The Elementary School Nurse strengthens and facilitates the educational process by modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning. This role involves providing direct clinical care to young students (Grades K-6), managing chronic health conditions, administering medications, maintaining regulatory health compliance, and serving as a compassionate health resource for families and staff.

Reports To: Building Principal and/or Superintendent

Terms of Employment: 185-day contract (Standard Academic Calendar)

Salary: Based on the district’s approved licensed salary schedule (determined by degree and years of experience).

Essential Performance Responsibilities

1. Direct Student Care & Clinical Management

• Provide first aid, emergency care, and episodic care for acute illnesses and injuries occurring at school.
• Develop, implement, and annually revise Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for medically fragile students or those with chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, severe allergies/anaphylaxis, Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy) in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-701.
• Administer prescription and over-the-counter medications according to Arkansas law, district policy, and physician orders.
• Provide specialized nursing interventions as required (e.g., blood glucose monitoring, insulin/glucagon administration, tube feedings, or inhaler updates).

2. Regulatory Compliance & State Screenings

• Conduct state-mandated health appraisals and screenings including Vision, Hearing, Scoliosis, and Body Mass Index (BMI) tracking within mandated grade levels.
• Manage parent referrals and follow-ups for any student who does not pass a health screening.
• Audit, verify, and maintain accurate student immunization records to ensure compliance with Arkansas Department of Health regulations; assist administration with mandated student exclusions due to non-compliance or communicable disease outbreaks.

3. Documentation & Communication

• Maintain meticulous, confidential electronic health records for every student encounter using the district's approved student information software, ensuring compliance with FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school, parents/guardians, pediatricians, and community health agencies.
• Participate actively in 504 Plan and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to provide medical expertise regarding student accommodations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Licensure: Must hold a current, active license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (Note: While some districts accept LPNs, an RN or APRN is required by Arkansas law to develop IHPs and delegate nursing tasks).
• Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience preferred; experience in pediatrics, public health, or school nursing is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR and First Aid required.
• Background Cleared: Must pass all mandatory state and federal background checks, including Arkansas State Police, FBI fingerprinting, and the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry.

Key Skills & Physical Demands

• Patience & Empathy: Exceptional ability to comfort, communicate with, and assess young children who may lack the vocabulary to explain their symptoms or regulate their emotions when hurt/sick.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 40 pounds independently (e.g., assisting an injured student or moving equipment). Must be able to respond rapidly across a campus layout during a medical emergency.