Registered Nurse, Developmental Disabilities

Services for the Underserved•New York, NY

About The Position

The Developmental Disabilities Division supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living meaningful, fulfilling lives with dignity, in accordance with their personal values. Its nursing mission is to ensure access to quality health care and clinical supports, promote health equity, and support the people served through nursing care and advocacy focused on preventing and mitigating illness and injury, detecting conditions early, and providing safe, competent care in collaboration with each person and their circle of support. The Registered Nurse assesses health needs, develops and updates nursing assessments and service plans, coordinates medical care and referrals, monitors medication administration and health records, and works with interdisciplinary teams, residential staff, physicians, and community resources. The role also includes responding to emergencies, maintaining required documentation, supporting infection control and choking prevention, and ensuring care meets applicable OPWDD regulations and agency policies. The nurse must be available by cell phone 24 hours a day for medical emergencies and consultation as specified by agency protocols.

Requirements

Registered Nurse licensed to practice in New York State.
Specialized training in intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or one year of experience in community health care services.
AMAP trainer.
Trained in CPR and First Aid.
Ability to interpret relevant information and resolve problems, balance alternatives, and make sound decisions.
Ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations, challenges, deadlines, and emergencies, and cope with job-related stress.
Ability to provide timely, accurate, and clear documentation according to established policies and procedures.
Time-management skills, including prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.
Ability to carry out orders and directives and use resources wisely.
Willingness to initiate ideas and seek better ways of doing things.
Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain availability, attendance, and punctuality.
Ability to respond promptly, accurately, courteously, and respectfully to individual needs and represent the organization appropriately to outside resources.
Commitment to the organization’s mission and values, confidentiality, and positive, persistent performance of job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Assess individuals’ health conditions and determine when referrals to a physician or emergency room are needed.
Participate in pre-admission screening and evaluation of individuals referred to an ICF or IRA.
Complete an initial nursing assessment within 24 hours of placement and develop a Plan of Nursing Services within 30 days and annually thereafter.
Identify and assess communicable diseases and infections, report them to medical authorities, and implement protective and preventive measures.
Periodically observe medication administration to ensure compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency policy.
Immediately report injuries to management and follow applicable incident-reporting procedures.
Complete semi-annual and annual nursing assessment reports.
Ensure mealtime needs are assessed by a licensed clinician for choking prevention, update nursing plans as needed, and train relevant program staff and directors.
Maintain a weekly schedule and nursing assignments.
Participate in developing, reviewing, and updating Individual Program Plans as part of the interdisciplinary team process.
Review and update Nursing Service Plans semi-annually and as needed based on nursing evaluations and quarterly physical assessments.
Ensure nursing care prescribed by physicians or identified as necessary is carried out.
Participate in discharge planning and follow up on hospital or rehabilitation admissions and discharges.
Refer individuals to appropriate community resources based on the medical portion of their Community Service Plan.
Update medical diagnoses and changes to plans of care in the Precision Care electronic health record.
Complete quarterly Quality Improvement Reports, ensure outstanding issues are resolved, and review and follow up on reports completed by management.
Participate in annual and semi-annual interdisciplinary team meetings and other meetings as needed.
Participate in monthly medication reviews and reordering with the primary physician, psychiatrist, and residence Behavior Intervention Specialist.
Ensure medication and medical supplies are properly stored and disposed of in accordance with OPWDD regulations and agency policy.
Monitor health-maintenance records and indicators, including bowel movements, vital signs, monthly weight, adaptive equipment, seizure activity, head-injury questionnaires, menstrual records, and applicable flowsheets; report irregularities to the primary physician as needed.
Ensure ongoing health care services are provided and medical appointments are scheduled in a timely manner.
Monitor nutritional services and ensure annual diet and consistency orders are signed by a health care practitioner.
Remain available by cell phone 24 hours a day in accordance with medical emergency and telephone triage protocols and for consultation as needed.
Carry out agency policies and applicable OPWDD and other funding-agency guidelines.
Attend state survey inspections.