Registered Nurse IV

The Department of Developmental Services is seeking experienced and highly motivated candidates for the position of Registered Nurse IV (RN IV) for the South Valley Area Office. The RN IV provides professional nursing consultation, education, training, resource identification and advocacy for individuals with Developmental Disabilities, their families, DDS staff and provider staff in the area.  The RN participates in clinical assessments; risk reviews, nursing home evaluations, hospital evaluations, and discharge planning; completes Mortality Reviews; participates in medication reviews in accordance with MAP. The RN is available to the Area Office Service Coordinators/ staff and providers as a resource to assess, comprehend, plan and resolve issues for individuals at high risk due to complex medical needs.   Acts as a liaison to medical and clinical professionals in the community, area hospitals and Rehab Centers.  Facilitates communication and coordination of care with medical and psychiatric providers and accompanies individuals to medical appointments as needed. The RN interfaces with the community to promote a better understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities.    

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)

1. Provides education, consultation, and in-services for individuals, families, DDS staff, provider staff, and community partners to promote health and safety for individuals with DD.
2. Available to DDS staff and providers as a medical resource to assess, comprehend, plan and resolve issues for individuals at high risk due to complex medical needs.
3. Provides health care case review as a member of the Area Risk Management Team, assessing the medical, nursing and psychiatric issues in coordination with other Risk Team members.
4. Serve as a liaison/advocate, during acute care hospitalizations, acute care rehab, and extended care facility admissions, between hospital staff, provider staff, and families to advocate for quality care.  Visits and participates in plan of care or discharge meetings at the hospital and skilled nursing facilities.
5. Completes and submits admissions documentation to the Regional office for approval when an individual is admitted to a Skilled Nursing facility.
6. Completes assessments to determine community care supports, assists with the coordination of medical supports for safe discharge.
7. Provides Medication Administration Program (MAP) reviews to provider homes as requested.
8. Reviews all unexpected hospital visits, ER visits and hospital admission incidents in HCSIS and make recommendations for follow up care as needed.
9. Reviews Death Reports and completes Mortality Reviews.
10. Documents all nursing notes / observations of individuals in Meditech.
11. Maintains a level of proficiency through DD in-services, and medical trainings.
12. Represents Area health care issues as member of Regional Health Care Committee and at the Regional Nurses’ meeting.
13. Develops a list of local health care resources that provides quality services for individuals with DD.
14. Other related duties as requested/assigned by the Area Director.

Position Requirements:

• Must possess a current, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Agency Requirements:

• Must possess a current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
• Incumbents must obtain and maintain Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Capacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility   I don’t think this applies to a community nurse