Registered Nurse (RN) (Restoration Center)

Vinfen•Lowell, MA

About The Position

Summary: The Recovery Center Registered Nurse (RN) promotes the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live a healthy life in the community. Assesses and coordinates access to and management of health care for PS in conjunction with PS identified care team and all associated medical and behavioral health providers while receiving Recovery Center services. Monitors and consults with team members regarding the medical and psychiatric conditions of PS. Develops and oversees the delivery of health promotion strategies for modifiable risk factors by the Recovery Center Team. Oversees Medication Administration Program (MAP) compliance for Recovery Center program. About Us: Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers. My Job. My Community. My Vinfen. Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Requirements

Strong commitment to the rights and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the clinical treatment, resources and supports needed to thrive in their community of choice.
Knowledge of Nursing treatment principles and modalities, best practices and evidence-based practices.
Knowledge of health risks of psychiatric disability.
Ability to adhere to the standards of Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT); Housing First; Stages of Change; and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Knowledge of PS engagement strategies.
Knowledge of medical crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and risk management strategies.
Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered and strengths-based values and principles.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services. Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues of PS.
Knowledge of the effects of prejudice including internalized negative attitudes about oneself, discrimination, and oppression of people with psychiatric disorders, and effects of poverty.
Knowledge of human, legal, and civil rights of PS.
Knowledge of medical and psychiatric emergency services and acute care systems.
Knowledge of community based mental health, health care, care coordination and other services and resources available to PS.
Skills and competence to formulate effective Treatment Plan interventions, and to train paraprofessional staff to implement aspects of plans.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other Team members to address the needs of PS in the Treatment Plan.
Ability to form supportive, trusting relationships with PS.
Knowledge of Nursing assessment practices.
Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
Extensive knowledge of documentation standards and requirements.
Registered Nurse in Massachusetts required.
Three to five years supervised practical experience preferred, including internships.
Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport PS.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. - If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Direct Care Roles - Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR within 2 weeks of hire
Registered Nurse license in state of service required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people with psychiatric disability and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Meets with and conducts assessment of physical health of each PS served by the Respite at intake. Updates assessment when significant medical status changes occur.
Educates and trains Respite staff on pertinent health matters regarding PS condition, diagnosis(s), medication and signs and symptoms of chronic, acute and urgent physical health issues (e.g. Diabetes, HTN, CHF, COPD, Vital signs management).
Consults with team members on medical and nursing needs of PS.
Participates as a member of the intervention team for assigned PS.
Monitors and communicates PS needs for, and coordinates PS access to, health care with Care Coordination entities and all associated medical and behavioral health providers as needed.
Facilitates referrals to community providers as needed.
Attends hospital discharge meetings when significant medical issues are present, advocatess for rehabilitative stay if needed, and obtain hospital discharge summaries at time of discharge.
Educates and supports PS families and friends (following HIPAA authorization protocols) regarding PS needs and preferences as they relate to health care.
Completes Nursing and Health Assessments in the community for PS as assigned.
Engages PS in personal health promotion activities targeted at modifiable risk factors. Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current health circumstances, consequences, and interest in change.
Designs, facilitates and oversees health promotion interventions to address modifiable risk factors for early morbidity and mortality of PS; including those served on site and by mobile supports. Models appropriate interventions for direct service staff.
Designs, facilitates and oversees health promotion interventions to address overall health and wellbeing of PS.
Monitors medical and psychiatric conditions of PS. Records relevant information following established protocols.
Oversees MAP policies, protocols, audits and compliance for Respite. Ensures that medications for PS are stored, administered, and disposed of in accordance with MAP requirements and company policies.
Trains/tutors staff to prepare for MAP certification and recertification. Teaches MAP at least once per year. Attends State mandated MAP Consultant meetings twice a year.
When a PS is authorized for Home Health and/or Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services, obtains and reviews all 485s from VNA services and obtains updates on a regular basis. Consults with VNA primary care nurse while PS is receiving respite services.
Advocates with medical providers for simple, effective medication regimens and for the reduction of poly-pharmacy.
May provide outreach services as needed to PS when they appear to disengage from Respite services.
Promotes employment services access for PS.
Performs and mentors, model evidenced-based clinical and recovery-oriented interventions for PS, including Motivational Interviewing: Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment support; Screening; Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT); Housing First; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
Provides on-call clinical coverage as scheduled.
Engages as Member of Nurse Community of Practice, facilitated by Vinfen’s VP of Nursing, to support and improve role competency and professional development.
Performs other duties, as assigned.