Registered Nurse Therapeutic Group Homes

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the medical and health management of youth in TGH at Ädelbrook. Is empowered to be the direct contact for the Medical Department when the RN Supervisor(s) and/or Director of Nursing are unavailable. Implements the nursing process with residents including carrying out physicians’ orders regarding medication and treatment. Monitors and ensures quality medical care through observation and evaluation.Works closely with Administration to problem solve ongoing issues/concerns. Administers medications and controlled drugs as needed by the program. Maintains medical records. Responds to emergencies. Assists and/or substitutes for the Director of Nursing, as requested. This is a full time non-exempt position that reports to the RN Supervisor and Director of Nursing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides medical assessments/nursing admission assessments and assist the consulting pediatrician with physical examinations of residents in care. Carries out physicians’ orders regarding medication, treatment and diet.
2. Works closely with the interdisciplinary team to problem solve ongoing issues/concerns related to client health and safety and staffing concerns related to health/safety.
3. Reviews pre-admissions for residential program. Sends to RN Supervisor/Director of Nursing for approval.
4. Develops and updates specialized careplans for all youth in residence. Monitors and ensures quality care through observation and evaluation. Monitors vitals signs monthly and as needed.  Maintains records noting specific incidents, e.g., emergency room visits,  reports of physical exams given by the consulting pediatrician, treatment rendered for specific physical complaints, where nursing and medical attention was given to a specific resident. Completes discharge planning and paperwork for youth in a timely manner in preparation for discharge.
5. Case manages client load, and presents clients at monthly rounds.
6. For acute, life-threatening conditions and other emergencies, emergency first aid, CPR and needed medical interventions; assess psychiatric emergencies when clinical staff are not present; refer the resident to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital as necessary.
7. Obtains, pours (as needed by the program), administers and accounts for medication for an illness, injury or behavior problem, or for an acute medical/psychological problem as prescribed by a physician. Does this in accordance with the standards established in the DCF Medication Administration Handbook. Keeps a record of same in Medical Services.
8. Deals directly with the pharmacy as needed to ensure medications are ordered correctly and available for administration.
9. Renders emergency first aid and needed medical interventions; assess psychiatric emergencies when clinical staff are not present; when necessary, arrange transportation to emergency room or psychiatric hospital.Orders and interpret routine lab tests when required.
10. Provides medical training for employees, including Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens, Epi Pens and Inhalers.
11. Provides medical instruction regarding sex education and other relevant medical issues, as appropriate, to staff and children, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
12. Distributes first aid supplies to Therapeutic Group Homes, and provide instruction in first aid techniques to appropriate staff when necessary.
13. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and rounds. Communicates with relevant Treatment Services and Adelbrook Academy employees regarding physiological and mental health status of residents.
14. Observes/documents physical restraints to ensure safety of residents and staff members.
15. Makes medical calls, as necessary, to Consulting Psychiatrist, Consulting Pediatrician, RN Supervisor, and Director of Nursing, as required. Direct liason for interdisciplinary team for all routine and specialty appointments, overseeing all paperwork and follow-up care.
16. Updates/maintains ongoing paperwork/processes.
17. Displays exemplary role modeling on the job and when in contact with the youth being served.
18. Participates in the on-call rotation schedule along with the Director of Nursing and the other Supervisors of Nursing.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing and/or RN Supervisor.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Must have graduated from an accredited nursing program and be licensed as an RN in the State of CT. Must have three years of experience as an RN, preferably working with youth who have mental health diagnoses and are emotionally disturbed and/or behaviorally disordered.  Must be able to work independently while seeking supervision when necessary.

Must have knowledge of and abi