School Nurse - RN - LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services— are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strength and dream.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First is seeking a Registered Nurse in our school program located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This position will provide nursing support to the school program, monitoring the on-going health care of a students, administering medications, providing emergency care, and supervising infection control.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; 48 weeks per year. Follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6-week summer program.

Pay Range: 33.50 - 37.50 per hour

Position Standards:

• Administer medications to children as ordered; ensuring all orders are up to date/on file and entered on the school’s medication records.
• The RN will provide nursing care to the students, provide emergency first aid, observe and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments to the parent/caregiver and School Nurse Coordinator.
• Will maintain medication cart, Medication Administration Records, cleanliness of nursing office, maintaining nursing related school supplies, AED records
• Maintain effective infection control practices, offering supports to staff on the importance of universal precautions. Training staff on school health care policy and procedures, health information on students as warranted, emergency treatments and signs of illness (which may indicate that a student should not attend the school program).
• Obtain and maintain current physical and immunization records on file, complete yearly immunization surveys for New York State Health Department.
• Maintaining all student’s health records, including any special needs/dietary, adaptive equipment, and will confer with parents/caregivers to assure that all medical information is current.
• The RN will participate in the intake process and IEP meetings as required.
• Will notify parent/caregiver when a student is unwell, to ensure that the health care needs of the student are met; also conferring with parent/caregiver to ascertain if student should not be in the school program due to illness.
• Serve as a liaison, as appropriate, to families, school districts, and other community resources
• Will report all health-related concerns to the principal, and staff as appropriate. Provide consultation and assist in referral of students to appropriate health care specialists as needed.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Will adhere to all state and local regulatory requirements in the school settings.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant, including LPN coverage of other school sites during staffing emergencies.
• Will incorporate CORE concepts of CQL’s person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).

2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of equipment to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.

3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.

4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver students in wheelchairs.

6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

· Paid time off on the school calendar plus sick and personal time off

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options

· 401(k) plan with employer match

· Employer paid life insurance

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support

· On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day

· Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.

· And More!

· Current Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of NY

· Preferred experience working with children/young adults with developmental disabilities with special needs.

· Knowledge of applicable regulations, OCFS, OPWDD, NYSED

· Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.