POSITION PURPOSE:

The Consultant Nurse is supervised by the Director of Community Site Nursing who reports to the President. Exposure to blood borne pathogens in this position could occur with blood exposure accidentally; there is no regular contact with blood or high risk body fluids. Identifies and responds to residents' needs in emotional and social areas, however, intervention in these areas does not fall within the definition of psychotherapy. Consultant Nurse position requires an effective role model and a professional representative of the Phoenix organization in the community; is a knowledgeable, positive and a professional leader who exemplifies the philosophies of The Phoenix Residence, Inc. and is a reliable representative of the Nursing Department. This position requires flexibility in hours and days of the week to ensure adequate nursing coverage. Cooperative, positive and supportive communication skills are needed. This position is non-exempt.

LOCATION: Multiple sites in the Twin Cities area.

1. RESIDENT CARE AND TREATMENT - Establishes standards of nursing service practice in an effort to assure that residents receive quality care; evaluates resident conditions, activity and care modes for effective care planning; participates in individual habilitative plans, conferences, admission screenings and discharges, and resident reports and teamings when appropriate; is responsible for psychotropic medication monitoring; reviews resident diets with the dietician, when necessary; administers, handles and orders medications; carries out MAR checks; oversees the scheduling of appointments to ensure proper referrals are made and treatment received, attendance at appointments as needed; transfers and discharges residents; notifies physician and/or other interdisciplinary team members of significant changes in resident status; completes body exams assuring routine charting, weights, vital signs and immunizations are completed for each resident.
2. HOME CHARGE RESPONSIBILITY - Activates/directs emergency medical procedures when on site or called upon. Assists, when needed, to call on-call emergency departments and notifies appropriate on-call supervisors.
3. REGULATION COMPLIANCE - Adheres to all policies, procedures and philosophies of The Phoenix Residence, Inc., and all rules and regulations of its licensing agencies, which includes those of the Minnesota Board of Nursing and the Nurse Practice Act. Is responsible to physicians to accurately communicate and transcribe orders to assure orders are followed; documents and maintains resident medical records, performing periodic chart audits. Attends all mandatory and other job related in-services annually; and maintains an adequate number of continuing education credits. Assists in the survey processes as needed.
4. HUMAN RELATIONS - Maintains and fosters professional relationships with residents, their families, medical staff, consultants and community contacts. Delivers written and verbal information in a way that conveys respect for residents and others; advocates for residents via appointment referrals, physician communications, telephone consultations, teamings, shift report notes, through various committee members, IHP meetings. Maintains a positive working relationship with peers and is seen as an approachable team player. Displays positive, supportive and cooperative conduct. Works to resolve issues and concerns, utilizing principles of Total Quality Management (TQM).
5. STAFF DEVELOPMENT - Participates in orientation of staff, in-servicing (i.e: CPR, med passing, First Aid) as needed, keeps staff informed of new procedures or techniques.
6. MANAGEMENT DUTIES - Participates with the Director of Community Site Nursing in planning and decision making. Keeps within budgetary constraints for nursing hours for the year. Assists with the collection of Utilization Review, Pharmacy Review, and Infection Control data for the biannual meetings. Recognizes, evaluates and corrects problem areas, within domain of responsibility, taking into account the facility-wide impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A current RN license for the RN Consultant or LPN license for the LPN Consultant position to practice nursing in the State of Minnesota.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation instructor certification or the ability to complete.
• Certified Tardive Dyskinesia rater or ability to obtain.
• Experience in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Staff development training experience.
• Ability to assist with lifts and transfers
• Ability to sit, stand, push/pull wheelchairs.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• Ability to hear and see to make clinical assessments.
• Ability to travel between sites; if driving holds a valid driver's license and maintains a satisfactory driving record.