10-Month Public Health Nurse II / LPN School Health Nurse Extender

General Statement of DutiesForsyth County Department of Public Health is searching for a Nurse to join the team. The current student-to-nurse ratio in Forsyth County exceeds state-recommended levels, increasing demand for nursing services and limiting the ability to provide adequate care, follow-up, and preventive interventions. In addition, the complexity of student health needs continues to rise, including increased prevalence of chronic conditions, mental health concerns, and medically fragile students requiring daily nursing support. To address these challenges, the program is implementing a flexible and innovative staffing model through a consolidated posting, allowing positions to be filled at either the Registered Nurse (PHN II) or Licensed Practical Nurse (School Health Nurse Extender) level based on candidate qualifications and program needs. This approach ensures the ability to adapt staffing to meet real-time service demands, optimize team-based care delivery, and maintain safe and appropriate levels of clinical oversight.This is a 10-month position aligned with the Forsyth County Government calendar, offering 11 paid holidays each year and eight weeks of unpaid furlough during the summer.This position requires travel between assigned schools and may include occasional home visits to support student health needs; a valid driver's license is required, and a county vehicle is available for work-related travel. Nurses work independently within their assigned schools while also functioning as part of a collaborative public health and school health team. The role may include participation in occasional evening or weekend community health events, immunization clinics, or public health response efforts.Registered Nurse (RN) Applicant:This position provides a unique opportunity to deliver meaningful, community-based nursing care within the school setting. The School Health Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for assessment, clinical decision-making, and oversight of student health services for those with acute and chronic health needs. Responsibilities include conducting health assessments, triaging illness and injury, developing and managing individualized healthcare plans, coordinating care with families and healthcare providers, and providing health education to students and staff. The RN also provides clinical leadership within the school setting, including delegation and supervision of nursing tasks to appropriate personnel, and ensures care is delivered safely and in alignment with nursing standards and public health guidelines.Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Applicant:This position provides a unique opportunity to deliver meaningful, community-based nursing care within the school setting. The School Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care to students with acute and chronic health needs under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities include medication administration, treatment of illness and injury, support for students with chronic conditions, and implementation of established healthcare plans. The LPN assists with health screenings, daily clinic operations, and ongoing monitoring of student health needs, while communicating changes in condition to the supervising RN. This role is focused on hands-on care delivery and consistent support for students throughout the school day.Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, or 8:00 am - 4:00 pmDistinguishing FeaturesThe ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:Registered Nurse (RN) Applicant:Considerable knowledge of and skill in the application of nursing theory, practices, principles, and techniques employed in public health and school health settingsConsiderable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of public health, including prevention, population health, and health promotionConsiderable knowledge of available community resources and organizations, and the ability to coordinate services to support student health and reduce barriers to careWorking knowledge of current social, economic, and environmental factors impacting student and community healthAbility to perform comprehensive health assessments, triage acute and chronic health conditions, and make sound clinical decisions in a dynamic school environmentAbility to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized healthcare plans and coordinate care across providers, families, and school staffAbility to plan, coordinate, supervise, and delegate nursing tasks in accordance with scope of practice and regulatory standardsAbility to provide clinical leadership within a team-based care model, including oversight of delegated tasks and support of LPN practiceAbility to communicate effectively, deal tactfully with others, and exercise sound judgment in assessing situations and making decisionsAbility to secure cooperation from students, families, and staff; elicit relevant health information; and maintain effective working relationshipsAbility to maintain accurate documentation, interpret medical records, and apply provider orders within the school settingAbility to work independently while maintaining alignment with program protocols, clinical guidance, and public health standardsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, healthcare providers, and community partnersLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Applicant:Knowledge of and skill in the application of practical nursing techniques and procedures within public health and school health settingsKnowledge of basic public health principles, including prevention, health promotion, and supporting population health initiativesWorking knowledge of available community resources and the ability to assist in connecting students and families to servicesWorking knowledge of social, economic, and environmental factors impacting student and community healthAbility to recognize and respond to changes in student condition and provide care for acute and chronic health needs within scope of practiceAbility to safely perform nursing tasks and procedures, including medication administration and treatments, as directed by a Registered Nurse or providerAbility to implement established healthcare plans and follow clinical guidance provided by the supervising RNAbility to communicate effectively with the supervising RN regarding student status, changes in condition, and care needsAbility to function effectively within a team-based care model under the direction of an RNAbility to communicate effectively, deal tactfully with others, and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and staffAbility to maintain accurate documentation of care provided and follow established protocols and proceduresAbility to work with a degree of independence in day-to-day tasks while adhering to supervision, program protocols, and scope of practiceAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, healthcare providers, and community partnersMinimum Education and ExperienceRN Requirements:Graduation from a four-year college or university with a B.S. Degree in Nursing which includes a public health nursing rotation and one year of professional nursing experience in specialty area; orGraduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience in specialty area assigned.Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.LPN Requirements:Possession of current North Carolina license to practice as a Practical Nurse* --A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement.Individuals hired without a rotation through a public health department as part of the educational requirement will be required to complete Introduction to the Public Health Nursing course within one year of hire.