The School Nurse provides direct nursing care, manages health protocols, and conducts screenings to support student wellness and academic success. They also collaborate with staff and families to ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain a safe school environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Diploma, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s degree in nursing and possess a valid Tennessee LPN or RN license. At least two years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatric or school settings, is required.
Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars' learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive, and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative, and rigorous education. Visit Journey Community Schools for more information (https://myjourneycs.org [https://myjourneycs.org]).
The Opportunity
The School Nurse is responsible for advancing the overall health and wellness of students to support their academic and social success. The School Nurse implements a comprehensive health program that promotes health and safety, provides timely intervention for health-related concerns, and supports the school community through education and preventive care. The School Nurse demonstrates a strong clinical foundation, manages school-based health protocols, and collaborates with students, families, and staff to build capacity for self-care, advocacy, and positive health outcomes. In addition to direct care, the School Nurse supports compliance with health regulations and contributes to the development of a healthy school environment.
What You Will Do
Health Services Delivery
Provide direct nursing care, including first aid, medication administration, and management of chronic conditions
Maintain accurate, confidential health records and document all care provided in the electronic medical record (EMR)
Enter and update provider orders, individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), emergency action plans (EAPs), and immunization records in the EMR
Conduct vision, hearing, and other health screenings; follow up and refer students for further care as needed, including coordination through the Student Support Team
Initiate referrals and communicate with parents, school personnel, and community health providers for follow-up care
Report medical concerns and assist with immunization reviews, state-required health reports, and student screenings as directed
Identify students in need of medical or dental care and observe for health needs
Benefits
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Adoption assistance program
Tuition reimbursement plan
Benefit plans
TN state retirement plan
Provide emergency care for illness or injury and coordinate response protocols, including contact tracing and communicable disease procedures
Assist in the Health Screening Room and collaborate with building administrators on health-related concerns
Complete injury reports via EMR and ensure staff follow-up; secure medications and ensure safe storage
Provide age-appropriate health education and guidance for students, families, and staff
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA/FERPA and professional standards
Health Education & Promotion
Educate students, staff, and families on health topics, including disease prevention and healthy lifestyles
Support the development and implementation of school health policies and programs
Collaboration & Communication
Collaborate with administrators, teachers, and counselors to support student health and learning
Participate in Student Support Team, IEP and 504 Plan meetings, to assess and address student health needs.
Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and healthcare providers
Communicate effectively with families regarding health issues and interventions
Compliance & reporting
Collect, analyze, and submit required health services data to state and local health agencies
Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations for school health services
Maintain and audit immunization records and submit required health reports to public health agencies and school administration
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Develop and implement emergency response plans for medical situations
Train school staff on health emergencies, including CPR, first aid, and emergency protocols
Travel & Scheduling
Manage a schedule to ensure consistent health coverage across three campuses
Remain flexible to respond to urgent health needs at any school site
Engage in continuous professional development and quality improvement activities
Advocate for equitable health services, staffing needs, and resources based on school population and health complexity
Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, JCS mission, vision, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, and confidentiality standards.
Performs other duties as assigned
What You Will Bring
Required
Knowledge,
Skills &
Abilities:
Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively across multiple locations
Proficiency in electronic health records and basic computer applications
Minimum Educational Level
Diploma or Associate’s Degree in nursing. Candidates with a Diploma or Associate’s Degree in nursing must establish a documented ability to competently perform all functions of this classification to be considered.
Bachelor’s degree from a state-approved school of nursing preferred.
Licensure Requirements
Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse in the State of Tennessee
Current First Aid & CPR Certification
Valid Driver’s License
Experience Required
3 plus years working with urban students, preferred minimum of two years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatric or school health settings
Compensation
Journey Community Schools offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, small payroll contributions for rich benefit plans, life insurance/short-term and long-term disability, participation in a TN state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.
Journey Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. JCS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.
