Nurse (2026-2027)

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K-12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

LOCATION: Locations will vary depending on availability.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for performing professional nursing services at a school in the maintenance of acceptable health standards, school health records and the emergency treatment of student and employee health problems. Under general direction, an employee in this class is responsible for giving care to students and for performing related nursing services such as pupil health appraisal and follow-through and communicable disease control requiring specialized judgment and skills. The role of the school nurse is to help students participate fully in their learning by preventing, removing or modifying conditions that interfere with academic achievement. This is done within the context of standards of nursing practice and in accordance with State laws and regulations and district policies and procedures. The school nurse uses the nursing process to provide case finding, referral, intervention, and evaluation and provides health resource information to students, families and staff. Supervision may be exercised over a number of clerical assistants and/or auxiliary nursing staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Plans, coordinates, implements and provides any required follow up related to physical examinations conducted by the school physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant as required by state law and Board of Education policy.
• Administers and provides follow up for age appropriate screenings such as auditory, visual, and scoliosis screenings.
• Administers first aid and emergency treatment to students and employees.
• Appraises the mental and physical health status of pupils through observation and analysis of records on a continuing basis.
• Assists at school clinics where appropriate.
• Consults with appropriate school staff, community agencies, families and primary care practitioners concerning health concerns related to educational achievement of students; makes referrals as appropriate.
• Prepares, maintains and updates information on Cumulative Health Records.
• Arranges transportation of sick or injured students or employees to hospital or home.
• May supervise the work of auxiliary para-professional health aides, assistant school health personnel, and/or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS) as appropriate.
• Administers medications to students under the direction of a physician.
• Orders, inventories and oversees the storage of first aid and related health supplies and equipment.
• Assists the administrator in planning and maintaining a safe, healthful school environment, including the establishment and implementation of emergency care procedures.
• Participates in the development of policies to improve and protect the health of students and school personnel.
• Prepares records and reports as required.
• Initiates, evaluates, and updates Individualized Health Care Plans on students as appropriate.
• Attends staff conferences.
• Provides in-service training to staff regarding health-related issues.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of nursing assessment and diagnosis, nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical practices.
• Good knowledge of current school health practice and current laws associated with the health and education of school-age children.
• Working knowledge of dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene.
• Skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices.
• Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.
• Ability to keep records and make reports.
• Ability to operate a personal computer (PC).
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS) and unlicensed assistant personnel such as clerical assistants and health aides.
• Ability to maintain constructive working relationships with students, parents, school staff and physicians.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with the ANA Code for Professional Nurses.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

WORKING HOURS:

This position will work 35 hours per week, 10 months per year. This position is full-time. This position is exempt; overtime pay is not entitled.

SALARY/COMPENSATION:

• The current starting salary for this position is $58,121 per the Unit 10 contractual agreement.
• A stipend of $500 per year of experience (up to 10 years) will be added to the base salary, with verified proof of outside, related experience, not to exceed $5,000.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• All candidates must have a current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in NY State.
• All candidates should have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - preferred.
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint-based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.

The Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this position can be viewed by clicking here.