Classroom Nurse (1:1), Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA SY2024-2025

 

About Salem Public Schools
Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history.  Salem Public School educators are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement.  We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community.  We seek individuals who are able to serve all of our students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. Salem Public Schools has a clear equity statement and core values that guide and drive our work as an anti-racist organization. Applicants who have experienced working in urban schools and have bilingual skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The 1:1 Classroom Nurse provides 1:1 nursing care for a student with complex medical needs who requires nursing services as part of an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan. The 1:1 Classroom nurse implements a plan of care per the student’s individualized health care plan or emergency plan. A licensed practical nurse in this role performs these duties under the supervision of the School Nurse.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

           

Nursing Services:

Using the nursing process, the 1:1 Classroom Nurse collaborates with the school nurse, the parent/guardian, and the student, where appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan and/or emergency plan for the student:

• provides medically prescribed interventions, which may include medication administration (based on state regulations), tracheostomy care, and gastronomy care;
• assesses respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and integumentary status throughout the day as indicated by the student’s health care plan;
• assesses student response to nursing actions in order to revise the database, nursing diagnoses, and nursing care plan and to determine the progress made toward goal achievement; 
• assists in toileting and other personal care;
• documents pertinent information in student records or confidential nursing notes;
• collects information about the health and developmental status of the student, and their family systematically and continuously, including health and social histories, screening results, physical assessment, emotional status, performance level, and health goals;
• develops a nursing diagnosis and care plan in collaboration with the school nurse with specific goals and interventions delineating nursing actions specific to student needs and coordinated with the efforts of other providers and school personnel;
• implements plans in a manner aimed at improving health and educational status;
• responds to child neglect or abuse issues (as required by Massachusetts statute);
• provides first aid;
• administers CPR and responds promptly to emergencies; 
• accompanies the student on all field trips;
• performs other duties as directed by the Director of Nursing.

Collaboration:

The 1:1 Classroom Nurse collaborates with other professionals and team members as follows:

• participates as a team member; with parental consent when indicated, shares information with other team members about the student with special health care needs that affect their safety, learning, and growth;
• acts as an advocate for the student and family when appropriate;
• attends Special Education Team meetings as needed;
• works with school-based teams toward the achievement of IEP-related goals;
• includes the student and parent/guardian in the team conference whenever possible and appropriate;
• identifies health-related needs for inclusion in the individual education plan;
• assists with the smooth functioning of the student with special health care needs and/or disabilities within the classroom setting;
• reports any emergency care provided or medication administration to the school nurse.

Professional Practice:

Applies appropriate nursing theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to the student health needs:

• demonstrates current knowledge in such areas as (a) school and community health, (b) communicable disease control, (c) growth and development, (d) health assessment, (e) special health conditions, both chronic and acute, (f) injury prevention and emergency care, (g) health counseling, health education and promotion, and (h) current adolescent issues;
• assumes responsibility for continuing own education; obtains expert consultation, supervision, and peer review as needed;
• follows Policies and Procedures defined by Salem Public Schools.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed by MA BORN as LPN or RN

• Certified in CPR/AED and First Aid

• One to two years experience in a child health, community health, or other relevant clinical nursing setting

• Experience caring for children with special health care needs

 

What You’ll Bring:

We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to change children’s lives through education. You’ll be right at home here if you are a reflective practitioner who values collaboration with colleagues and pushes yourself, your work, and the people around you to the next level.  We expect our SPS employees to:

• Hold a deep commitment to students and families and value diversity - The SPS community is vibrant, diverse in background, ethnicity, language, and perspective. You embrace and affirm the backgrounds of all members of the SPS community and view our diversity as a powerful resource that supports us each in learning and doing our best work.
• Hold high expectations for yourself, students, and colleagues – You see potential in all, especially our SPS students, and maintain high expectations for achievement, while providing the support necessary to meet that bar. You hold yourself to high expectations, modeling SPS values and seeking opportunities to continuously improve.
• Build authentic, caring relationships with colleagues, students, and families – You build strong relationships across students, families, and colleagues that are collaborative in nature and contribute to the individual and collective success of SPS.  You partner with families and colleagues to make decisions in the best interest of students and learning.
• Embrace feedback – You are a reflective practitioner who learns from failure, using mistakes and challenges as opportunities for growth. You model persistence and growth mindset and thrive in a culture of feedback.

 

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Reports To: Director of Nursing and Health Services and Executive Director of Special Education.

 

Work Year:

The 1:1 Classroom Nurse position is a school-year position, 180 days, commencing on the student’s first day of school in August/September and ending on their last day of school in June. Please visit www.salemk12.org to view the 2024-25 district and/or school calendar.

 

Summer School:

The 1:1 Classroom Nurse may have the opportunity to work during Summer Programs and be compensated at the hourly rate determined by the School Committee.

 

Salary and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with the candidate’s experience and licensure.