School Nurse Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the 26-27 school year to serve as a School Nurse. This position will start in August 2026.

SCHOOLS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

• Moulton
• Ruby Van Meter (2 positions)
• Studebaker

TITLE: School Nurse

POSITION TYPE: TCHR

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Iowa Registered Nurse License.
• CPR Certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Nursing experience in a clinical setting.

Desired:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing or related field.
• Statement of Professional Recognition through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
• Experience in pediatric nursing or public health nursing.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The school nurse works with district staff and community health providers to maintain optimal health and safety practices in school communities, support classroom teachers in providing health related curriculum, coordinate special care accommodations to allow students to fully participate in school activities, and ensure compliance with health-related laws and standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supports academic achievement by assisting families, students and staff in obtaining or maintaining an optimal state of emotional and physical wellness.
• Serves as a resource to classroom teachers in providing classroom health instruction.
• Works with school staff and community health providers to arrange health services to meet the specific needs of each school community.
• Participates as part of a school team to address school safety concerns and coordinate health and safety activities.
• Participates in planning of accommodations of the school program to meet the special health needs of students.
• Plans for and participates in activities that address emergency care situations, treatment of sudden illnesses or accidents that occur at school.
• Plans and implements health appraisal and screening programs.
• Does surveillance for and assists in follow-up of communicable illnesses.
• Ensures compliance with state immunization laws and provides assistance to families in obtaining immunizations necessary for school attendance.
• Provides health counseling and guidance to students, parents and employees in individual or small group situations.
• Provides assistance for referrals to human services agencies and community resources.
• Appropriately delegates and oversees health care activities performed by other school staff.
• Administers medications and oversees all aspects of medication administration practices.
• Provides outreach to inform families of available services and assists in enrollment into Medicaid services.
• Identifies high risk populations and develops and implements activities to improve or protect their health status.
• Participates in meetings for students experiencing difficulties in school as needed.
• Provides assistance to employees in obtaining required employee health physicals, following up on work related employee injuries, providing required health and safety training and providing support and assistance in managing specific health needs in individual employees.
• Provides assistance in CPR and first aid.
• Provides assistance in interpreting health findings and screenings.
• Appropriately informs school staff of educationally relevant accommodations that need to be made for students to address specific health care needs.
• Participates in programs that assist school districts to bill for health care services provided at school.
• Participates as a member of building attendance, Section 504, and special education teams as needed.
• Provides documentation of activities and submits required reports to the Health Services Department.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Student & Family Services

REPORTS TO: Health Services Supervisor, Building Supervisor

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Health Services Supervisor

EVALUATES: N/A

BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

DAYS: 195 OR 199 day contract

HOURS: 7.75 Hour Day

Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Approved By: Maureen Norris

Date: 07/18/2023