Job Description

School Nurse, 2025–2026 Academic Year
Focus Area: Student Health & Wellness Services
Reports to: Dean of Student Supports

Who We Are

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The Role

Heartwood Community School seeks a compassionate, highly organized, and detail-oriented School Nurse to provide essential health services and ensure the well-being of all students and staff. The School Nurse will lead all school health initiatives, manage medical documentation and compliance, collaborate with staff and families, and provide preventative health education to students. This role is integral in creating a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

Student Health & Medical Services

• Provide direct care for students experiencing illness or injury during the school day.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, while maintaining detailed and confidential records in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA. Ensure proper storage, documentation, and parental consent for all medications.​
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student health records, immunization data, and physician documentation.
• Respond to medical emergencies and make timely decisions to ensure student safety and well-being. 

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with all state health regulations and reporting requirements as mandated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
• Prepare and submit annual health and immunization compliance reports.
• Maintain comprehensive health records for all students; to include vision, hearing, and other health screenings, following up on referrals and documentation needs.
• Submit required health reports to DHEC within specified timelines to demonstrate compliance and facilitate public health monitoring.​
• Promptly report any cases of communicable diseases, such as measles or influenza, to DHEC using their designated reporting system. Implement control measures to prevent the spread within the school.​

Staff Medical Training

• Provide annual training and refreshers to school staff on recognizing and responding to medical emergency procedures; including bloodborne pathogens, CPR, first aid, and the use of emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors, and diabetes care.​
• Support the development and implementation of individualized health plans (IHPs) and 504 accommodations as needed.

Incident Management & Family Communication

• Develop and maintain emergency action plans for students with specific health needs, such as severe allergies or asthma. Train staff on these plans to ensure a coordinated response during emergencies.​
• Monitor, document, and report all student health incidents and injuries to families, administration, and relevant parties in a timely and compassionate manner.
• Coordinate communication with families regarding student medications, allergies, chronic conditions, and updates to care plans.

Allergen & Dietary Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Nutrition Services team to ensure that students with food allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions are safely accommodated.
• Maintain a system for identifying, flagging, and monitoring students with special dietary or allergen needs during all school meals and events.

Health Screenings & Examinations

• Verify that all students meet South Carolina's immunization requirements. Maintain accurate immunization records and submit annual immunization reports to DHEC.​
• Conduct vision, hearing, dental, scoliosis, and other health screenings in collaboration with the Student Support department. Document results and follow up with parents or guardians as necessary.​
• Assist with referrals and documentation for further medical or developmental evaluations when necessary.

Health Education & Wellness Lessons

• Deliver quarterly health and wellness lessons to students on age-appropriate topics such as hygiene, nutrition, emotional health, and personal safety.
• Promote health awareness initiatives and lead preventative campaigns aligned with school and community goals.

Skills & Characteristics

• Deep knowledge of child and adolescent health, including chronic illness, mental health, and emergency response.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator with the ability to work cross-functionally with families, staff, and community agencies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential health records and reporting requirements.
• Empathetic and calm under pressure, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and care.
• Proficient in digital health record systems and comfortable with data entry and reporting.

Education & Experience

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a current South Carolina license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in pediatric, school, or community health nursing.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (with trainer certification preferred).

Compensation

The salary for this role is $80,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best-in-class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement Plans

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