Exceptional Children (EC) Nurse

Exceptional Children (EC) Nurse

Reports to: Principal, School Nurse Supervisor (if LPN), and Exceptional Children's Program Director

POSITION PURPOSE

The Exceptional Children (EC) Nurse provides specialized nursing services and health-related support to students with disabilities and/or significant medical needs within the school setting. The EC Nurse may serve in a dedicated one-on-one capacity or provide nursing support across multiple schools and students within the district based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), healthcare plans, medical needs, and student schedules, including modified schedules.

The EC Nurse works collaboratively with families, school staff, healthcare providers, and IEP teams to ensure students safely access educational opportunities in the least restrictive environment while maintaining compliance with health, safety, and special education requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Current negative TB screening/result
• Experience working with children and/or medically fragile students preferred
• Knowledge of pediatric, school health, and special education practices
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills
• Ability to travel between schools/sites within the district as assigned
• Valid driver's license preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to frequently bend, crouch, kneel, push, pull, and lift up to 60 pounds
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, toileting, changing, feeding, and personal care needs as required
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Seizure disorder monitoring and intervention
• Diastat administration
• Diabetes management, insulin injections, and insulin pump monitoring
• Medication administration
• G-tube feedings and care
• Tracheostomy care and suctioning
• Catheterization procedures, if applicable
• Emergency response and crisis intervention
• Infection control and universal precautions
• Documentation and confidentiality requirements related to student health records and IEP implementation

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct nursing care and medically necessary support to students with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions
• Serve students in a one-on-one setting and/or across multiple schools or classrooms as assigned
• Support students on modified schedules, community-based instruction, transportation, field trips, or other school-related activities as needed
• Monitor and respond to medical conditions such as seizures, diabetes, tracheostomy needs, G-tube feedings, asthma, catheterization needs, or other chronic conditions
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, district procedures, and nursing standards
• Assist students with activities of daily living (ADLs), including toileting, diapering/changing, feeding, hygiene, positioning, and mobility needs as required by the student's individualized healthcare plan, IEP, or medical needs
• Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality while providing personal care and medical support
• Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions during all personal care and medical procedures
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized healthcare plans, emergency care plans, and related documentation
• Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, school personnel, and IEP teams regarding student medical needs and accommodations
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely health documentation and records
• Observe and report changes in student health status, behavior, or response to treatment
• Participate in IEP meetings and school-based problem-solving or planning meetings as requested
• Ensure compliance with district policies, IDEA requirements, state nursing regulations, and health/safety procedures
• Provide first aid and emergency care for illnesses, injuries, or medical crises
• Support implementation of emergency drills and safety procedures related to student medical needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration or the Exceptional Children's Department

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Salary based on district salary schedule and experience
• Assignment may vary based on student medical needs, enrollment, schedules, and district needs
• Work schedule follows assigned student and/or district calendar requirements
• Continued employment contingent upon maintaining required licensure and certifications

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.