Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. We currently have an exciting career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Per-Diem Registered Nurse based out of our training building in Sands Point, NY. The Registered Nurse is responsible for the assessment and treatment of the health care needs (emergent, urgent, and routine) for all participants at HKNC. This requires a well-experienced RN who can work independently, along with in-person and telephone triage/supervision. The RN must be able to communicate their findings to the supervisor and other related healthcare professionals. To provide seamless nursing support, the Per Diem RN will be called upon episodically to cover nursing shifts in the event of inclement weather or during absences for nursing staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•Be familiar with all HKNC participant’s:

• Preferred mode of communication
• Deaf-Blind diagnosis
• Self-administration status congruent with the New York State Guidelines for the Self-Administration of Medication

•Have a working knowledge of the HKNC Medical Service Department’s policies and procedures.

•Understand HIPAA regulations.

•Administer medication to participants who are unable to self-administer their medications (prescribed and over-the-counter medications). To participants who request nursing assistance in the administration of their medications (prescribed and over-the-counter medications). Monitor the participant’s response after giving the medication

•Initiates / conducts formal and informal medication education classes with participants in an effort to foster the participant’s inter/independence with medication administration including, but not limited to:

• The proper use of a seven-day medication box 
• The correct filling of a seven-day medication box
• The correct procedure for ordering prescribed medications

•Provide health education to participants, including but not limited to health promotion strategies, illness prevention, nutrition, and exercise 

•Provide vaccinations as indicated for HKNC participants / staff

•Observe individuals for adverse reactions

•Complete NYS or HKNC required documentation

•Tuberculosis Testing

•Perform health assessments to Identify new symptoms indicating a potentially under / undiagnosed conditions or complications. Report the findings to all appropriate healthcare provider. 

•Assess / treat each participant’s unique health problems in a holistic manner recognizing the participant’s knowledge deficits, importance of participation in the process leading to empowerment, and the need for self-determination.

•Execute medical regimens as prescribed by Licensed physicians / MD / DO / OD, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, and other licensed providers as authorized.

•Arrange outside medical appointments for participants with private local physicians, urgent care centers and hospitals. Arrange for interpreting support through the outside medical agency and drivers if indicated.

•Accompany the participants to the medical appointments as necessary. To accomplish this, the individual may be required to use a personal vehicle on occasion. 

•Create supply orders for medical stock for both Medical Service Office and Residence Nurses Office for approval by the Director of Medical Services. 

•Performs related duties, when necessary, at the discretion of the Director of Medical Services and Administration.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

•Must be a graduate of a New York State approved education program as a Registered Professional Nurse.

•He/she must possess sufficient clinical experience to be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner without direct supervision. The RN must take the initiative in expediting effective resolution in critical and/or emergency medical situations and relay that information to the nursing supervisor. 

•Methods of communication used by persons who are DeafBlind at a conversational level must be developed within one year.

•Knowledge of deaf and deaf-blind culture must be developed within one year.

•Knowledge of MS Office including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required. Strong report writing skills required. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

•Possess a valid, unencumbered NYS RN license and registration.

•Hold a current and valid CPR certification with AED as approved for healthcare providers.

•Have completed a current course on:

oAdvanced Infection Control – Approved by New York State

oNew York State Child Abuse and Reporting course

•Participate in the HKNC sponsored Universal Precautions In-Service

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and a comprehensive benefit package after meeting the necessary requirements.