School Nurse

Framingham Public Schools•Framingham, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Nurse provides direct support to students by assisting them to maintain, improve, or adapt to their health status. By contributing significantly to the attainment of optimal health and educational potential, the School Nurse ensures that all students have equal access to high-quality instruction and academic achievement. This commitment aligns with Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and closing the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools. Framingham Public Schools (FPS) is committed to excellence for all students and to creating a workforce that reflects our community’s rich racial, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Guided by our mission to empower free-thinking, responsible citizens, we value inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness in all we do. FPS strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every student and staff member can thrive. We actively seek educators and staff who are committed to antiracism, social justice, and civic engagement. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and from members of historically underrepresented groups. Framingham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a culturally responsive, antiracist, and inclusive community where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported to thrive. Framingham, Massachusetts, is a vibrant and diverse suburban community located 20 miles west of Boston, serving as a major hub in the MetroWest area. It successfully blends urban convenience with the comfort of New England neighborhoods, characterized by cultural diversity and a strong community spirit. A key asset is the Framingham Public School system, which is committed to equity, inclusion, and student success across its nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Framingham High School. The district is recognized for its dual language programs, comprehensive special education services, and dedication to serving a diverse student population, preparing all learners for college and careers. Framingham is also home to Framingham State University and offers abundant outdoor opportunities, including Cushing Memorial Park and Callahan State Park. With its blend of educational resources, accessibility, and dynamic community life, Framingham is a welcoming place to live and grow.

Requirements

Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in: School Nurse (All Levels)
At least a Bachelor’s Degree in the area of major study (Nursing) from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge of underlying principles and practices of nursing, particularly in school health, including current trends in pediatric healthcare and infectious disease management.
Ability to evaluate clinical nursing practice and provide technical supervision to RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to ensure adherence to the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act.
Ability to interpret complex medical data and health assessments to inform Special Education (SPED) evaluations and Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs).
Ability to provide clinical consultation and leadership during medical emergencies, including the oversight of life-threatening allergy protocols and technology-dependent student care.
Skill in maintaining and auditing computerized medical records to ensure district-wide compliance with state-mandated screenings and immunizations.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethical standards of school social work/counseling, including the maintenance of clinical confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.
Proficiency in using Google Workspace for Education and specialized data-tracking software to manage caseloads, monitor progress, and facilitate collaborative planning.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders, effectively translating clinical observations into actionable educational strategies for teachers and parents.
Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive district environment for all staff, students, and families, ensuring language accessibility in all clinical communications.
Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance; exhibit professional composure and objective judgment when responding to high-stakes emotional situations or behavioral escalations.
Must move about and traverse throughout the school building and grounds; requires the ability to navigate effectively throughout classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds for supervision and instruction.
Must be able to engage in frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
Must navigate tight spaces between desks and move furniture to reorganize learning spaces.
Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods of time for instructional delivery, administrative tasks, and meetings.
Must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety, monitor classroom operations, and provide instruction in active school environments. Continuous need for close and distance vision to monitor students, along with auditory acuity to hear in crowded environments.
Must communicate effectively and clearly with students, parents, and district personnel in person, via email, and on the telephone or video conference.
Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to operate a computer, input data, and utilize instructional technology and office productivity machinery continuously throughout the day.
Ability to lift, move, and position classroom materials and equipment (up to 30 lbs) such as books, supplies, and bulk student devices.
Working in a normal school environment with exposure to bodily fluids, disease, pathogens, and varying noise levels. Must spend time outdoors for recess and drills.
Must interact routinely with diverse stakeholders, meet multiple high-level demands simultaneously, and maintain focus on student needs amid frequent interruptions.
Ability to navigate and function effectively within diverse school settings, including classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds, which involve varying noise levels and high-activity environments. Ability to sustain a very high level of social interaction.
Capacity to remain calm and professional when exposed to student behavioral challenges or high-stakes emotional situations; ability to model and apply de-escalation techniques as needed. Likely to be placed in conflict situations where parents and students might become angry or unpleasant on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience in school, pediatric, public health, or other relevant nursing experience is preferred.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is encourage.

Responsibilities

Initiates and oversees all state-mandated screening programs (vision, hearing, postural, BMI) and facilitates immunization compliance.
Triages students/staff with injury or illness and administers medication in compliance with school policy and state regulations.
Develops individualized health care plans (IHCPs) for students with documented health needs and provides special care for technology-dependent students.
Educates and promotes compliance with universal precautions and identifies unsafe conditions in the school setting.
Collaborates with school personnel to develop and facilitate safety plans for students with chronic health conditions.
Consults with teachers regarding specific health issues that may impact learning and assists in modifying educational programs to meet health needs.
Acts as a nurse educator for students, parents, and staff regarding specific health topics and wellness.
Maintains computerized medical records and submits all reports mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Provides interpretation of health assessments and medical data for Special Education (SPED) evaluations.
Commits to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and antiracist pedagogical frameworks.
Contributes to the school community by participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and supporting extracurricular activities as directed.
Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for educational support staff and volunteers to maximize their impact on student learning.
Other duties as assigned.