Description

POSITION: Registered Nurse (Full Time - 40 Hours Per Week)

PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT: Residential Programs in Lower Fairfield County (e.g. Greenwich/Stamford)

SCHEDULE WORK HOURS: The Registered Nurse develops a work schedule in conjunction with the Director of Health Services to assure adequate availability to manage the health needs of our residents and maintain regulatory standards.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR : Director of Health Services/Director of Nursing

CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH: Program Directors, Program Managers, Associate Day Counselors, families of residents of Abilis homes and health care professionals

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Registered Nurse is a licensed health professional within the Residential Programs. The nurse (1) assures medical services are rendered in a timely fashion (2) monitors medical related documentation and (3) ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Registered Nurse must be flexible to adapt to a multitude of situations to meet the health needs of the individual residents.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Assists all individuals of the home in achieving optimal health and ensures that they receive quality medical care.
2. Maintains an effective infection control program to assure a safe and healthful environment for residents and staff.
3. Develops for each person an individualized health plan with objectives and strategies that are reevaluated and adjusted.
4. Participates in the Individual Plan process as medical representative and consulting nurse to the interdisciplinary team.
5. Evaluates overall health needs of each person and obtains appropriate health services and specialty consultations (i.e. neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, gynecology).
6. Communicates with guardian/family members, etc. on related medical issues.
7. Consults with health care providers and supervises implementation of the medical treatment program as recommended to assure prompt, appropriate health care to individuals.
8. Provides in-service instruction to staff on medication administration, first aid, communicable disease, seizures, sexual awareness, and detecting illnesses, basic skills in health care and other health issues as needed.
9. Supervises and monitors residential staff in giving health care to residents which complies with health care standards and regulations.
10. Monitors the effectiveness of medications and observes for tardive dyskinesia. Ensures compliance with DDS Policy and Program Review Committee recommendations (ex. renew medication incident reports).
11. Works independently but refers any unresolved concerns to Program Manager or Director for further direction.
12. Will serve as appointed on Abilis's standing Committees such as Protection & Advocacy Response Team, Infectious Disease Control Committee, Admissions Committee, etc.
13. Be responsible for supervision and quality assurance of medication certification, unlicensed personnel, per Department of Developmental Services and Abilis Medication Administration Policy, including documentation of: ON-SITE LAB PRACTICUM, annual evaluation review, quarterly medication review, reporting medication errors
14. Monitor and document on an ongoing basis, but at least monthly/quarterly documentation pertaining to the administration of medication.
15. Provide counseling and advice to residential staff when a health related problem arises (see Medical Criteria Call List). Be available by phone to support staff.
16. Attend DDS Nursing Network meetings.
17. Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: A nursing degree from an accredited college or university with a current Connecticut license

Experience: Three years full time employment delivering clinical services