Registered Nurse (RN - Case Management)

General Description of Duties :

The delegating Registered Nurse is responsible for providing nursing services and support to adults with disabilities in the day habilitation program and community residences in accordance with agency policy and all applicable federal and state regulations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, patient care, care notes, assessments, medication administration, delegation, and training. Current Maryland nursing license and on-call rotation required. The Registered Nurse reports directly to the Director of Operations.

About Unified Community Connections :

Unified Community Connections is a leading provider of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. We believe that all people living with disabilities have the right to be treated with respect and dignity as well as to exercise the same control over their lives as any other person.

We provide comprehensive, wrap-around services tailored to the unique needs of each person and family we support. Our programs are designed to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving the quality of life they seek. We promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of life.

Our agency is often the only place for families to turn for help with severely medically challenged loved ones.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities :

In a manner consistent with supporting Unified Community Connections' Mission Statement, the Registered Nurse will :

• Perform initial nursing assessment (Plan of Care) for each residential and day program individual upon admission to the program.
• Ensure all forty five (45) day nursing reviews are completed for individuals that receive nursing services.
• Provide and / or ensure provision of necessary medical care as prescribed by the individual's physician to residential and day program individuals.
• Assist team members in providing appropriate Residential / Day Services by informing them and assisting them regarding physical and medical needs of each individual.
• Formally and informally train direct service staff with regards to medication administration and methods of providing appropriate care.
• Complete the required documentation for training and review the techniques with staff in a regular and / or as needed basis.
• Assure all physician's orders are reviewed and current, that prescribed medications are available and that medication administration records are available to and completed accurately by staff.
• Contact the individual's physician, emergency contact / s, and / or residential staff regarding sickness, injury, or emergencies.
• Review incident reports to determine whether appropriate procedures were followed or further medical care is recommended.
• Train and monitor residential and day program staff in various medical procedures i.e. gastrostomy feeding, blood pressure management, enema administration, ostomy care, etc.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations by direct observation of staff and review of the Medication Administration Records (MARS) on a monthly basis.
• Visit assigned locations on a monthly basis to ensure that each individual is receiving care consistent with the nursing Plan of Care.
• Obtain physician's orders every 90 days or as needed to ensure compliance.
• Ensure all medical records are current and accurate.
• Teach medication administration training and conduct practicums per COMAR requirements.
• Ensure that all Medical Technician Training Program (MTTP) regulations are adhered to by staff working with the individuals that receive medication administration support.
• Attend the Individual Plan (IP) Meeting as necessary.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure a person-centered approach to care.
• Monitor all nursing records for accuracy and compliance with regulations and in accordance with the agency's Quality Assurance plan.
• Provide on call support for residential staff and / or needs of the individuals in an emergency and be readily available when needed.
• Address medical emergencies as needed.
• Provide support and supervision to the LPN.
• Successfully complete all agency-designated training within first ninety (90) days of employment.
• Perform all other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities : Supervises LPN.

Qualifications :

Knowledge and understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities is preferred. Must have demonstrated abilities in assessment, training, and service delivery. Must be able to demonstrate skills in the following areas : problem solving, project / task management, time management, dependability, good judgment and safe work practices.

Flexibility of scheduling to meet Agency and program needs.

Education and / or Experience :

Current Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland. Related experience working with persons with developmental disabilities preferred. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities is preferred. Must have a working knowledge of relevant COMAR Regulations.

Language Skills :

Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to write reports and complete forms or other documents as required. Ability to communicate with others including individuals in Unified programs, family members, medical professionals, and co-workers.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

Must successfully complete all agency designated training within first ninety (90) days of employment. Maintain current RN certification. Must attend in-service training as required. Must have valid State of Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles Class C Driver's License.

Physical Demands : While performing the tasks of this position, the employee is required but is not limited to stand, walk, sit, bend, write, type, etc. The employee may be required to lift / transfer over 50 lbs. Must be willing to assist with individuals needs, including, but not limited to feeding, dressing, toileting and hygiene assistance. Must be able to utilize proper body mechanics and safe work practices while assisting with transfers of individuals of varying weight and physical needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job tasks.

Work Environment : At Unified we are committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees and to prevent all work related injuries and illnesses. Home and office settings with varying degrees of background noise. Light and ventilation as found in typical home or office settings. Employee will frequently be in areas occupied by individuals in Unified's programs and he / she must be professional and respect the individual's fundamental rights.

Working in a safe manner is an essential function of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job tasks

Other : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be requested to perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as required.

Schedule : Primarily Monday through Friday, Day Shift. Must be available for weekend on-call rotation and emergencies.

The following are required to be considered for employment :

Comprehensive Benefits package for eligible positions include :

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.