Registered Nurse (RN)

Description

Summary

The Registered Nurse will monitor the medical care and medication management of Individuals in the Residential Programs. He/She will be responsible for supervising and assisting the health services staff. The RN will provide nursing services to an assigned caseload and strive to improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals. The individual in this position will provide consultation and professional nursing services to the agency and individuals as needed.

Essential Duties

• Supervise and direct the Health Services department in carrying out their job responsibilities.
• Actively prevent and treat communicable diseases and infections through the administration of protective measures. These measures include identification and assessment of concerning symptoms, reports to medical authorities, implementation of all infection control policies/procedures, and the training of staff on all of the above.
• Monitor the completion of SGL individuals’ health status reviews, which must be submitted on a quarterly or more frequent basis.  
• Participate in the training of residential staff in medication administration (Core A & B). This training must cover the detection of signs of illness or dysfunction, basic skills required to address the health needs/problems of individuals, and other nursing related areas.
• Provide direct nursing care as required. Assist and discuss individual care with other personnel in nursing department. Direct nurses/staff in nursing protocol.
• Assist and monitor each individual’s health status on a quarterly basis. This will include a direct physical examination for all consumers, and a breast exam for female consumers.
• Administer/participate in the training of residential staff regarding consumer-specific health needs, first aid processes, basic safety skills, and other medical issues.
• Examine the medication regimen of each individual for potential adverse reactions, allergies, interactions, contraindications, and modifications on a monthly basis. Advise the physician of any recommended changes and/or alternate drug regimens. Coordinate with quarterly review of pharmacist.
• Develop and maintain Risk Plans/treatment records for each individual that identifies the needs of the individual and indicate the care to be given, as well as goals to be accomplished.
• Serve as a liaison with each individual’s physician and other medical personnel.
• Serve as a liaison between medical professionals and family/guardians. Contact family/guardians on issues related to the health of the individuals.   
• Perform administrative duties as required. This includes the completion of nursing notes, treatment records, and psychotropic medication histories.
• Review Change of Medication forms and contact notes.
• Review medication records weekly.  
• Complete the nursing notes in CaraSolva.
• Attend 90-day and annual meetings for individuals as required to participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and advocate for consumers’ health needs as needed.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times, as well as a positive attitude within the work environment.
• Visit consumers at day programming, residential setting, or other areas to observe and evaluate their overall status as determined by their needs.
• Coordinate with nursing staff to provide and monitor training to consumers in proper personal hygiene, family life, basic first aid, weight maintenance, and other health/medical issues.
• Contact the Human Rights Committee regarding changes in psychotropic medications. Attend meetings of the committee as directed
• Be able to frequently lift 75 pounds independently and over 75 pounds with assistance.
•  All other duties deemed necessary.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Maintain reliable transportation available for use during working hours, a valid driver’s license, and provide proof of automobile liability coverage.
• Possess ability to maintain flexible schedule to meet the demands of the department. 
• Possess the ability to assist consumers with personal care needs.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Possess the ability to establish effective work relationships.
• Possess the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Accept responsibility and demonstrate leadership.

Education and/or Experience:

A.S. or B.S. in nursing required. One year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

Medication Administration: Core A and Core B

C