School Nurse - Specific Purpose Contract in Cork

About the Role

Horizons - Cope Foundation in Cork Communities is one of the top 150 Employers in Ireland. Our organisation is deeply embedded in communities and we are one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Munster. We support people with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions. We empower people to live a life of their choosing, connected and participating in their communities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) guides our services and we play an important role in the future direction of the sector. We are committed to inclusion and social change. We work to make Cork a more inclusive and diverse place to live, work and learn. The ongoing mission of the organisation is to provide a range of rights-based, person-centered, community-based, self-directed services and supports to enable people to live a life of their choosing. We comply with the standards outlined in The Charities Governance Code, which is developed and monitored by the Charities Regulator.

Horizons wish to recruit a highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic School Nurse to support the students of the 3 schools within the Montenotte area. The School Nurse plays an important role in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students. As the critical link between the home and school environment, they monitor the health and safety of the children under their supervision. They provide direct nursing care to students with disabilities, manage chronic health conditions, administer medications, and create individualised healthcare plans. This role also involves collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team and external agencies and ensures student safety through first aid and emergency preparedness. As students are onsite September to June, school term, the School Nurse will be required to take their annual leave, during school closure times and during the summer months , when no students are at school. The remaining weeks will be allocated to administrative preparation.

Requirements

Key responsibilities:

• Direct care: Perform nursing assessments and provide direct care based on individualised healthcare plans. Administer medications and treatments, including complex interventions e.g. gastrostomy feeds and stoma care. Provide first aid for accidents and injuries.
• Health management: Manage and monitor students with chronic conditions, which can include conditions that interfere with learning. Participate in health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
• Collaboration and communication: Collaborate with teachers, parents, and healthcare providers to develop and implement individualised healthcare plans. Facilitate referrals to outside healthcare providers and specialists when necessary. Communicate with families and external agencies to ensure continuity of care. Act as an advocate for students, promoting self-advocacy where appropriate. Educate students, staff, and parents on health-related topics.
• Administrative duties: Manage and maintain student health records, including incident and accident reports. Participate in staff meetings and professional development to maintain high standards. Assist with other related administrative tasks as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in conjunction with current NMBI registration.
• A minimum of 1 year’s previous experience working with people with ID and complex needs.
• Experience working with children would be an advantage; in paediatric or school nursing.
• Have update to date permissions to work and reside in Ireland at time of application.
• A strong understanding of school health policies and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent clinical skills.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Hold a full driver’s licence and access to their own car is an advantage.
• Hold current CPR , catherisarisation, PEG , trachea certification is desirable.
• Be adaptable and flexible in their approach to the working environment.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations and emergencies calmly.
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have a track record of thinking creatively and being person centred.
• Detail orientated with evidence of strong and efficient record keeping.
• Strong ethical standards and professionalism.

Details

Location: Cork, Ireland

Contract Type: Full-time, Temporary

Salary: €38,166–€56,592 per year

Closing Date: 9 Oct 2026

How to Apply

Informal enquiries can be made to Patricia Hetherington, Assistant Director of Nursing on 086 823 3003. Completed application forms must be returned no later than Thursday 8th of October 2026. Applicants may be short listed on the basis of their application. Visit our website at www.Horizonscork.ie