Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

Make a Meaningful Difference Through Relationship-Based Nursing

Opportunity Living is seeking a compassionate and dependable Registered Nurse to provide high-quality nursing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients, coordinate their ongoing healthcare, and collaborate with physicians, families, guardians, nurses, and members of the Interdisciplinary Team. The ideal candidate is organized, attentive, and committed to helping each individual achieve the best possible health and quality of life.

What You’ll Do

• Assess clients’ health needs and monitor changes in their medical condition.
• Complete initial, monthly, quarterly, and annual nursing assessments and evaluations.
• Participate in the development, review, and update of Individual Program Plans as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Develop and maintain medical care plans in accordance with physicians’ orders.
• Coordinate routine physicals, dental care, vision and hearing services, laboratory testing, and appointments with specialists.
• Refer clients to appropriate healthcare providers when health concerns are identified.
• Administer medications and treatments and monitor clients for reactions or side effects.
• Ensure medications, treatments, and immunizations are provided according to physicians’ orders and applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate medical records, health histories, assessments, and nursing documentation.
• Provide immediate nursing care during illnesses, injuries, and emergencies.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments or outings when needed.
• Educate clients and employees about health, hygiene, infection prevention, and recognizing and reporting signs of illness.
• Provide instruction and clinical direction to Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Medication Aides, and other direct-care employees.
• Assist with training Certified Medication Aides to administer medications through a gastrostomy tube when applicable.
• Support clients who are able to learn to self-administer medications according to their abilities and care plans.
• Collaborate with hospice providers, the Director of Health Services, families, and guardians to develop coordinated plans of care when hospice services are selected.
• Follow established nursing standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in peer review, quality-improvement activities, required training, and continuing education.
• Participate in the established nursing on-call rotation.
• Maintain a flexible schedule when necessary to meet client and staffing needs.
• Protect client and employee privacy by maintaining confidentiality and complying with HIPAA requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• Current and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of professional nursing practices, medication administration, health assessment, and clinical documentation.
• Strong assessment, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to provide clinical instruction and guidance to licensed and unlicensed employees.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is preferred but not required.
• Sincere respect for and desire to support individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to pass required criminal and registry background checks.
• Ability to complete a tuberculosis screening.
• Ability to complete and maintain required training, including CPR/First Aid, Dependent Adult/Child Abuse, behavior-management training, and other job-specific requirements.
• Commitment to Opportunity Living’s mission and values.

Physical and Work Requirements

This position works in an environment that changes according to the needs of the individuals being supported. The work may be fast-paced and include interruptions, unexpected situations, and changing priorities.

Depending on client needs, the position may require:

• Assisting individuals with mobility, transfers, and physical support.
• Lifting or moving more than 50 pounds.
• Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
• Providing CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other emergency interventions.
• Regularly reaching and using hands to handle equipment, medications, and supplies.

The noise level is generally mild to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join Opportunity Living?

At Opportunity Living, nursing is about more than completing medical tasks. Our nurses develop lasting relationships, advocate for the people we serve, and play an important role in helping each client live a healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

If you are looking for a nursing position where your knowledge, compassion, and attention to detail will make a genuine difference, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunity Living is an equal opportunity employer.