School Nurse

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).

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

  • 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.