Nurse

About the role

Purpose The purpose of the Nurse is to provide nursing oversight, clinical guidance, assessment, and training to support the health and medical needs of individuals in Residential Supports. The Nurse directly supervises the Medical Services Coordinator and provides oversight and training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), including medication administration and dispensing in accordance with DHS Rule 116. The Nurse works collaboratively with residents, families, healthcare providers, and the Residential Supports team to ensure appropriate medical care and health supports are provided while promoting each resident’s health, safety, wellness, and independence and maintaining compliance with DHS Rules 115 and 116. Responsibilities

• Provide nursing oversight for the health and medical needs of individuals supported by Residential Supports.

• Maintain current knowledge of each resident’s medical, psychiatric, developmental, and health-related needs.

• Complete initial and ongoing nursing assessments in accordance with DHS Rule 115, agency policy, and individual needs.

• Coordinate access to appropriate medical, dental, psychiatric, and specialty services and follow up on medical recommendations, orders, and changes in treatment.

• Manage and monitor medical orders, medication supplies, and required health and medication documentation.

• Provide nursing consultation and triage within the scope of practice and coordinate timely follow-up when additional medical evaluation or intervention is needed.

• Provide clinical guidance, training, and oversight to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) regarding medication administration and dispensing in accordance with DHS Rule 116.

• Train and assess DSP competency related to medication administration, medical orders, medication side effects, health monitoring, wellness, injury prevention, and other identified health needs.

• Maintain required DHS RN Trainer certification and ensure required medication training and competency documentation remains current.

• Directly supervise the Medical Services Coordinator and provide clinical direction, support, and oversight of assigned responsibilities.

• Participate in the Residential Supports intake process by assessing medical needs, identifying potential health and safety considerations, and presenting recommendations to the Residential Supports Panel.

• Support the development and launch of new residential teams by coordinating medical information, staff training, documentation, and health supports.

• Maintain accurate and confidential resident and personnel health records in accordance with agency procedures and DHS requirements.

• Communicate effectively with residents, families, guardians, healthcare providers, pharmacists, DSPs, and other members of the interdisciplinary team regarding health needs and follow-up.