K-8 Registered School Nurse @ Sugar Creek Charter School

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Sugar Creek Charter School (SCCS) is committed to building a team of dedicated educators, leaders, and role models who believe in the potential of every child and are passionate about making a lasting impact on students' lives.

Our vision is to serve as many students as possible during their formative years, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to become educated, productive, and successful citizens. Through high expectations, intentional instruction, and a commitment to continuous improvement, SCCS strives to create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Our mission is to eradicate generational poverty by providing a rigorous K–12 education that emphasizes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and the development of essential life skills for long-term success.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The K–8 School Nurse is responsible for promoting and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of students by providing comprehensive school-based nursing services. The School Nurse plays a critical role in ensuring students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn by addressing medical needs, managing chronic health conditions, responding to emergencies, and supporting schoolwide health initiatives.

The School Nurse serves as the primary health resource for the K–8 campus and works collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, families, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to remove health-related barriers to student attendance, participation, and academic success.

This position requires an active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license and the ability to independently exercise professional nursing judgment within the scope of practice established by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

SCHOOL NURSE EXPECTATIONS

Student Health Services and Direct Care

• Provide routine, preventive, and emergency nursing care to students in accordance with established nursing standards, school policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Assess student illnesses, injuries, and health concerns; determine appropriate interventions; and communicate with families or emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, parent/guardian authorizations, and school medication administration procedures.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and update individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and emergency action plans for students with chronic or complex medical conditions.
• Support students with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, seizure disorders, and other medical needs requiring school-based care.
• Maintain a clean, organized, adequately stocked, and safe school health office.
• Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals when student health needs extend beyond services available at school.

Health Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date student health records in accordance with applicable laws and school procedures.
• Monitor student immunization records and required health assessments, communicate deficiencies to families, and support compliance with North Carolina school health requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student visits, medication administration, treatments, health screenings, and medical incidents.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations, including infection prevention, communicable disease reporting, and bloodborne pathogen procedures.
• Coordinate required health screenings and follow-up referrals as appropriate.
• Support the school in maintaining emergency medical supplies, first aid equipment, and student emergency health information.
• Provide school leadership with appropriate health-related data, trends, and recommendations while maintaining student confidentiality.

Emergency Preparedness and Student Safety

• Serve as a primary responder to medical emergencies occurring during the school day and assigned school activities.
• Assess emergency situations, initiate appropriate nursing interventions, activate emergency medical services when necessary, and communicate with school leadership and families.
• Support the development, implementation, and review of schoolwide medical emergency response procedures.
• Provide training and guidance to designated school personnel on emergency response protocols, medication administration, and student-specific health needs, consistent with applicable law and nursing delegation requirements.
• Assist with emergency preparedness planning, including procedures for students with medical needs during evacuations, lockdowns, field trips, and other school activities.
• Identify and communicate potential health and safety concerns to school leadership and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

Collaboration, Student Support, and Family Engagement

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, Exceptional Children's personnel, school counselors, and other student support staff to address health-related barriers to learning.
• Participate in IEP, Section 504, student support, and attendance-related meetings when student health needs require nursing input.
• Provide guidance regarding reasonable health accommodations and medically necessary supports that allow students to participate safely in educational activities.
• Communicate proactively and professionally with families regarding student health concerns, medical documentation, treatment plans, and follow-up needs.
• Partner with families and healthcare providers to coordinate appropriate care for students with ongoing or complex medical conditions.
• Support schoolwide efforts to improve student attendance by identifying health-related barriers and recommending appropriate interventions.
• Promote positive relationships with students, families, and staff through compassionate, culturally responsive, and professional healthcare practices.

Health Education and Schoolwide Wellness

• Promote healthy behaviors, preventive care, personal hygiene, nutrition, and wellness among students and staff.
• Provide age-appropriate health education and guidance to students as needed.
• Support schoolwide initiatives related to communicable disease prevention, chronic disease management, and student wellness.
• Serve as a health resource for school personnel by providing information and guidance regarding student medical needs and appropriate school-based responses.
• Assist school leadership in reviewing and improving school health procedures and practices.

Professionalism and Accountability

• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment, professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to student-centered care.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect the confidentiality of student and family health information.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with school leadership regarding significant student health concerns, medical emergencies, and compliance needs.
• Remain current on school nursing practices, required certifications, and applicable healthcare regulations.
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to support the operational needs of the school.
• Uphold the mission, core values, professional expectations, and policies of Sugar Creek Charter School.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or designated supervisor, consistent with professional licensure, nursing scope of practice, and student safety.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSURE, AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the North Carolina Board of Nursing or a valid multistate RN license authorizing practice in North Carolina.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing education program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification for healthcare providers.
• Knowledge of pediatric nursing, emergency medical response, medication administration, and management of chronic health conditions.
• Ability to independently assess student health needs, prioritize care, and respond effectively to medical emergencies.
• Strong communication, organizational, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable student privacy and healthcare regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, families, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Ability to perform the essential clinical and physical responsibilities of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Previous nursing experience in a school, pediatric, community health, or family healthcare setting.
• Experience developing individualized healthcare plans and emergency action plans for school-aged children.
• Familiarity with North Carolina school health requirements, immunization compliance, and student health documentation.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities and medically complex needs.
• National certification in school nursing or other relevant professional credentials.
• Experience providing health education, staff training, and emergency preparedness support.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Primary assignment is the Sugar Creek Charter School K–8 campus.
• Position requires regular interaction with students, families, school staff, and healthcare professionals.
• Must be able to respond promptly to medical emergencies throughout the campus.
• Responsibilities may include standing, walking, bending, assisting students with mobility, and performing clinical procedures.
• May be required to support student health needs during school-sponsored activities, field trips, and special events as assigned.
• Must maintain all required professional licenses and certifications throughout employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Sugar Creek Charter School is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and professional workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified based on school needs, provided they remain consistent with applicable nursing licensure requirements and professional standards.