), providing skilled nursing care, health education, and advocacy for students with significant disabilities and complex medical needs. This role ensures students' health and safety, supports their participation in school activities, and collaborates closely with teachers, therapists, families, and administrators. The nurse may also support educational tasks as needed, working alongside classroom staff to facilitate student learning and engagement.

Essential Functions

• Deliver direct nursing care, including medication administration, tube feedings, tracheostomy care, seizure management, and other procedures as prescribed by students' healthcare providers.
• Assess, monitor, and manage students' chronic and acute health needs during the school day, responding effectively to emergencies.
• Develop, implement, and update Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs); contribute to Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings as a healthcare consultant.
• Document all nursing care, interventions, and health-related incidents according to school policies and state regulations.
• Provide training and support to school staff regarding students' medical needs, use of equipment, and emergency protocols.
• Promote a safe and inclusive environment by monitoring for communicable diseases, maintaining infection control practices, and advocating for appropriate accommodations.
• Liaise with students' families, physicians, and outside agencies to coordinate care and ensure continuity between home, school, and medical providers.
• Support health education programs for students, staff, and families as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers and classroom staff to assist with educational activities, provide support during classroom routines, and help facilitate student participation and engagement in learning, as needed.
• Administers both routine and emergency medications (including Glucagon, Diastat, and Epi-pens)
• Performs specialized medical procedures such as catheterization, gastrostomy tube feedings, blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and nebulizer treatments
• Provides first aid and emergency care to students, faculty, staff, and other school community members
• Maintains accurate and timely records of all medical interventions, procedures, and medications
• Manages documentation for health screenings, immunization compliance, and equipment maintenance
• Ensures compliance with Washington County Department of Education School Board policies and healthcare guidelines
• Manages medical supply inventory
• Maintain a high level of personal integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Assume the responsibility of having regular and timely attendance.
• Participate in a variety of meetings and trainings.
• Assume responsibility for knowing and following the safety rules and proper procedures associated with the responsibilities of the job.
• Follow all board policies, school system rules and administrative regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality relative to employee, student, and parent records/information and procedures according to legal and system guidelines such as the Washington County Schools Policy Manual and Employee Code of Conduct.
• Report immediately, as required by law, to the appropriate agency(ies) and the principal or other persons designated by the school system, incidents of actual or suspected child abuse, actual or suspected child sexual abuse.
• Report immediately, as required by law or school policy, to the appropriate agency(ies) and/or the principal or other persons designated by the school system, incidents involving unlawful student possession of weapons or drugs or fighting on school property.
• Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, students, parents, administrators, boosters, etc.).
• Respond to emergency situations and safety concerns as necessary and direct appropriate personnel for resolution.

Other Functions

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Mental Demands

Experiences frequent interruptions; required to meet flexible deadlines, requires concentration and attention to detail; may occasionally deal with distraught individuals.

Physical Demands

Required to sit for prolonged periods; exposed to visual display terminal for prolonged periods; dexterity and precision required in the operation of a computer.

Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:

• Stooping and/or kneeling
• Reaching
• Hearing
• Seeing
• Talking
• Lifting

Temperament (Personal Traits)

• Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Adaptability to accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity.
• Adaptability to dealing with students, faculty, administration, and CO staff.
• Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.

This job description will be reviewed periodically and at the end of the academic year. The description may be amended to determine viability.