Description

SUMMARY   (Summarize the nature of the  work performed)

The Registered Nurse, Health Care Supervisor oversees all health-care services provided to members under the direction of the Site Director . He/She provides in-service training on relevant medical and health-related issues and coordinates medical services with each member’s primary physician or medical clinic. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO THIS JOB DESCRIPTION  

(List key areas of responsibility, major job duties and key objectives for this position)

General

        Upholds the mission and corporate values of Cardinal Cushing Centers.

        Promotes and adheres to the tenets of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

        Assures visibility and availability to individuals receiving supports, families, DDS representatives, other providers and community resources including companies, businesses and civic organizations.

        Provides consultation to other staff of Cardinal Cushing Centers in areas of expertise.

        Participates in and acts as liaison from Adult Services to community organizations related to the activities of the Department.

        Regular attendance and promptly reporting to work at the beginning of the scheduled shift are essential functions of this position.

        Promotes the foundations of Social Role Valorization within Adult Services.

Health and safety

        Assists individuals in meeting personal physical needs (e.g., health, personal hygiene, appearance and medical).

        Evidences competency in first aid practices and awareness of illness prevention and medication side-effects.

        Uses and encourages others to use Universal Precautions to control the spread of infections.

        Follows emergency procedures and protocols.

        Uses Safety Care techniques competently and cautiously when physically intervening with an individual.

Crisis intervention

        Identifies the crisis and defuses the situation, ensuring the safety of all concerned.

        Learns from past and current problems to prevent them in the future.

        Monitors crisis situations including seizures, discusses the situation with authorized persons, adjusts supports, and follows reporting procedures.

Ethical conduct

        Respects individual human, civil and legal rights and assists individuals in exercising these rights.

        Reports to appropriate authorities the occurrence of emotional or physical abuse or any other activity that adversely affects individuals.

        Maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.

        Promotes justice and equal treatment of all persons.

        Recognizes the importance of individual need over other demands.

Department

        Write reports, including daily logs, utilizing professional, appropriate documentation skills.

        Work in cooperation with Program administration to develop member skills in the areas of self-help, self-preservation, expressive communication, self-direction and activities of daily living.

        Assist and support individuals as needed with physical care.  May include physical or mechanical transfer of individuals from wheelchairs to a van, chair, toilet etc.

        Maintain individual’s confidential records.

        Assist individuals in making decisions about their daily routine/activities.

        Assure that individuals have access to communication with family, friends and significant others.

JOB TITLE:
RN, Health Care Supervisor
         
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        Assist individuals with acute medical needs to participate in community events, volunteer sites, libraries, YMCA’s and any particular place of interest to them to enhance their therapeutic goals. May require use of 

        personal vehicle if program vehicle is unavailable.

        Maintain appropriate certifications (i.e. RN Licensure, CPR, Safety Care,  Human Rights, Etc.). 

        Knowledge and understanding of principles of normalization, PBS, and human rights.

Communication

        Must have excellent communication skills dealing with staff, clients, healthcare providers, client’s guardians and families.

        Provide written documentation in individual’s file and Therap note on all medical issues regarding clients, with communication to Program Director, and the Developmental Specialist or Case Manager.

        Contact physicians, family/community residences, health care professionals and service coordinators as necessary regarding specific member medical issues only and relay or copy all correspondence to the Site Director.

        Concerns over client programming or staff related issues must be conveyed directly to the Site Director.

        Contact the Site Director in the event of tardiness or a call out (follow CCC policy procedure on notification of call outs or time off).

        Coordinate coverage for days off with per diem nurses and notify Site Director when coverage is obtained.

        Monitor the general health and well-being of each member on a daily basis and communicate any concerns/issues to the Site Director or Case Manager.

        Do not prescribe medication or attempt to diagnose any medical issue of any client. When concerns about an individual’s medical health arise, notify the Site Director first and then, under direction of the Site Director notify guardians, residences and/or healthcare provider.

        Obtain written approval from each member’s primary physician for program participation annually.

Regulatory

        Adhere to all MassHealth medical and funding source regulations and CCC policies and procedures.

        Advise Site Director and staff of any medical problems that may hinder a member’s progress or which may be affected by the activities of the program.

        Assist the Site Director in ensuring the program is in compliance with Mass Health OLTC, DPH and CARF regulations; adhere to all medical and funding source regulations and CCC policies and procedures.

        When directed by the Site Director, provide medical/health related in-service training to employees, including, but not limited to individual specific Protocols, Universal Precautions, CCC’s Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.

        Attend continuing medical education programs and certification as needed.

Interdisciplinary Team

        Report directly to the Site Director  for daily affairs.

        Act as a member of the Inter Disciplinary Team, including participation in initial referral screening, Prior Authorization process, annual Leveling Tool reviews, Service Needs Assessments, and quarterly, semi-annual, and annual medical reviews.

        Participate in DHSP meetings when necessary [as directed by the Site Director] and assist in developing DHSP goals for each member [as requested by the Site Director] and/or develop medical status assessments when needed.

        Screen admission applications for medical information for the Interdisciplinary Team review.

Medications

        Dispense and document member medications in accordance with MassHealth and DPH regulations.

        Ensure that all medication orders are current and updated annually or as needed with medication changes.

        Ensure expired or discontinued medications are disposed of according to DPH regulations.

Record Keeping

        Document daily medication administration and treatments provided in appropriate individual records.

        Obtain and maintain medical records including annual physicals, doctor visits, emergency fact sheet information, updated health provider information, and authorization for emergency medical care as requested.

        Complete comprehensive monthly, quarterly & annual nursing progress notes.

        Participate in individual medical case reviews on all members with Clinical Team.

Other

        Assumes additional responsibilities as required.

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (Indicate position titles and numbers of staff)

        None.

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JOB TITLE:
RN, Health Care Supervisor
         
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REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

Related Work Experience

        At least one year’s experience in a community health setting. 

        At least one year’s experience in training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.      

Formal Education, Certification, Licensing

        Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or Associates Degree from an accredited Registered Nursing Program.  

        Currently registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

        Valid driver’s license.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

        Demonstrated working knowledge of medications utilized for seizure disorders and behavior problems.  

        Professionalism.

        Excellent Interpersonal skills.

        Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

        Knowledge of the current philosophies, policies, procedures and practices of the delivery of supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

        Knowledge of local communities and their resources.

        Knowledge of computer systems and software programs.

        Ability to interact sensitively and effectively with persons with disabilities, families, other staff and the public.

        Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relations with others, including persons from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds.

        Ability to represent the Department, Division and CCC effectively to the public.

        Ability to teach effectively.

        Ability to meet the requirements of a health, safety or behavioral emergency situation.

        Ability to implement safety care techniques safety and with consideration of the emotional needs of the individual.

        Ability to communicate effectively and to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

        Ability to organize time and tasks effectively and efficiently.

        Ability to exercise sound judgment.

        Ability to anticipate and analyze difficult situations and take corrective action to prevent future problems.

        Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing organizational requirements. 

        Ability to handle and disseminate confidential information.

        Ability to successfully work on multiple tasks simultaneously.

        Ability to travel for job-related purposes.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS

        May need to assist in lifting individuals.

        May need to assist in physical intervention with an individual.

        Required to climb stairs.

        Employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

        The employee must be able to drive a vehicle.

        Must have a normal range of eyesight with or without corrective lenses, and have a normal range of hearing with or without corrective equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.   

WORKING CONDITIONS   (Describe the conditions in which the work is performed)

        May need to assist with the personal hygiene of individuals, including assistance in the bathroom.

        May need to work under stringent time demands.

        May occasionally need to work irregular hours.

        May need to travel for job-related purposes.