Special Education/Float Nurse

About the role

The Special Education Nurse works as a critical member of the educational team in a Comprehensive Development Classroom (CDC), providing skilled nursing care, health education, and advocacy for students with significant disabilities and complex medical needs. This role ensures students' health and safety, supports their participation in school activities, and collaborates closely with teachers, therapists, families, and administrators. The nurse may also support educational tasks as needed, working alongside classroom staff to facilitate student learning and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct nursing care, including medication administration, tube feedings, tracheostomy care, seizure management, and other procedures as prescribed by students' healthcare providers.
• Assess, monitor, and manage students' chronic and acute health needs during the school day, responding effectively to emergencies.
• Develop, implement, and update Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs); contribute to Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings as a healthcare consultant.
• Document all nursing care, interventions, and health-related incidents according to school policies and state regulations.
• Provide training and support to school staff regarding students' medical needs, use of equipment, and emergency protocols.
• Promote a safe and inclusive environment by monitoring for communicable diseases, maintaining infection control practices, and advocating for appropriate accommodations.
• Liaise with students' families, physicians, and outside agencies to coordinate care and ensure continuity between home, school, and medical providers.
• Support health education programs for students, staff, and families as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers and classroom staff to assist with educational activities, provide support during classroom routines, and help facilitate student participation and engagement in learning, as needed.
• Administers both routine and emergency medications (including Glucagon, Diastat, and Epi-pens)
• Performs specialized medical procedures such as catheterization, gastrostomy tube feedings, blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and nebulizer treatments
• Provides first aid and emergency care to students, faculty, staff, and other school community members