The Rivers School — a 6-12 co-ed independent day school in Weston, MA, just outside Boston — seeks professionals who are looking to join a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming school community.
The Lead School Nurse is responsible for managing and coordinating the health services within the school. This role includes providing direct medical care, managing student health records, and working closely with school administration, staff, and families to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. This role is typically performed during regular school hours but may require occasional evenings for meetings or events and on call for out of state trips.
Key Responsibilities:
Health Services Management:
- Supervise the school's nursing staff (nurse assistant) and ensure all health procedures are followed.
- Ensure Med Delegation Protocols and Application with DPH is in place yearly
- Epipen training for all teachers and coaches and others in the Rivers Community
- Student Epipen Training for students with Life Threatening Allergies
- Coordinate care for students with chronic conditions or special healthcare needs (e.g., asthma, diabetes, allergies). Create the Allergy List to be shared with the Kitchen and teaching community.
- Provide first aid and emergency care for injuries and illnesses occurring on campus during the school day.
- Manage Telehealth Schedules and space.
- Maintain and update student health records, including immunization records.
- Work closely with the School Counselors and members of the Wellness Team
- Attend weekly Wellness Meetings for the Middle and Upper School
- Attend weekly Concussion Committee meetings with the trainer, counselor, student support and athletic director.
- Coordinate yearly flu and covid clinics for students and members of the Rivers Community.
- Create and submit yearly Asthma and Diabetes Report to MA DPH
- Create and submit 7th grade and 11th grade vaccination Report to MA DPH
- Review and update MD orders yearly. Ensures orders are signed by the school consulting physician prior to the start of school each year.
- Submit application for Epinephrine Delegation to the Department of Public Health
- Mentor Boston College Nursing Students each semester.
Health Education: - Provide health education resources to parents and guardians as needed.
- The Lead Nurse should have or be willing to get CPR and First Aid Trainer Certification. Will provide CPR and First Aid training to the Rivers Community including elective for upper school students.
Policy and Compliance:
- Ensure the school complies with local, state, and federal health regulations.
- Manage the school's health policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and properly implemented.
- Handle health-related emergencies, including coordinating with local healthcare providers and emergency services.
Collaboration with School Administration:
- Work closely with the school Wellness Team to develop and implement wellness programs and initiatives.
- Provide input on student health-related issues during meetings with parents and school personnel.
- Participate in school events and activities that promote health and wellness.
Student Health Assessment:
- Conduct health assessments as needed on a daily basis
- Manage the dispensing of medications to students in accordance with school policies and parental consent.
- Respond to student illnesses, injuries, and any medical emergencies that arise during the school day.
- Provide accommodations for students with injuries, concussions, MH concerns and other conditions that may require physical and academic accommodations during the school day.
- Manage all day trips
- Collaborate and coordinate with the Director of Travel to make appropriate recommendations for students traveling outside of MA.
- Determine Medical needs of students traveling internationally
- Plan and implement medical needs for student travelers and works with providers, parents and school administrators to ensure a safe trip for all students
- Communicate with parents regarding vaccines for international trips.
Parental and Staff Communication:
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's health issues and medical needs.
- Provide updates on student health statuses, medication administration, and any special accommodations needed.
Recordkeeping and Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and confidential health records for all students.
- Prepare reports on student health trends and submit necessary documentation to health authorities.
Qualifications:
- Education: Minimum BSN Registered Nurse with a current state license.
- Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of experience as Registered Nurse, preferred pediatric experience. Minimum 2-5 years of experience as a School Nurse, preferably in an independent school setting. Camp nursing experience is highly desirable.
- Skills:
- Strong knowledge of first aid, CPR, and emergency medical procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with students, parents, and school staff.
- Organizational skills for maintaining health records and documentation.
- Ability to handle confidential information in compliance with privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA).
- Electronic Health Record knowledge (Magnus software)
Certifications:
- First Aid and CPR certification required.
- DESE requirements for Medication Delegation in the school setting; the DESE and DPH requirements/courses for Delegation in the school setting must be completed prior to the start of the school year.
Rivers encourages interest from candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, experience, and perspectives among our professional and school community. Rivers offers BIPOC affinity, LGBTQ+ affinity, and white allyship spaces for professionals, as well as institutional professional development, to support and enrich our work around equity and access.
Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.
