Nova Pioneer is hiring! Are you passionate about child wellness and ready to contribute meaningfully to the health and achievement of the next generation of innovators and leaders in Africa? Nova Pioneer Athi River School invites applications from experienced and dedicated professionals for the position of School Nurse. This is a full-time, school-based role, ideally suited for a nursing professional with a genuine interest in student well-being, ready to start in August 2025.
This opportunity offers a unique chance to work within a dynamic and visionary learning environment that values innovation, child-centered care, and long-term professional growth. The successful candidate will become an integral part of Nova Pioneer’s commitment to delivering world-class education in a nurturing environment.
About Nova Pioneer
Nova Pioneer is a Pan-African network of independent schools that aims to develop generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African century. With 16 schools already established across Kenya and South Africa, Nova Pioneer is on a mission to reach tens of thousands of students by opening 100 schools in the coming decade.
Nova Pioneer is more than just a school — it’s a movement to transform education across the continent. The schools offer education from pre-primary through secondary, using a unique inquiry-based approach that empowers students to explore, investigate, and collaborate as they grow intellectually and personally.
To learn more about Nova Pioneer, visit: www.novapioneer.com
The Role: School Nurse (Athi River Campus)
Nova Pioneer Athi River is looking for an experienced School Nurse to oversee student health and wellness. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing the physical and mental well-being of learners, offering timely support and developing systems that enhance health and safety across the school.
This position will involve working closely with teachers, school leaders, parents, and local healthcare professionals to provide a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive. The school nurse will reside on campus under the school’s housing scheme to provide 24/7 emergency health services and continuous care.
Key Responsibilities
The School Nurse’s primary duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Student Health and Development Oversight
- Monitor and manage students’ overall wellness and development.
- Offer psycho-social support to students dealing with emotional, mental, or personal challenges.
- Assist students in managing both chronic and temporary illnesses or injuries.
- Maintain medical confidentiality while handling sensitive student information.
2. Basic Health Services Provision
- Deliver daily medical care and administer basic treatments throughout the school day and night.
- Ensure timely attention to minor injuries and common ailments while determining when external medical referral is needed.
3. Medical Liaison
- Establish and maintain regular communication with medical staff at the nearest private hospital for referrals and emergencies.
- Coordinate evacuation logistics for students who require care beyond what can be provided at school.
4. Medication Management
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of student medical histories and treatment plans.
- Track and monitor adherence to prescribed medications.
- Support students with special medical needs by providing direct care and training to relevant staff.
- Keep a comprehensive and current inventory of all infirmary medications and supplies.
5. Hygiene and Health Monitoring
- Routinely inspect boarding facilities including toilets, bathrooms, and laundry areas to ensure high hygiene standards.
- Assess the cleanliness and condition of boarding facilities when students are absent.
- Monitor service standards of cleaning and other support staff and report deficiencies to the Director of Operations.
6. Health Education and Training
- Develop and facilitate professional development and health awareness sessions for both students and staff.
- Promote healthy living and disease prevention through training on personal hygiene, nutrition, and general well-being.
7. Communication and Documentation
- Communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders including students, school staff, parents, and medical professionals.
- Maintain daily incident logs for all medical interventions and health-related incidents.
- Coordinate with the procurement department for timely replenishment of medical supplies.
- Ensure regular reporting and documentation for both internal use and compliance with health regulations.
8. Food and Nutrition Support
- Work with the school catering department to ensure that students receive nutritious meals daily.
- Monitor student dietary needs and ensure vulnerable students receive appropriate nutrition including fruits and vegetables.
9. Emergency and Referral Management
- Respond promptly to emergencies, assess the severity, and coordinate further care or evacuation when necessary.
- Develop and maintain an emergency response protocol in coordination with local medical services.
10. Inclusion and Accessibility
- Provide care and support to students with disabilities, ensuring their medical and emotional needs are met.
- Contribute to creating an inclusive environment for all students regardless of their health conditions.
About You
To be successful in this role, you should be a qualified and experienced nursing professional who values working in a school environment and supporting young learners. The ideal candidate should possess the following:
- A diploma or degree in nursing from a recognized institution.
- At least 3–4 years of experience as a registered nurse. Experience working in a school setting is desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with students, colleagues, parents, and external health professionals.
- Flexibility and emotional intelligence to handle confidential and sensitive situations compassionately.
- Willingness to reside on campus and offer 24-hour support to the student community.
- Ability to educate and train students on best health practices.
- Professional counseling skills would be a strong advantage.
The Nova Pioneer Recruitment Process
Nova Pioneer follows a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process. All applications go through several stages to ensure that the best candidates are selected:
1. Phone Interview
A brief call to get to know you better and assess your initial suitability for the role.
2. Practical Assessment
Depending on the role, candidates may complete a written task or on-site demonstration of skills.
3. In-Person Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Nova Pioneer schools for an in-depth series of interviews.
4. Final Interview
A final one-on-one conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your potential contributions to Nova Pioneer and finalize your application.
All stages are designed to identify candidates who align with the values and goals of Nova Pioneer while ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the process.
Why Work at Nova Pioneer?
Working at Nova Pioneer is not just a job — it’s a calling. Here, team members experience significant personal and professional growth due to our culture of feedback, learning, and high performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- An environment that values personal development and offers consistent professional learning opportunities.
- A community that embraces challenge and innovation with a solution-oriented mindset.
- A clearly defined career progression pathway with the support needed to achieve your goals.
- A chance to work in a highly energetic and mission-driven team with the freedom to innovate.
- A workplace where joy, passion, and purpose go hand in hand.
At Nova Pioneer, challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. The atmosphere is one of infectious energy, driven by a shared belief in transforming education across Africa.
Application Instructions
If this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your application through the form available on the right-hand side of the job page at Nova Pioneer’s official website. Nova Pioneer does not accept applications via email.
Note: Ensure your resume is in PDF format to preserve formatting. All applications will be reviewed thoroughly, and successful applicants will be contacted for the next stages of the hiring process.
Nova Pioneer is an equal-opportunity employer and does not charge any application fees. If you receive a request for payment in relation to your application, report it immediately to [email protected] (for Kenya-based applicants) or [email protected] (for South Africa-based applicants).
Join us in shaping the African century through health and education. Apply now and be part of a transformative journey that puts children’s well-being at the heart of their educational success.
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