School Nurse

As a School Nurse (LPN) at Volunteers of America Upstate New York's Children's Center, you will serve as the primary health resource for up to 220 children ranging from 8 weeks through 12 years old. You will assess illnesses and injuries, provide first aid, manage health and immunization records, oversee medication administration, and ensure compliance with Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements and the center's Health Care Plan.

Clinical Setting

The Children's Center provides educational programs focused on early childhood development and school readiness for children 6 weeks through 12 years old, serving more than 500 children and families annually. The center operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and offers full-day care, disability supports for children with special needs, family development services, and ongoing parent training.

Responsibilities

• Assess and respond to child illnesses, injuries, and health concerns during scheduled hours, including routine childhood incidents such as scrapes, cuts, falls, bumps, and bruises
• Provide first aid and appropriate nursing support within the scope of LPN practice and center procedures
• Evaluate children exhibiting symptoms of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs, and determine when a child should be sent home in accordance with center policy, the Health Care Plan, and OCFS requirements
• Use professional nursing judgment to determine when a parent or guardian should be advised that a child may need evaluation by a medical provider or immediate medical attention
• Contact parents or guardians promptly regarding injuries, illness, exclusion from care, or recommended medical follow-up, and document the communication
• Complete accurate and timely OCFS-compliant incident, injury, and illness reports using established center forms and procedures
• Maintain organized records of injuries, illnesses, parent notifications, and related follow-up, and communicate significant concerns or recurring patterns to center leadership
• Review health documentation for new enrollments, including physical examinations, immunization records, allergy information, individual health care plans, medication authorizations, and other required medical records
• Monitor health and immunization records for enrolled children and follow up with families or medical providers regarding missing, incomplete, or expired documentation
• Complete required vision, hearing, growth, and other health screenings within established timelines
• Develop, maintain, and update individualized health care plans for children with medical needs, chronic conditions, allergies, or health-related accommodations, in collaboration with families and appropriate providers
• Maintain current health alert information and communicate pertinent information to appropriate staff while protecting confidentiality
• Provide guidance to staff regarding child health concerns, illness symptoms, injuries, allergies, health care plans, and appropriate documentation and response procedures
• Administer medications as ordered and authorized when needed, including PRN medications such as rescue inhalers, in accordance with applicable requirements and the center's Health Care Plan
• Maintain oversight of medication orders, parent permissions, storage, expiration dates, availability, and medication administration logs
• Coordinate with Medication Administration Trained (MAT) staff who may administer medications or respond to health needs during hours when the School Nurse is not on-site, review related documentation, and follow up on discrepancies or concerns
• Collaborate with the center's Health Care Consultant and program leadership to maintain and update the Health Care Plan and required health-related policies, procedures, records, surveys, and reports
• Collaborate with classroom staff, program leadership, families, medical providers, food service staff, and other partners regarding children's health and safety needs
• Participate in health-related meetings, training, initiatives, and quality improvement activities as directed
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned and consistent with the position

Schedule

The School Nurse's typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Because the nurse is not scheduled for the full operating day, qualified staff, including currently designated MAT-certified staff, may provide first aid, administer authorized medications, and follow established health procedures when the nurse is not on-site. The School Nurse supports continuity of care by maintaining clear procedures and current health information, reviewing medication and incident documentation, and following up on concerns that arise outside scheduled hours.

Required Qualifications

• Current New York State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing
• Knowledge of child health, first aid, immunization requirements, health records, communicable illness, and medication administration practices
• Ability to exercise sound nursing judgment, communicate clearly with families and staff, and maintain accurate and confidential records
• Ability to pass all required criminal history, child abuse, and other background checks
• Current CPR and First Aid certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pediatrics, school health, early childhood health, child care, or community health
• CPR and First Aid instructor certification

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to communicate, sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and reach. The position requires the ability to respond promptly throughout a childcare environment and to lift or move items or assist children consistent with program needs and safe work practices.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an active childcare environment serving infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school-age children. The employee may be exposed to communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, cleaning products, noise, outdoor conditions, and other conditions typical of a child care setting. Appropriate infection-control and safety procedures must be followed.