Registered Nurse, Developmental Disabilities

Services for the Underserved•New York, NY

11d

About The Position

The Developmental Disabilities Division supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living meaningful, dignified lives in their communities, guided by their individual values. The nursing role promotes health equity and provides safe, competent nursing care in collaboration with each person and their circle of support. Nurses advocate for health care access, early detection and treatment, and the prevention and mitigation of illness and injury. The Registered Nurse assesses individuals’ health, develops and updates nursing assessments and Plans of Nursing Services, coordinates care and referrals, monitors medication practices and health records, and supports infection control and choking prevention. The nurse collaborates with individuals, families and support networks, physicians, staff, and interdisciplinary teams to maintain health and ensure prescribed care is provided. The position also involves documentation, quality improvement, hospital transitions, medication and supply management, and participation in agency and state review activities. Nurses are available around the clock by cell phone for medical emergencies and consultation, in accordance with 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.
Training in CPR and First Aid.

Nice To Haves

Ability to interpret relevant information and resolve problems; balance considerations and alternatives to make sound decisions.
Ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations, challenges, deadlines, and emergencies, and cope with job stress.
Timely, accurate, and clear documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Effective time management, organization, workload prioritization, and resource use.
Willingness to initiate ideas and seek better ways of doing things.
Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.
Ability to work well as part of a team.
Reliability and availability as needed, including punctuality and attendance.
Prompt, accurate, courteous, and respectful responses to individual needs; models appropriate behavior and represents the organization positively to outside resources.
Supports S:US’s mission and values and draws attention to behavior that undermines group effectiveness or conflicts with core values.
Maintains confidentiality of individuals and staff.
Maintains positive enthusiasm toward job accountabilities and objectives, persists through obstacles, and applies extra effort to complete work.

Responsibilities

Assess individuals’ health as needed and determine whether referral to a physician or emergency room is warranted.
Participate in pre-admission screening and evaluation of individuals referred to ICF or IRA residences.
Complete an initial nursing assessment within 24 hours of placement.
Develop a Plan of Nursing Services within 30 days of placement and annually thereafter, based on nursing assessment, physical examination information, and evaluation of the individual’s ability to self-medicate.
Identify and assess communicable diseases and infections, report them to medical authorities, and implement appropriate protective and preventive measures.
Periodically observe medication administration to ensure compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency policy.
Immediately report injuries to management so appropriate incident-reporting procedures can be followed.
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 program specialists and program or assistant 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 for individuals is carried out.
Participate in discharge planning and follow up on or process hospital and rehabilitation admissions and discharges.
Refer individuals to appropriate community resources based on the medical portion of their Community Service Plan.
Enter medical diagnoses and care-plan changes into the Precision Care electronic health record.
Complete quarterly Quality Improvement Reports and ensure outstanding issues are resolved; review and follow up on reports completed by management.
Participate in annual and semi-annual interdisciplinary team meetings and special meetings within or outside the residence.
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, including bowel movements, vital signs, monthly weights, 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 24 hours per day by cell phone in accordance with medical emergency and telephone triage protocols, and for consultation as needed.
Carry out agency policies in accordance with OPWDD and other funding-agency guidelines.
Attend state survey inspections.