1:1 Nurse Position Job Description

 

The 1:1 Nurse provides direct, continuous nursing care to an assigned student with significant medical needs to support safe access to the school day in accordance with the student’s physician orders, Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), and IEP/504 plan as applicable.

 

Position Details

• Position: 1:1 School Nurse (Individual Student Support)
• Classification: School-contracted position, contingent upon student’s enrollment and attendance in accordance with the school calendar.
• Reports to the Exceptional Children Coordinator

 

Work Schedule 

• Follows the student’s school calendar and attendance; may include participation in field trips as needed.
• The position is tied to the student’s enrollment and level of medical need as determined by the school-based support team.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care (e.g., medication administration, treatments, procedures within scope) according to student’s physician orders, Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), and IEP/504 plan as applicable
• Monitor the student’s health status throughout the school day, including observing for changes in condition, taking vital signs as needed, and documenting assessments and interventions in real time.
• Perform specialized nursing procedures as ordered and monitor medical equipment as required for the student.
• Provide emergency response for the assigned student, implementing the emergency action plan, administering first aid and CPR, and activating EMS when indicated, according to school policies and procedures.
• Administer prescribed and PRN medications safely, maintain accurate medication records, and follow school/district policies and state regulations for storage and administration.
• Support the student during the school day and at on-campus or school-sponsored activities (e.g., field trips, assemblies) to ensure continuous, safe care; this position does not include riding the bus or providing transportation.
• Maintain thorough, timely documentation of all nursing care, medications, procedures, and health-related incidents according to school policy and applicable nursing standards.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with the student’s Educational Assistant, Case Manager, classroom teacher, related service providers, and administrators regarding the student’s health status and necessary accommodations.
• Participate as a member of the student’s IEP/504/IHP team, providing nursing input, progress updates, and recommendations for health-related goals, services, and emergency planning.
• Support the classroom environment by assisting the student with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, hygiene, feeding, and mobility as related to medical needs; the nurse does not provide academic instruction.
• Follow infection control, standard precautions, and communicable disease protocols to maintain a safe environment for the student and others.
• Adhere to all school policies, the state nurse practice act, professional standards of school nursing, and FERPA/HIPAA confidentiality guidelines.

 

Qualifications

• Current, unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state.
• Current CPR/BLS certification; additional pediatric-related certifications preferred based on student needs.
• Minimum of one to two years of recent nursing experience; experience with pediatrics, medically fragile children, home health, or school nursing preferred.
• Demonstrated competence in caring for medically complex patients and in performing delegated procedures relevant to the student’s needs (e.g., specialized feeding protocols, G-tube care, seizure protocols)
• Ability to work in a school setting independently while collaborating effectively with school staff, families, and healthcare providers.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills; demonstrates a composed, solutions-focused approach when responding to student health needs and unexpected situations.

 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in classrooms, the gym, playground, and other school settings, with exposure to typical school environmental conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transferring of students; must be able to lift and/or move students and equipment as required for safe care (with assistance or devices as appropriate).
• Regular exposure to bodily fluids and potential communicable diseases with required use of personal protective equipment and adherence to universal precautions.

 

Professional Expectations

• Maintain professional boundaries and a student-centered focus, promoting the highest reasonable level of independence and participation for the student.
• Participate in required school training and professional development related to school nursing, student-specific procedures, and emergency response.
• Protect the confidentiality of student information in all communications and records, consistent with legal and ethical requirements.