Registered Nurse

Works in coordination with: Support Coordinators, residential and day supports personnel, guardians, families, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and other health care professionals.

ABLE, INC. IS DEDICATED TO:

• ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS
• PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH, AND
• ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO REACH THEIR PERSONAL DREAM

People supported by ABLE, Inc. will have the best possible health. This includes health care that is respectful of the rights and wishes of people supported, continuity of care, services and supports that address the unique physical and mental health care needs and desires of each person, as well as freedom from abuse and neglect.

This position will facilitate the achievement of personal outcomes as identified by the person supported. This position is responsible to provide health care for people supported by ABLE, Inc. in a manner that focuses on the personal outcomes and health issues that matter most to each individual person supported.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AS THEY RELATE TO PEOPLE SUPPORTED:

• Respond and intervene during accident, injury, illness
• Follow-up appointments and documentation of above
• Monitor health care progress of people supported by writing annual medication history, updating immunizations, make recommendations for treatment as needed
• Ensure labs, appointments, x-rays, physicals, specialist appointments, follow-up appointments, therapies, etc. are scheduled
• Take people to above appointments, if unable to make appropriate arrangements
• Ensure appropriate follow-up after appointments, i.e. scheduling follow-up, instructions to staff, update support coordinator, family, guardian, documentation in Masterfile/medical file, DD case manager, etc.
• Coordinate hospital admission and discharge, emergency room treatment, out-of-town travel for appointments
• Provide health care education to people supported as the need indicates
• Provide medical assessment and follow-up of suspected abuse and neglect for people supported

Review referral packets and provide input on ability of ABLE, Inc. to support and meet the health care needs of person applying for services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AS THEY RELATE TO STAFF:

• With the assistance of the health services coordinator, determine the need for and provide appropriate training/inservicing to direct care staff whenever nursing tasks are delegated
• Ensure competency of direct care staff whenever nursing tasks are delegated

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist in quarterly physicals for people supported throughout the agency
• Assist in medication administration recertification for staff throughout the agency
• Communicate health care issues to Director of Nursing
• Act as liaison with the medical community to enhance health care services provided to people supported
• Promote community awareness of ABLE, Inc.
• Assist when requested to cover health care needs throughout the agency in the absence of health services coordinator and/or other nurses.
• Participate in agency committee meetings as asked or appropriate.
• Comply with applicable standards, ICF/IDD and The Council
• Comply with ABLE, Inc.’s policies and procedures
• Attend the meetings as designated per supervisors
• Complete and submit agency documentation as required: health updates, behavior incident reports, timesheets, expense reports, telephone logs, etc.

REGISTERED NURSE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently licensed within the State of North Dakota as a Registered Nurse
• Prefer one year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities
• Remain current on CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid drivers license
• Prefer computer knowledge
• Prefer experience with standards such as ICF/IDD and The Council

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Must be willing to work as a team member
• Be a strong advocate for the rights of people supported
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must be able to function in an independent setting
• Must demonstrate good leadership skills
• Must possess excellent problem-solving skills
• Must be flexible and creative
• Possess strong physical assessment skills
• Must possess good public relations skills
• Be willing to travel in-state and out-of-state