Registered Nurse

Description

Position Function: 

The Registered Nurse participates as part of the treatment team and monitors the health and medication management of all clients in the program. The Registered Nurse participates in treatment planning, schedules medical appointments, reviews results of medical appointments, dispenses or oversees administration of medication, communicates with the team about medical needs of each client, and reviews all medication documentation for accuracy. Ensures that all clients are being treated with the Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Children and Youth in Foster Care. The Registered Nurse observes clients and assists in identifying and managing any side effects experienced due to medication. The Registered Nurse provides medical education for agency to ensure medications and treatments for youth are conducted in accordance with approved techniques, licensing standards and physician’s instructions. The Registered Nurse ensures that all medical records, logs, and medical appointment documentation are accurate and in the client file. The Registered Nurse provides medically related functions necessary for the agency to fulfill the requirements of government regulations related to health and medication management. The job requires sensitivity to the services population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently licensed by State of Texas as a Registered Nurse

Experience Requirements:

Two years of practical nursing experience. Prefer pediatric and psychiatric experience. 

Functional Requirements:

· Must be able to perform all duties in accordance with all associated regulations and accrediting or regulatory entities 

· Must be able to provide or schedule medical care for youth 

· Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with children, parents/guardian, and staff 

· Must be able to document and communicate clear medical instructions to staff individually or in a teaching environment 

· Must be able to convey dignity and respect to staff, youth, and their parents/guardians

· Must be able to remain calm during medical emergencies 

· Must be able to work with ACH Child and Family Services behavior management philosophy 

· Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be able to operate a multi-passenger vehicle and have a good driving record, which is within the guidelines or insurance underwriter 

· Must not have been convicted of a felony or criminal offense against a child. The job requires sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics

Working Conditions:

Exposure to blood and any other bodily fluids. Exposure to illness and injury. Extended walking and standing daily. Must always be physically able to use authorized crisis intervention techniques.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentially & follow policies related to personal records & client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Values

· Maintain high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics

· The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence

· The ability to work collaboratively with clients, client families, other personnel, service providers, and other professionals

· The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals

· The ability to set appropriate limits

Planning:

· Organize system of meeting TDFPS licensing guidelines and agency guidelines for physical exams, dental exams, medication monitoring and review, and health monitoring of youth in care

· Participation in treatment team meetings as a part of the treatment team

· Plan for training needs of employees regarding health and medication related issues

· Schedule appointments as needed

· Maintain an awareness of medical costs and ways those costs can be reduced or minimized while continuing to provide quality care to youth

Implementation:

· Maintain, with assistance, accurate, current health records on all youth in accordance with TDFPS and ACH Child and Family Services Policies and Procedures

· Evaluate medical condition