Adult Day Program Nurse - PRN

SUMMARY:

The PRN Program Nurse works under the supervision of the Adult Day Program Site Manager to develop and maintain a successful program and continually assess and meet the needs of the participants in the program and their caregivers. The goals of the program are to:

• Provide a safe, enjoyable experience for the participants.
• Focus activities to emphasize the remaining abilities and strengths of participants, while accommodating their limitations.
• Provide opportunities for social interactions that enhance each participant’s sense of belonging, self-worth, and dignity.
• Support family caregivers through providing an alternative care setting, opportunities for respite, educational materials, an atmosphere of acceptance, and referrals to other resources.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position of PRN Program Nurse is an as needed, hourly position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage locked storage and proper labeling of medications brought to Adult Day Program for administration during program hours, assuring that accepted standards are met and procedures followed to ensure the well-being of clients and to meet the requirements of the Illinois Administrative Code covering adult day service providers for the Illinois Department on Aging Community Care Program.
• Assure that medications are administered and documented appropriately and according to established procedures and requirements.
• Respond to any medical emergencies that may occur and document according to established procedures.
• Document all medically related activities appropriately.
• Work with family caregivers to communicate effectively with other medical professionals.
• Working with the Site Manager, family caregivers, and other program staff, develop plan of care for each participant.
• Update participant files in regard to changes in status, address, phone number, transportation, dietary, medicine, and need for assistance
• Assure that each participant’s plan of care is reviewed and updated at least semi-annually or more often as needed due to hospitalization or other change in health status, behaviors, or living situation.
• Maintain health history, progress notes, medication sheets, and individual participant plans of care.
• Monitor medical status of participants in attendance and advise Site Manager and family caregivers (or other responsible parties) of changes and concerns.
• Assess medical, cognitive, and functional status of participants on admission, following hospitalization, and periodically thereafter. Advise and educate program staff of special care needed.
• Provide appropriate health screening programs for participants (e.g., blood pressure, weight) and advise participants, family caregivers, and program staff of significant changes in indicators.
• Maintain adequate inventory of health-related supplies and equipment
• Provide appropriate in-service to adult day service and home care staff as requested by the Program Director.
• Perform any additional health-related activities which may be requested or required, within the scope of St. John’s policies and procedures..
• Bring all health-related concerns outside the scope of established procedures to the attention of the Site Manager or, in his/her absence, the Program Director
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Report elder abuse/neglect of seniors or persons with disabilities, aged 18-59, to Illinois Department on Aging Hotline (800-252-8966) or local office (236-5863), as mandated by state law.
• Contribute to the positive culture of our organization through teamwork, relationships with colleagues inside and outside the organization, and commitment to our mission.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Registered Nurse, or LPN
• Licensed and in good standing in Illinois
• Minimum of one year experience in a health care setting, preferably in geriatric setting, adults with chronic impairments, dementia, community health setting, and/or parish nurse
• Demonstrated ability to deal professionally, patiently, compassionately, and non-judgmentally with participants, staff, and family members
• Basic computer skills (Word)
• Sincere commitment to meeting the goals of the program
• Write, speak and read understandable English
• Demonstrated record of reliability
• Ability to meet flexible schedule

REQUIREMENTS

Program Assistants must:

• Complete an application, including authorization to check references, to conduct criminal record checks, and to obtain a driving record abstract
• Present proof of current licensure to practice nursing in Illinois and maintain that licensure
• Pursue continuing education on caring for cognitively impaired and disabled individuals through the Alzheimer’s Association, networking, professional conferences, as required by the Illinois Association of Nurses
• Present a professional appearance, including abiding by St. John’s appearance standards
• Abide by all policies and procedures of St. John’s Community Care, including attendance with less than 4% absence rate
• Contribute to the positive culture of our organization through teamwork, relationships with colleagues inside and outside the organization, and commitment to our mission.

St. John’s Community Care is an equal opportunity employer.