The School Nurse is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Health Office, ensuring a safe, organized, and responsive environment while delivering student health services. This role provides direct student care and oversees Health Office operations, maintaining a well-functioning and student-centered clinical space.
The School Nurse maintains accurate and compliant health records, collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and families, plays a key role in supporting school-wide initiatives, and responds to both routine and emergent health concerns to support student well-being and promote a safe and healthy learning environment.
This position reports to the Director of School Counseling, is a 10-month position, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm. The role is typically performed during regular school hours, with occasional flexibility required for staggered coverage, special events, and school-related travel (e.g., field trips or overnight programs).
Student Health Management
- Provide ongoing monitoring and support for students with chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, allergies) and/or with temporary conditions (e.g., concussions, injuries)
- Provide first aid, assessment, and emergency care for student illness and injury
- Support necessary academic and physical accommodations in collaboration with school teams
- Conduct health assessments as needed throughout the school day
- Administer medications in accordance with school policy and physician/parent orders
- Monitor and maintain medication inventory, including expiration tracking
- Maintain and order Health Office supplies, including student support items (e.g., snack bar)
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date student health records in compliance with state regulations and privacy laws
- Ensure all required health documentation is completed and reviewed (e.g., Snap Health system)
- Monitor immunizations and manage communicable diseases in accordance with public health guidelines
- Implement infection control practices and maintain a safe clinical environment
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding student health needs, care provided, and follow-up recommendations
- Collaborate and communicate regularly with faculty, staff, counselors, athletics department and food service personnel about any student health concerns (e.g., health updates, injuries, concussions, allergies, etc.)
Training, Education & Community Health
- Support health education for students, staff, and families as needed
- Conduct staff training (e.g., EpiPen administration) and coordinate CPR training for all faculty and staff
- Participate in school safety planning, including emergency preparedness, bullying prevention, and crisis response
School Programs & Travel
- Coordinate and manage health planning for off-campus experiences, including day trips and overnight travel
- Conduct thorough pre-trip health reviews, including identifying student medical needs, allergies, medications, and necessary accommodations
- Prepare and organize medical supplies, medications, and documentation for all trips
- Provide direct on-trip nursing care if needed
- Maintain clear communication with families and school personnel regarding student health needs related to travel
A competitive salary and benefits package includes generous funding of professional development. The salary range for this position is $70,000 -$95,000 and is based on education and experience. Derby Academy values inclusivity and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds or who have experience in cultural competency work to apply. Interested candidates should submit their application, complete with cover letter, resume, and references by applying here No phone calls, please.
Derby Academy is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational community and seeks candidates who will add to the diversity of our community. Derby does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender identity, color, veteran status, physical ability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or any other state or federally protected classifications. Derby Academy is an equal opportunity employer.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
- Current Registered Nurse license in Massachusetts
Experience
- 5–10 years of nursing experience required; pediatric experience preferred
- 2–5 years of school nursing experience preferred, ideally in an independent school setting
- Camp nursing or similar experience strongly preferred
Competencies:
- Knowledge of Massachusetts school health regulations, and local laws and best practices relating to health and social issues
- High level of professionalism
- Ability to manage confidential information in compliance with privacy laws
- A genuine interest in the PreK-8 student population and its health needs
- Skillful use of technology, including electronic health records (Snap Health preferred)
- Excellent communication, oral and written - ability to collaborate effectively with all school constituents - students, families and school personnel
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
- Outstanding time-management and organization skills
- A calm and joyful presence
- A sense of humor, flexibility, energy, patience, and creativity
Certifications
- First Aid, AED and CPR certification required