School Nurse / Assistant House Parent
Queen Margaret's School – Duncan, BC
0.80 FTE Registered Nurse + Live-In Boarding Position
Queen Margaret's School (QMS) is seeking a compassionate and caring Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Health Services and Boarding teams.
This is a live-in position that includes boarding house responsibilities in addition to a 0.80FTE (32h/week when school in session) nursing role during school days. It offers the opportunity to provide exceptional clinical care while becoming a trusted adult in the lives of students from around the world.
This role is ideal for a nurse who is passionate about holistic student health, enjoys being part of a close-knit boarding community, and is excited to contribute to all aspects of school life.
About Queen Margaret's School
Founded in 1921 by Miss Norah Denny and Miss Dorothy Geoghegan, Queen Margaret's School has a long tradition of providing exceptional education while developing character, curiosity, and confidence in every student.
Situated on a beautiful 30-acre campus in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, QMS combines outstanding learning environments with abundant outdoor space, equestrian facilities, and a vibrant boarding community. While located in a peaceful rural setting, the school is within easy reach of major urban centres and transportation hubs. With Canada's mildest climate, Vancouver Island offers year-round opportunities to enjoy nature, recreation, arts, and culture.
Our community includes more than 525 students from Preschool to Grade 12, representing over 25 countries. Diversity, kindness, and global citizenship are central to who we are, reflected in our school motto:
Be Curious. Be Kind. Be Brave. Be You.
At QMS, relationships matter. Our founders believed students flourish when they are known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential—both academically and personally. That philosophy continues to guide everything we do.
The Role
As the School Nurse, you will be a trusted and visible presence within a vibrant community of students aged 3–19. Working within the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice and the professional standards of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), you will provide high-quality clinical care while promoting the overall health and well-being of our students.
Unlike many nursing positions, this role allows you to build meaningful, long-term relationships. Rather than seeing patients for a single visit, you'll support students throughout their educational journey—celebrating successes, helping them navigate challenges, and becoming an important part of their daily lives.
Your work extends across campus—from the Health Centre to classrooms, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and our fully integrated Equestrian Centre—ensuring students feel healthy, safe, and ready to thrive.
As a live-in member of our Boarding team, you will also contribute to creating a welcoming, supportive home away from home. You'll participate in evening and weekend boarding duties on a rotating schedule, mentor students, and help foster a safe, inclusive community where young people develop independence, resilience, and confidence.
As School Nurse, You Will
- Deliver comprehensive nursing assessments, treatment, follow-up care, and health education within the RN Scope of Practice as part of a collaborative nursing team.
- Provide developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive care to students from Preschool through Grade 12.
- Assess and manage acute illness and injury, including those arising from athletics and equestrian programming.
- Develop and implement individualized health care plans for students with chronic medical conditions.
- Respond confidently to medical emergencies and coordinate care with Emergency Medical Services when required.
- Maintain accurate, confidential health records while ensuring compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate closely with teachers, counsellors, boarding staff, families, physicians, and other health care providers to deliver coordinated, student-centred care.
- Promote wellness through preventative care, health education, and school-wide wellness initiatives.
As an Assistant House Parent, You Will
- Help create a welcoming, supportive home for students living away from their families.
- Build positive, respectful relationships with boarding students while serving as a mentor, role model, and trusted adult.
- Participate in evening and weekend boarding supervision on a rotating schedule.
- Support students' personal, social, and academic development through daily interactions and guidance.
- Participate in activities on campus, throughout Vancouver Island, and occasionally on extended weekend trips.
- Provide medical guidance and advice to boarding staff after hours.
- Occasionally transport students when appropriately licensed.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- Is a graduate of a Canadian-accredited Registered Nursing program.
- Is currently registered and in good standing with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), or eligible for registration prior to the start date.
- Holds current CPR Level C (or equivalent) certification.
- Holds a Class 5 Driver's Licence (preferred).
- Brings experience in pediatrics, community health, school nursing, or sports medicine (considered an asset).
- Demonstrates excellent clinical assessment, triage, and critical thinking skills.
- Remains calm, compassionate, and confident during urgent or emergency situations.
- Values diversity, equity, inclusion, and the unique experiences of young people.
- Enjoys working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Has experience in boarding or residential life (considered an asset).
Above all, you understand that school nursing is as much about building relationships as it is about providing exceptional clinical care. You bring professionalism, empathy, sound judgment, and genuine care to every interaction.
Compensation & Benefits
We value the contributions of our employees and offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Live-in accommodation and meals
- Access to the school's fitness centre and swimming pool
- Enhanced vacation entitlements
- RRSP Matching Plan
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Professional development opportunities
- Free parking
- Tuition discount (where eligible)
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and why you would be a great fit for the QMS community.
- Your current résumé.
Applications should be submitted through our Careers website.
All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
If you're looking for a nursing role where relationships matter just as much as clinical expertise—and where every day brings opportunities to support, mentor, and inspire young people—we would love to hear from you.
