The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.
School Nurse
The School Nurse is responsible for providing high-quality healthcare services to students and staff, promoting a healthy school environment, and supporting the
school’s Catholic mission. The School Nurse will play a key role in maintaining the physical, mental,
and emotional well-being of the school community.
Responsibilities
- Direct Student Care:
- Provide first aid and emergency care for injuries and illnesses.
- Administer medications in accordance with physician instructions and parental consent.
- Manage care for students with chronic illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, allergies, or other medical needs.
- Monitor students' health plans and update records as needed.
- Health Screenings & Assessments:
- Facilitate vision, hearing, and other screenings.
- Monitor immunization compliance and notify families of requirements.
- Identify and report signs of communicable diseases to prevent outbreaks.
- Health Education & Promotion:
- Educate students, staff, and families on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
- Provide guidance on physical and mental health topics aligned with Catholic teachings.
- Emergency Preparedness & Response:
- Assist in the development, implementation, and practice of school-wide emergency life safety and health protocols, such as evacuation plans and lockdown procedures.
- Serve as the point of contact during medical emergencies, ensuring timely and effective response.
- Administer CPR or AED interventions when necessary.
- Coordinate with local emergency services during crisis situations.
- Mental Health Crisis Management:
- Identify signs of emotional or psychological distress in students and refer them to appropriate resources.
- Provide immediate care for students experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, or other mental health emergencies.
- Collaborate with school staff to ensure appropriate crisis interventions and follow-ups.
- Communicable Disease Response:
- Lead the school’s response during health outbreaks, such as flu or other infectious
diseases.
- Monitor public health concerns and implement protocols as needed.
- Communicate with public health authorities to coordinate efforts and keep the school community informed.
- Crisis Communication & Documentation:
- Provide timely updates to administrators, parents, and staff during health or medical emergencies.
- Document all incidents accurately and ensure appropriate follow-up care is provided.
- Assist in debriefing and evaluating emergency responses to improve future practices.
- Record Keeping & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate and confidential health records in accordance with privacy laws.
- Prepare and submit required health reports to school administrators and state health departments.
- Ensure compliance with state and local health regulations, including COVID-19 protocols.
- Communication & Collaboration:
- Serve as a liaison between parents, teachers, and healthcare providers regarding student health needs.
- Collaborate with school counselors and administrators to support student well-being.
- Participate in meetings related to student care plans and wellness programs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma Nurse also acceptable
- Active RN or LPN license in the state.
- CPR and First Aid certification required.
Experience
- 2+ years of nursing experience (preferably in pediatric or school settings).
- Experience with student health care management systems.
Requirements
- Strong clinical and assessment skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with the school team.
- Compliance with Safe Environment Requirements
- Ability to manipulate required technology systems.
- Respect for Catholic values and a willingness to support the mission of the school.
Working Conditions
- Full-time during the academic year, with some flexibility in hours.
Environmental and Physical Demands
- Ability to maneuver throughout the building.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English using standard means of communication.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has an hourly salary range of $15.38 - $19.23. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
