POSITION SUMMARY: Ensures continuity and consistency of all medical and psychiatric care to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals residing in their assigned residential programs. Coordinates medical services for each individual’s physician and other medical providers in conjunction with the residential providers, families, and/or guardians.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The license practical nurse reports to the Vice President of Program Services
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Ensures sound, professional medical, dental, and psychiatric care to individuals in their assigned residential programs
2. Establishes, maintains, and updates all individual’s medical records, including medication sheets and health care provider orders to document medical needs and interventions and ensures this information is accurate and up to date 3. Writes comprehensive evaluations and completes all consult forms prior to appointment. Write progress notes, as necessary
4. Obtains medical reports and approval of treatment plans from the individual’s primary care physicians. Maintains a confidential medical file for each individual
5. Obtains from physicians, written orders for all medications, treatments, etc. for the individual at their program
6. Provides on-going training and in-service education to management and staff regarding general medical, psychiatric, neurological and nutritional issues, as well as individual specific problems as indicated
7. Advises the Program Manager and staff regarding medical problems that may hinder an individual’s progress or that may be aggravated by program activities
8. Maintains consistent communication with the clinical consultant assigned to the program
9. Establishes communication system with the families and guardians of individuals, their day program staff and the DDS Service Coordinator in order to provide pertinent information regarding the changes in the individual’s overall health and medical/psychiatric conditions
10. Completes pre-admission review of medical history and needs of prospective individuals to reside in Turning Point, Inc. programs
11. Completes health care record for the ISP for each individual
12. Coordinates medical, dental, neurological, psychiatric evaluations and other consultations, as required
13. Ensures knowledge and support of regulations and statues governing the human right of the individuals supported
14. Works in a collaborative, team oriented fashion with the program Coordinator, Program Managers, and all other employees and members of management
15. Ensures all recommendations and follow-up treatment is completed in a timely manner
16. Maintains an adequate medication supply in the residential program at all times
17. Ensures adherence to all DDS and MAP regulations regarding medication administration, documentation, and storage. Trains staff in vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and other treatment as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Current licensure as a licensed practical nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• At least (2) two or more years’ medical/surgical and/or psychiatric nursing background is required • Experience caring for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals is strongly preferred
• A solid knowledge of nursing principles and procedures, as well as good patient care techniques is required
• The ability to attend individual’s medical appointments and related meetings as necessary
• Must be able to work on a 24 hours/day and (7) day/week basis in order to respond to medical/health questions or concerns.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position will require frequent sitting, infrequent standing, walking, stooping and bending, and minimal lifting. Driving may be up to three hours per day, but varies depending on the daily requirements of the position.
On a weekly basis, the approximate standards included below may be more (or less) depending on the nature of medical/psychiatric care, individual evaluations/appointments scheduled and other duties, as required:
̶ Standing/Walking: 35% or more (varies depending on day)
̶ Sitting: 55% or more (varies depending on day)
̶ Lifting: >1%
̶ Twist/Turn/Squat: 5% or more
̶ Forearm Rotation: 5% or more
̶ Transportation: 3 hours per day or more