Summer Academies Nurse

The Program: Summer Academy - Residential & Commuter:

Summer Academy has long been the keystone of Thrive Scholars’ Six-Year Program, offering a signature summer experience through intensive college-preparatory courses taught by college instructors. Thrive’s current strategic direction builds on the success of our residential Summer Academy to expand our impact by establishing commuter-based Academies in cities across the United States. We launched our first two commuter programs in Los Angeles and New York City in 2024 and Chicago in 2025, while simultaneously continuing to offer the residential Summer Academies for Scholars who do not have an academy in their community. We expect to continue extending our reach to other cities in the coming years.

The Students:

Our students are high-achieving, including first-generation college-goers from under-resourced communities, with an average high school GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. They are eager to learn, inquisitive, and highly motivated to succeed. In general, they see themselves as good students who perform well in school and are determined to live up to that expectation. When scholars attend their first summer academy, whether commuter or residential, they are a rising high school senior.

The Opportunity: 

Thrive Scholars is seeking Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to oversee the health and safety of students and staff during our Residential Summer Academies. Nurses are essential members of the on-site leadership team, ensuring that Scholars have a healthy, safe, and supportive summer experience.

While living on-site is preferred, it is not required. Nurses work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Academies and Site Director, providing daily care, managing medications, and responding to health needs. Nursing staff will share 24-hour coverage (via 12-hour shifts) for the duration of the program.

One RN at each site will serve as the Lead Nurse, with added responsibility for signing off on the program’s care plan and ensuring compliance. Lead Nurses will receive an additional $500 in pay.

Key Responsibilities: 

Health & Wellness

• Provide medical care to students and staff as needed.
• Keep regular Health Center hours and remain on-call for emergencies.
• Administer medications, maintain accurate medical records, and monitor treatment plans.
• Oversee First Aid procedures and coordinate communicable disease testing, if required.
• Conduct medical check-ins for all students, reviewing forms and ensuring medications are properly documented.
• Contact parents/guardians as needed regarding health issues (illnesses, emergencies, hospital visits, etc.).

Operations & Coordination

• Serve as the liaison with local healthcare providers and emergency services.
• Manage trips to off-campus providers or treatment centers when necessary.
• Organize, clean, and set up the Health Station prior to program start.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and order refills as needed.
• Contribute to the program’s emergency response protocols and risk management practices.
• Complete program closeout tasks, including supply inventory and final reporting.

Team Contribution

• Be a critical member of the emergency response team.
• Collaborate with Thrive staff to uphold health and safety standards.
• Model professionalism and serve as a role model in conduct, communication, and attitude.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid RN or LPN license in the state of the assigned Academy.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience as a practicing nurse.
• Current certification in Advanced First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive off-campus, if needed.
• Strong record-keeping and communication skills.
• Experience working with young adults, ideally in diverse, residential, and/or camp settings.
• Knowledge of community health practices.
• Ability to lift/assist students and staff as medically necessary.
• Familiarity with CampDoc (preferred).
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation, Benefits, and Program Dates:

Summer Academy Nurses provide healthcare support for residential program sites and are compensated based on site and program length. Compensation ranges from $2,500-15,050, with Lead Nurses receiving an additional $500 at certain sites. Travel reimbursement of up to $500 is available for eligible candidates. Housing will be provided on campus; some facilities may not have air conditioning and may include communal restrooms. Family housing is not available. Training will be delivered through a combination of asynchronous, synchronous, and in-person (on-campus) sessions. This position reports to the Associate Director, Academies.

2026 Host Sites & Key Dates:

1. Washington University (Summer Academy I); St Louis, MO 
2. 1. Compensation: $14,500 (Lead Nurse: $15,050)
   2. Remote Training: June 9 – June 16
   3. On-Site Training & Prep: June 17 – June 19
   4. Program Session: June 20 – July 31
   5. Closeout: August 1 – 5

Working Environment & Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a seasonal employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role:

• Frequent sitting, talking and listening and occasional walking, bending, stooping, and pulling
• Handle and operate computers, tools or controls
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• See clearly in an indoor and outdoor environment
• Work in an indoor classroom environment that may not have air conditioning in the summer
• Travel off campus (transportation will be provided and advance notice will be given if required)
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunities:

Thrive Scholars provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. Knowing their importance to the success of our work, Thrive Scholars is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse staff team and community. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

For more information, please visit thrivescholars.org