Lead Nurse
Pillar Care Continuum•East Hanover, NJ
•Onsite
About The Position
The organization is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Lead Nurse to oversee nursing services across both the Elementary and High School programs. This leadership role will serve as a critical clinical liaison between school administration and the Director of Nursing, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and student-centered healthcare services. The Lead Nurse will provide clinical oversight, and strategic direction to all school nursing staff while ensuring adherence to all New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) requirements and healthcare regulations.
Requirements
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New Jersey
- Current Certified School Nurse Certificate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
- Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience
- Experience in school nursing, pediatric care, or working with medically complex and/or developmentally disabled populations
- Strong knowledge of IEP processes, NJDOE regulations, and healthcare compliance standards
- Current CPR/AED certification
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred
- leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead and support all school nursing staff across Elementary and High School programs
- Maintain and implement the annual nursing services plan in compliance with NJDOE requirements
- Serve as the primary clinical bridge between school administration and the Director of Nursing
- Participate as the nursing representative on student IEP teams as needed
- Develop and maintain Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHCPs) and Individualized Emergency Healthcare Plans (IEHCPs)
- Collaborate with Child Study Teams, behaviorists, and therapists on evaluations and service planning
- Ensure all IEP-mandated nursing services are consistently covered to prevent gaps in care and ensure compliance with FAPE requirements
- Oversee care for medically fragile students, including those requiring 1:1 nursing support per IEP
- Manage complex medical needs, including but not limited to G-tubes, seizure disorders, respiratory conditions, and behavioral health considerations
- Establish and maintain emergency protocols and individualized crisis response plans
- Oversee and authorize all medication administration processes
- Conduct routine audits of Medication Administration Records (MARs), physician orders, and clinical documentation
- Train school staff on student-specific healthcare needs (e.g., seizures, diabetes, allergies, CPR/AED)
- Ensure all nursing staff maintain current licensure and required certifications
- Lead onboarding and orientation for new nursing hires
- Assist with medical education training coverage and guidance at new employee orientation
- Coordinate all mandated health screenings, including vision, hearing, growth, and postural assessments
- Ensure full immunization compliance for all enrolled students
- Report on health-related incidents and hospitalizations, collaborating with the Director of Nursing on or DCF-related matters
- Serve as the primary health liaison between nursing staff, families, and students’ healthcare providers
- Communicate physician orders, coordinate specialist referrals, and ensure follow-up on aftercare documentation
Benefits
- Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Life Insurance)
- Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
- Paid Holidays
- Generous PTO
- 401K with Employer Matching
- Educational Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
