School Nurse

 

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

 

Why Work at GCCS

 

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

 

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

 

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

 

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Position Summary

 

The School Nurse manages and coordinates the school’s comprehensive health services program to promote student health, wellness, safety, and academic success. The School Nurse provides direct nursing services, develops individualized healthcare plans, ensures compliance with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missouri State Board of Nursing regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, while maintaining a safe and healthy school environment.

 

Reports To: Director of Student Services

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Health Services

• Provide comprehensive nursing care for students experiencing illness, injury, or medical emergencies.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate school health services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for students with chronic or specialized health needs.
• Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff to promote student health and educational success.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings when health services are required.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student health records in accordance with FERPA and district policies.

Medication Administration

• Administer medications and nursing treatments in accordance with physician orders, Missouri law, Missouri State Board of Nursing regulations, and district policies.
• Maintain accurate medication documentation and ensure the safe storage, handling, and disposal of medications.

Health Assessments and Screenings

• Coordinate and conduct required health screenings, including vision, hearing, and other screenings as required by Missouri law or district policy.
• Identify health concerns, make referrals, and monitor follow-up care as appropriate.
• Monitor student growth, development, and overall health status.

Communicable Disease Prevention

• Monitor communicable disease prevention, reporting, and control in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintain immunization records and ensure compliance with Missouri immunization requirements.
• Coordinate exclusion and return-to-school procedures related to communicable diseases.
• Report communicable diseases to appropriate health authorities as required.

Health Education and Wellness

• Promote student and staff wellness through health education initiatives and prevention programs.
• Serve as a health resource for teachers, staff, students, and families.
• Coordinate health awareness activities and observances throughout the school year.
• Support the implementation of health education curriculum and wellness initiatives.

Staff Training

• Provide training to school personnel on topics including:
  • Medication administration
  • Universal precautions
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Diabetes management
  • Seizure response
  • Allergy and anaphylaxis response
  • Child abuse and neglect reporting requirements
  • Other student health-related topics

Emergency Preparedness and School Safety

• Respond to medical emergencies and coordinate emergency response procedures.
• Maintain emergency medical supplies, equipment, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
• Assist with the development and implementation of school emergency preparedness plans.
• Monitor the school environment for health and safety concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain injury documentation and assist with accident prevention efforts.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including:
  • Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)
  • Missouri Nurse Practice Act
  • Missouri State Board of Nursing regulations
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
  • District policies and procedures

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of professional nursing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of pediatric nursing, emergency care, communicable disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Knowledge of Missouri school health regulations and nursing standards.
• Ability to assess emergency situations and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employee information.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Ability to effectively use electronic health record systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other technology.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

 

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program.

Licensure

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Missouri.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification.
• Must remain in good standing with the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience preferred.
• Experience in pediatrics, community health, emergency nursing, family practice, public health, or school nursing preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Missouri driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for travel between district locations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout school facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies.
• Ability to perform CPR and other emergency first aid procedures.
• Ability to assist students with mobility or medical needs when necessary.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a school environment with frequent interruptions and occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases, and other health-related risks.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and universal precautions shall be utilized in accordance with district policy and OSHA regulations.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs.
Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.