Overview

Position Summary:

In accordance with standard nursing practices and under the direction of the Registered (RN), provides nursing services as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to persons served by the Bancroft organization.

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Under the clinical direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), provides nursing care to persons served, operating within personal license constraints and in strict accordance with regulations and guidelines defined by the Nurse Practices Act, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), N.J. Department of Health, , N.J. Department of Education Administrative Code and Amendments, Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) Division of Youth Services (DYFS) where applicable, the Individual Program Plan (IPP), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), and established Bancroft policies and procedures:

• In accordance with established procedures, reviews and accurately transcribes physician orders for documentation into the medical record of each person served.
• Obtains detailed health histories and conducts health screenings and physical assessments of persons served; e.g., vital signs, height, weight, pain assessments, nutritional needs, abuse and neglect screening, etc., to determine a baseline health status and to identify and document the current and changing healthcare needs of each person served. Reports findings to RN for subsequent review by physician.
• Based on program needs, performs on-site visits of program sites to ensure the health, safety, security, and overall quality of care for persons served. Identifies existing and potential issues of concern and takes appropriate action to address, resolve, and avoid reoccurrence of issues. Appropriately examines, and documents findings to contribute to quick resolution of problematic issues.
• Continually monitors medical charts/summaries of the care provided to individual persons served to ensure the currency of the information, adherence to physician orders, the proper documentation of medications and treatments, etc., to ensure the highest quality of care for all persons served.
• Administers first aid and emergency medical treatment to persons served in the event of illness and/or injury.
• Obtains and reviews written reports of laboratory and special tests performed for persons served by Bancroft-approved and outside healthcare providers. When test results are available, reviews results and consults with healthcare providers, as needed, to obtain or clarify medical information and accurately documents pertinent information in the medical record of each person served.
• Establishes and regularly maintains clinical records of persons served including medical history, drug reactions, allergies, prescribed medications, etc. Documents pertinent information regarding medical care of persons served.
• Administers medications and treatmentsin strict accordance with physician orders; monitors the medication process for efficacy, side effects, expected outcome, and adverse reactions. Maintains an adequate inventory of medications to ensure immediate availability of medications at all times.
• Contributes to the ongoing safety, security, and cleanliness of medication rooms, persons’ served areas, and medical equipment and supplies. Promptly notifies RN or Nurse Manager of any problems or needed equipment repairs.
• Interacts on a regular basis with Nurse Managers and case management staff regarding the routine, special, and changing healthcare needs of individual persons served to support a comprehensive care plan for each person.
• Interacts on a regular basis with program management/staff regarding the preparation of persons served for scheduled laboratory and special testing as ordered by physician; e.g., follows pre-testing restrictions, etc.
• Provides education and assistance to direct care staff in monitoring the usefulness, effectiveness, and adverse effects of medication and drug therapies, as well as in proper reporting and documentation procedures.
• May participate in a proactive manner regarding infection control policies and procedures. Educates staff and persons served on issues related to contagious diseases and provides instruction on the implementation of appropriate precautions, as needed.
• May perform other nursing tasks as designated by the Registered Nurse.

2. Participates in facilitating a team approach to the continued provision of quality care to persons served through regular interaction, communication, and collaboration with persons served, family members, discipline-specific clinical staff, primary physicians, healthcare providers, pharmacists, Nursing Department management/staff, program management/staff, School staff members, social workers, external case workers, state and federal regulatory agencies, etc. to attain and maintain the provision of quality care for persons served and assisting in the removal or modification of health-related barriers.

3. Utilizes a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, accountable, and conforms to federal/state regulations and established Bancroft policies and procedures. Develops and maintains progress reports, incident reports, summary reports, as appropriate, etc. for individual persons served. 

4. Reports suspected abuse to the appropriate authority in accordance with established reporting policies and procedures.

5. Maintains ongoing awareness of current and changing nursing statutes and regulations, as well as state, county, and local health laws and regulations, etc. Enhances own professional growth and incorporates findings into practice with the objective of strengthening and facilitating the provision of quality health care for all persons served.

6. Actively participates in the development and implementation of performance improvement systems for program site.

7. Builds and maintains effective relationships with persons served and their family members/guardians to promote a sense of trust and confidence with the role of the Nurse.

8. Assists with crisis management, as needed, through de-escalation techniques, staff support, and assistance. Follows state-approved emergency procedures and utilizes Bancroft-approved crisis intervention techniques at all times.

9. Willingly cooperates in any inspections or investigations to include both internal and external investigations and/or inspection processes.

10. Projects a positive self-image of professionalism, appearance, confidentiality, courtesy, conduct, honesty, fairness, personal integrity, and a respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, and privacy of others.

11. Provides related nursing services, as needed. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by specific program and the individual needs of persons served.

12. Abides by the Bancroft Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement in promoting ethical behavior, establishing relationships and providing guidance in decision-making situations.

13. Remains current with required training certifications, meets state-regulated licensing and regulatory accreditations, and adheres to mandatory requirements.

14. Maintains effective verbal and written communications with colleagues, those served, and their family members and/or guardians when applicable.

15. Willingly and effectively cooperates with Bancroft NeuroHealth, The Department of Human Services, The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and other licensing or state agency or local municipalities in any inspections and investigations, upon request.

16. Maintains a safe and respectful environment, free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; does not allow weapons, threats, bullying or intimidation.

17. Reports any violations to the appropriate individual as soon as the incident occurs.

18. Maintains levels of supervision as defined in behavior plans; e.g., Individual Program Plan (IPP), Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Service Plan (ISP), etc., when applicable.

19. Demonstrates Bancroft’s core values.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Licensed Practical Nurse from an accredited Nursing program with a current and valid N.J. license required. Prior nursing experience working with the developmentally disabled and/or the traumatically brain injured preferred.

EEO Statement

Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace. We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration. We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.

Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential. To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.