School Nurse (Certification Track/Certified School Nurse)

Full-Time, Exempt (School Year and ESY Program)

Location: First Children School, Plainfield, NJ

Compensation Range: $65,000-$85,000/Annually

Reports to: School Principal

Collaborates With: Nurse Coordinator and Nursing Team

Position Summary:

The School Nurse provides direct health services, supports student wellness, and ensures compliance with NJDOE/NJDOH regulations. The nurse works under the guidance of the Nurse Coordinator and collaborates with the full nursing team. The School Nurse will assume lead responsibilities during the Nurse Coordinator’s absence, ensuring continuity of care and clinical oversight. The nurse may also be asked to support nursing functions across other company schoolwide programs as needed. Candidates may be enrolled in a university program completing credits toward the NJ School Nurse Certificate.

First Children School in Plainfield, NJ is a New Jersey Department of Education approved private special education school, serving students in grades PreK through high school (ages 3 through 21). We specialize in educating students with multiple disabilities including those who are medically fragile, developmentally, intellectually, or physically disabled, deaf or hard of hearing, and/or visually impaired.

Job Responsibilities:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide direct nursing care to students across classrooms, therapy spaces, and specialized program areas.
Administer medications and treatments according to physician orders and NJ regulations.
Develop, update, and implement Individualized Health Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
Lead NJDOE‑required screenings (vision, hearing, height/weight, scoliosis).
Maintain accurate, confidential health records and compliance documentation.
Provide medical input during IEP meetings and collaborate on student programming.
Support staff training on student‑specific medical needs, infection control, and emergency procedures.
Communicate with families regarding student health updates and follow‑up needs.
Promote a trauma‑informed, sensory‑aware school environment.
Serve as acting lead nurse when the Nurse Coordinator is off‑site, unavailable, or on leave, ensuring clinical continuity and oversight.
Provide occasional support to other company schoolwide nursing programs, as assigned by administration, while maintaining primary responsibility to the APSSD building.
Performs additional responsibilities assigned by the Principal or Nurse Coordinator to support student health, compliance, and overall school operations, including occasional assistance to other company schoolwide nursing programs.

Collaboration & Leadership Structure

The School Nurse works closely with the Nurse Coordinator, who:

Oversees clinical operations and daily nursing flow
Provides mentorship and historical knowledge of student needs
Reviews documentation and supports emergency response
Guides clinical decision‑making and staff training

The School Nurse:

Leads NJDOE‑aligned tasks
Supports compliance documentation
Assumes leadership responsibilities during Coordinator absences
Collaborates with the full nursing team
Provides cross‑program nursing support when requested

Team:

This role will be part of the school staff, reporting to the school principal; collaborates with the Nurse Coordinator and Nursing Team.

Basic Qualifications:

Valid NJ Registered Nurse (RN) license
CPR/AED certification
Eligibility for or possession of the NJ School Nurse Certificate
Completion of or enrollment in a university program leading to the NJ School Nurse Certificate
Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in APSSD, special education, or medically fragile populations
Familiarity with seizure protocols, diabetes management, G‑tube feeding, and other specialized supports
Training in trauma‑informed care and sensory‑aware practices
Experience providing staff training on health and safety procedure

Core Competencies

Student‑Centered Clinical Care
Calm, Clear Communication
Accurate Documentation
Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
Cultural and Sensory Awareness
Sound Clinical Judgment

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Ability to move between classrooms and program areas throughout the school day
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies
Ability to lift or assist students as needed (within safe limits)
Comfort working in sensory‑rich environments

Benefits:

Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation/sick pay, life insurance, short & long-term disability, access to EAP and discount plans, 401(k) retirement plan, and employee referral bonus plan.

Who we are: 

First Children Services is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing the very best services day in and day out. We integrate a variety of effective techniques along with family involvement to achieve optimum results. At First Children Services, children and their families with the most extraordinary challenges are met with compassion, dedication and determination.

EEO: First Children Services is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Our agency prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

First Children Services is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at recruitment@firstchildrenservices.com. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition ID number of the position for which you are applying. 

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2568-School Nurse