Compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – School Health Specialist – Student Wellness Leader – Chatham, IL – arenaflex

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a forward‑thinking educational organization dedicated to fostering safe, healthy, and thriving learning environments across the Chatham region. With a legacy of community partnership and a commitment to student well‑being, arenaflex blends evidence‑based health practices with compassionate care. Our schools serve as vibrant hubs where academic excellence and holistic health intersect, and we rely on skilled health professionals to champion this mission.

Why This Role Matters

Every day, students face a range of health challenges—from minor cuts and colds to chronic conditions that require ongoing monitoring. As a School Nurse (LPN) at arenaflex, you will be the frontline guardian of student health, ensuring that each child can learn, grow, and succeed without unnecessary barriers. Your expertise will directly influence attendance rates, academic performance, and the overall climate of safety and trust within our schools.

Position Overview

The School Nurse (LPN) will be stationed at arenaflex’s middle‑school campus in Chatham, IL, providing comprehensive health services to a diverse student body. You will collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and community health partners to create a supportive, preventive, and responsive health program.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver immediate first‑aid care, triage, and emergency response for injuries, illnesses, and accidents that occur on campus.
• Conduct routine health screenings, including vision, hearing, height/weight, and immunization checks, and maintain accurate records in compliance with state regulations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized health plans (IHPs) and collaborate closely with teachers to accommodate students with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies.
• Interpret and execute Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans related to health, ensuring that accommodations are consistently applied.
• Provide health education workshops for students, staff, and families on topics such as nutrition, mental health, hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well‑stocked health office, adhering to infection‑control protocols and safety standards.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and external health providers, facilitating referrals, follow‑up care, and communication of health information while respecting confidentiality.
• Participate in school safety drills, crisis response teams, and emergency preparedness planning.
• Document all nursing activities in the district’s electronic health record system, ensuring data integrity and compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
• Support mental‑health initiatives by identifying at‑risk students, providing brief interventions, and connecting them with counseling resources.

Essential Qualifications

• Current Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate health‑related endorsement(s) (e.g., Health Education, School Nursing).
• Minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in a school, pediatric, or community health setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal regulations governing school health services, including IEPs, Section 504, FERPA, and HIPAA.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and documentation abilities, with proficiency in electronic health record systems.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in emergency situations, applying basic life support (BLS) and first‑aid protocols.
• Commitment to cultural competence, equity, and inclusive practices that respect the diverse backgrounds of our student population.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in School Nursing (CNS) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).
• Experience managing chronic health conditions in a school environment.
• Training in mental‑health first aid or crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with health‑promotion programs such as CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
• Proficiency in Spanish or another second language to better serve multilingual families.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Clinical Acumen: Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health issues.
• Communication: Clear, compassionate, and confidential communication with students, families, and staff.
• Collaboration: Team‑oriented mindset, working seamlessly with educators, administrators, and external health agencies.
• Problem‑Solving: Quick decision‑making in high‑stress scenarios, coupled with strategic planning for long‑term health initiatives.
• Technology Literacy: Comfortable using digital health platforms, student information systems, and telehealth tools.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor student health aides, lead health‑education sessions, and advocate for student wellness policies.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex prides itself on a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture. Our campuses are vibrant communities where educators, staff, and health professionals share a common purpose: to empower every student to reach their fullest potential. As a member of the arenaflex health team, you will experience:

• A respectful, student‑centered atmosphere that values your professional expertise.
• Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary teams, contributing to curriculum planning and school‑wide wellness initiatives.
• Professional development workshops, conferences, and tuition reimbursement for advanced certifications.
• Flexible scheduling that balances clinical duties with health‑education responsibilities.
• A supportive leadership structure that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and licensure, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including sick leave, holidays, and professional development days.
• Wellness programs, employee assistance services, and mental‑health resources.
• Access to on‑site fitness facilities and wellness challenges.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the arenaflex district, including leadership roles in health services.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, we view each staff member as a long‑term partner in our mission. As a School Nurse, you will have pathways to:

• Advance to a District Health Coordinator or Director of Student Wellness.
• Lead district‑wide health initiatives, such as vaccination drives, mental‑health awareness campaigns, and emergency preparedness programs.
• Participate in mentorship programs, guiding new nursing staff and student health aides.
• Engage in collaborative research projects with local universities on adolescent health trends.

Application Process

To be considered for this rewarding role, candidates must:

• Maintain all required licensure and certifications as outlined above.
• Complete the online application through arenaflex’s recruitment portal.
• Submit a current resume, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, and copies of licensure documentation.
• Participate in a multi‑stage interview process, including a situational assessment and a meeting with the school health leadership team.

All applications are reviewed promptly, and qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks of submission.

Join arenaflex – Make a Difference Every Day

If you are passionate about nurturing the health and well‑being of young learners, thrive in a collaborative school setting, and are eager to contribute to a community that values both academic and personal growth, we invite you to apply today. Become a vital part of arenaflex’s mission to create safe, healthy, and inspiring learning environments for every student.

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