[2023 – 2024] KIPP Charlotte School Nurse

Organizational Overview

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of culturally relevant curricula that are grounded in research, and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success – however they define it.

KIPP North Carolina is also committed to building the pipeline of the state’s most talented and effective teachers and leaders through competitive compensation, integrated professional development lead by coaches and mentors, and resources they need to succeed, all rooted in core values that articulate our collectively designed organizational beliefs:

Pursue Excellence – 

We uphold high standards for our staff, and are committed to providing the necessary resources, training, mentorship and feedback to help each staff member not only meet, but exceed, expectations. We believe excellence is a habit and a sustained pursuit, not an endpoint.

Build Knowledge – 

We offer our educators robust school-based, regional and external professional development opportunities, before the start of and during the school year, designed to empower them with the latest teaching strategies and technology integration techniques. School Leaders and a statewide teacher development team provide professional coaching for school-based staff and foster collaborative learning, encouraging the exploration of effective teaching strategies and best practices.

Fight Injustice –

As a staff, we dismantle the white supremacy within our institution and deepen our own learning and understanding of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) through providing organization-wide regular workshops designed to holistically guide us through the redesign of our workplace culture through the lens of liberation. Additionally, we train and prepare our educators to deliver culturally responsive curricula that respect learners’ cultures and prior experiences, and acknowledge and value the legitimacy of different cultures, not just the dominant culture of a society. 

Spark Joy – 

We believe in publicly and privately acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our staff, and recognize exceptional individuals across the region. We also understand the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. We organize monthly school-based staff outings to provide an opportunity for our team to unwind, socialize, and engage in activities that promote camaraderie and a sense of community.

Rise Together – 

We create space for our region to assemble and celebrate all successes – a space in which we strengthen community by embracing each other’s unique identities, and honoring the contributions that will allow us to lift as we rise in the years ahead. We believe Team always beats Individual. 

About the School Nurse Position

The School Nurse reporting to the KIPP Gaston Operations Leader with support from the Principals and Regional Operations Team will collaborate with school staff to maintain a safe and healthy environment for KIPP North Carolina students. They will work with staff and families to provide the highest quality of service to all students. The School Nurse will be a member of the school operations team.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervising a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) to support the medical needs on the Gaston campus.
• Works to remove, modify, or reduce health-related barriers to learning 
• Provides well-student care, health care, first aid, immunizations, and assistance to students at their school; creates a comforting and nurturing environment for ill students
• Provides daily, individual care to students, including but not limited to managing daily medications required by students, administering doctor prescribed medications to students and helping students with physical disabilities
• Advises the Director of Operations and other school staff as needed regarding initiatives, processes, and systems necessary to ensure a healthy school community
• Builds emergency preparedness plans and trains all staff on them to ensure staff school-wide are ready for health emergencies
• Communicates daily with families around student wellness and health concerns
• Participates in necessary student health events that may occur on non-school days, e.g., New Student Registration
• Performs screenings for scoliosis, vision, hearing, height, weight, and/or other conditions and make referrals and follow-up
• Completes, updates, and maintains student records (accident reports, health records), and completes and submits reports; effectively and efficiently manages the systems for student health paperwork
• Ensures 100% collection of student health documentation for incoming new students
• Maintains physical student health files and ensures they are organized and up-to-date
• Audits student health files annually
• Transfers all health materials and necessary information for student transfers between campuses
• Maintains the security of confidential information
• Collects and maintains student incident forms, ensuring that all applicable parties have documented all pertinent details
• Collaborates with school staff to create and maintain wellness programming to support healthy opportunities for students
• Maintains all mandated COVID protocols and holds staff and students accountable to those health protocols.

Required Qualifications

The following is required of all aspiring School Nurse candidates:

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all our students
• An unwavering commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion
• Possess a deep commitment to both racial equity and improving the lives of kids from low-income communities; experience working within predominantly Black, Brown, and/or low-income communities
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing
• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of North Carolina
• Willingness to become School Nurse certified in North Carolina within 3 years of being hired.
• CPR Certified
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and build relationships across teams
• Strong work ethic coupled with enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work

Preferred Qualifications

The following are not required but are advantageous for candidates:

• Masters degree in nursing and/or school nurse practitioner certificate
• Previous school nursing experience preferred
• National School Nurse Certification highly desired.
• Strong preference for candidates with prior experience in a charter or independent school environment
• Fluency in Spanish

Total Rewards

Salary for this role is commensurate with experience and educational attainment and ranges from $55,000 – $60,000

• Comprehensive health benefits for medical, dental, and vision
• Enrollment in a 403b with employer match
• 26 days off for school holidays including a week for Thanksgiving and 2 weeks for winter break.

KIPP North Carolina does not and shall not discriminate on the race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran in any of its activities or operations.