GENERAL SUMMARY
Provides medical oversight to the residential group homes under the supervision of the Director of Nursing. Also provides episodic nursing care and assistance with other residential tasks, as needed. Consults with residential staff regarding health issues of individuals in accordance with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Medication Administration Program (MAP) and Agency policies. Provides direct oversight and training of staff on shift in meeting individual needs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*
- In collaboration with medical team, consults on individual care. Contributes to the development and implementation of residential assessment within 120 days of intake and individual service plan (ISP) guidelines thereafter. Provides support to house manager in ensuring measurable objectives are written for individualized care plans which meet individual’s physical, mental and psychosocial needs.
- Assesses need for preventative and restorative programs to ensure optimal quality of life for each individual.
- Assists in reviewing individual’s health care records and tracks appointments in accordance with DDS regulatory requirements and recommendations. Maintains appointment tracking records.
- Completes monthly audits at each residence on their case load and submits completed reports to the Director of Nursing, house manager, senior manager and program director.
- Meets with house managers at least twice a month or more often as needed to review each individual’s care of plan and any medical concerns.
- Reviews individual logs and verbal staff reports, communications and residential medical records for health issues and the tracking of current, ongoing health concerns; communicates issues to the Director of Nursing, house manager, senior manager and program director as needed.
- Provides episodic nursing care and assistance to individuals. Administers medications, treatments, and skilled nursing care in accordance with DPH Medication Administration Policies & Procedures and according to health care practitioner orders. Adheres to infection control procedures. Monitors residents’ positioning and use of supports. Assesses residents’ skin integrity, on a monthly basis or more frequently as HCP recommended. Assesses functional status.
- Develops accurate Master Physician’s Orders, verified in partnership with the Residential Manager, and insures review and signature by the Primary Health Care Practitioner.
- Assures that the house manager conducts weekly medication ordering and maintenance of medication logs in accordance with MAP regulations; reviews medication supplies for suitability to MAP standards.
- Attends medical appointments, as assigned by management, and ensures health care practitioners have required documentation.
- Adheres to established lines of communication; represents a positive and pro-active attitude with staff, families, supervisors and DDS representatives.
- Updates medical protocols and provides training to direct care staff, as needed.
- Provides individuals, families and staff with education and information, as needed.
- Attends all required meetings and trainings.
- Adheres to Agency emergency response policies and procedures.
- Participates in on call rotation.
- Serves as mandated reporter of suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) or Elder Services.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reviews and maintains first aid supplies inventory on a monthly basis.
- Provides assistance to staff with client ADL’s, including but not limited to, medication and dietary management, personal hygiene and other activities, as needed.
- Performs additional duties, as assigned.
COMPETENCIES
- Leading/Directing Others: Exhibits confidence in self and others; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; lays out work in a fair, well-planned, and organized manner; inspires, motivates, challenges and provides support to others to perform well and fulfill the vision; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others; is a clear communicator.
- Total Quality Management: Is dedicated to providing the highest quality services which meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers; is committed to continuous improvement through empowerment and performance management; creates a learning environment leading to the most efficient and effective work processes.
- Vision and Purpose: Demonstrates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; creates milestones to rally support behind the vision.
- Adaptability: Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; inspires others to be adaptable to change.
- Ethics, Values and Diversity: Promotes an appropriate and effective work environment and strives to ensure that the agency’s core values and beliefs are applied during all circumstances; genuinely cares about people; deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, lifestyle choices and genders; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; adheres to and promotes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); advocates for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities to maximize their potential in the programs and communities of their choice.
- Integrity and Trust: Is respectful, truthful, and transparent; keeps confidences; takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
- Problem Solving and Judgment: Probes all useful and constructive sources to find pertinent answers; can analyze issues, identify problems and work toward appropriate solutions; collaborates with others or as part of a team; displays willingness to make decisions; makes timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
- Oral and Written Communications: Speaks clearly, appropriately and effectively with a diverse group of individuals; is an active listener and gets clarification when necessary; participates constructively in meetings; is able to write clearly and succinctly; is able to communicate clearly in a variety of settings and situations.
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.).
- Obtains and maintains MAP Certification.
- Minimum 2 years prior experience in community health nursing, visiting nursing and/or nursing specific to individuals with unique developmental or traumatic brain injury challenges.
- Valid driver’s license in the state of Massachusetts.
- Successful completion of all state and Agency mandated trainings.
- Ability to provide hands-on personal care.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
- None
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Frequent standing, walking and bending.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to transfer individuals using hydraulic equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.