Area Office Nurse

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Walpole, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking experienced and highly motivated candidates for the position of Registered Nurse (RN) IV. 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. The RN interfaces with the community to promote a better understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Requirements

• At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility.
• Of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity.
• A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.
• Must possess a current, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Familiarity with MAP policy, safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations.
• Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language.
• Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Available to DDS staff, providers, and families to advocate for quality care during acute hospitalizations and rehab admissions. Can participate in plan of care or discharge meetings at the hospital and skilled nursing facilities.
• Completes and submits admissions documentation to the regional office for approval when an individual is admitted to a Skilled Nursing facility.
• Completes nursing assessments to determine appropriate nursing support needs.
• Provides Medication Administration Program (MAP) reviews to provider homes as requested.
• Reviews all unexpected hospital visits, ER visits and hospital admission incidents in HCSIS and make recommendations for follow-up care as needed.
• Reviews Death Reports and completes Mortality Reviews.
• Documents all nursing notes / observations of individuals.
• Maintains a level of proficiency through DD in-services, and medical trainings.
• Represents Area health care issues as member of Regional Health Care Committee and at the Regional Nurses’ meeting.
• Develops a list of local health care resources that provides quality services for individuals with DD.
• Collaborates with the legal office to ensure the clinical documents needed for end of life and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) are in compliance with DDS policy.
• Other related duties as requested/assigned by the Area Director.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior