What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Nurse position at Excel Academy Charter Schools?
Organization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
Excel Academy Charter High School is seeking a full-time School Nurse who is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and management of the school’s health program. General responsibilities include program management, nursing services, collaboration, health education, and professional practice. You would work on a team with our founding School Nurse, who has worked with Excel Academy since its founding in 2003.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Establish and manage a comprehensive school health program consistent with the Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health, and Excel Academy’s policies;
- Collaborate with other professionals, team members and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and other school health activities;
- Using the nursing process, collaborate with the parent/guardian and student, where appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student;
- Assist students and families to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education and promotion;
- Apply 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 and participating in research; and
- Serve as a productive member of the Excel community.
Dependent on campus, position may also include:
- Assist with mechanical lifts/transfers for toileting support of students as needed
- Provide care for children at Excel Academy daycare in case of an emergency
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Understand how your identity markers (including race, class, and gender) impact your role;
- Demonstrate understanding and respect for the cultures and languages of our communities;
- Solicit and welcome collaboration and feedback from colleagues, students, families and the surrounding community;
- Understand the impact of historical and structural racism and use this lens in your decision-making; and
- Take action to demonstrate personal reflections and growth/be responsive to feedback and lessons learned.
Qualifications
- Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
- A bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.
- Minimum of 1 year experience in public health nursing, community health nursing, school health nursing, or pediatric nursing;
- Preference will be given to applicants who share points of intersection with our students, such as speaking Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic at an advanced level, being first generation college graduates, or having grown up low-income;
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
