Nurse/Nurse Educator

Department: CHOICES

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: CHOICES Program Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Supervises: NA

Work Schedule: Full-time position, 40 hours per week, requiring flexibility in scheduling and rotation on an on-call system

POSITION SUMMARY

To provide quality nursing services in the CHOICES program through monitoring of medical services to each individual VOA supports. Provide training to staff on medication administration and documentation. The nurse is committed to the highest standard of health, safety and to each person’s unique care while adhering to professional guidelines.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)

Participant Services

• Serve as a member of each participant’s interdisciplinary team. Complete or obtain necessary medical assessments, as identified by the team and by accreditation standards.
• Ensure and document that each participant’s health needs are met, as stated in the Individual Service Plan.

1. Assist staff in providing direction on medical needs for the individuals we support.
2. Accompany participants to medical appointments when complicated medical issues are involved. Review the results of all medical appointments when support staff accompany individuals to appointments, and provide instructions to staff, as appropriate.
3. Complete individuals 24-hour nursing assessment.
4. Ensure participants receive medications and medical care, as prescribed by physician.
5. Complete medication and immunization histories for each individual. Update as needed.
6. Review and approve objectives for teaching Self Administration of Medications prior to their implementation.

• Work with consultant pharmacist to ensure participant’s medication needs are met.

1. Take medication orders (follow up with a verification phone call).
2. Ensure that all the appropriate medications are in place for administration.
3. Auditing of MAR’s, and review medication bubble packs, and medication bottles for accuracy.
4. Follow Drug Control Policy.
5. Oversee pharmacy’s services to agency.
6. Ensure needed over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies are on hand. Inspect med carts monthly.

Staff Training and Support

• Work with other nurse(s) and training department to:

1. Identify needed medical training.
2. Develop or locate quality state approved curricula, for medical training.
3. Provide medication certification and other medically-related training to staff. Provide annual refresher training.
4. Regularly observe medication administration performed by staff who are going through and have completed state approved medication administrative class. Give feedback as needed. Document all observations.

• Work closely with all CHOICES VOA staff to maintain a supportive atmosphere that is consistent with each individual's goals and overall health. Build relationships with individuals VOA supports to promote independence, encourage each person’s best health and provide an atmosphere that addresses each person's physical and mental health needs.

Administrative

• Ensure all nursing standards, rules, and licensure requirements are met. This includes HCBS compliance and standards issued by the State Board of Nursing Policies/Procedures and DDD ARSD regulations.
• Monitor and review participant and agency records as they relate to medical issues; this includes monitoring medication errors, ensuring Plans of Correction are written according to agency policy, and ensuring Medication Administration Records are completed accurately and completely.
• Work with other nurses and supervisory staff to ensure agency Medication Administration policy and Physical Health policy are written in compliance with standards and regulations and are followed by agency staff.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: RN degree with RN licensure in SD is required.

Experience: Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues and challenging behavior is preferred but not required.

Skills: Excellent communication skills and computer experience required.

Licenses: RN Licensure. Must be able to lift and transfer as necessary. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

Other Requirements: Must be able to work flexible hours and take Nursing on-call.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis.
• Capability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50lbs on a daily basis.