Registered Nurse for Therapeutic Group Homes

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides medical assessments/nursing admission assessments and assist the consulting pediatrician with physical examinations of residents in care. Carries out physicians’ orders regarding medication, treatment and diet.

2. Works closely with the interdisciplinary team to problem solve ongoing issues/concerns related to client health and safety and staffing concerns related to health/safety.

3. Reviews pre-admissions for residential program. Sends to RN Supervisor/Director of Nursing for approval.

4. Develops and updates specialized care plans for all youth in residence. Monitors and ensures quality care through observation and evaluation. Monitors vitals signs monthly and as needed. Maintains records noting specific incidents, e.g., emergency room visits, reports of physical exams given by the consulting pediatrician, treatment rendered for specific physical complaints, where nursing and medical attention was given to a specific resident. Completes discharge planning and paperwork for youth in a timely manner in preparation for discharge.

5. Case manages client load, and presents clients at monthly rounds.

6. For acute, life-threatening conditions and other emergencies, emergency first aid, CPR and needed medical interventions; assess psychiatric emergencies when clinical staff are not present; refer the resident to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital as necessary.

7. Obtains, pours (as needed by the program), administers and accounts for medication for an illness, injury or behavior problem, or for an acute medical/psychological problem as prescribed by a physician. Does this in accordance with the standards established in the DCF Medication Administration Handbook. Keeps a record of same in Medical Services.

8. Deals directly with the pharmacy as needed to ensure medications are ordered correctly and available for administration.

9. Renders emergency first aid and needed medical interventions; assess psychiatric emergencies when clinical staff are not present; when necessary, arrange transportation to emergency room or psychiatric hospital. Orders and interpret routine lab tests when required.

10. Provides medical training for employees, including Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens, Epi Pens and Inhalers.

11. Provides medical instruction regarding sex education and other relevant medical issues, as appropriate, to staff and children, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

12. Distributes first aid supplies to Therapeutic Group Homes, and provide instruction in first aid techniques to appropriate staff when necessary.

13. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and rounds. Communicates with relevant Treatment Services and Adelbrook Academy employees regarding physiological and mental health status of residents.

14. Observes/documents physical restraints to ensure safety of residents and staff members.

15. Makes medical calls, as necessary, to Consulting Psychiatrist, Consulting Pediatrician, RN Supervisor, and Director of Nursing, as required. Direct liaison for interdisciplinary team for all routine and specialty appointments, overseeing all paperwork and follow-up care.

16. Updates/maintains ongoing paperwork/processes.

17. Displays exemplary role modeling on the job and when in contact with the youth being served.

18. Participates in the on-call rotation schedule along with the Director of Nursing and the other Supervisors of Nursing.

19. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing and/or RN Supervisor.

Must have graduated from an accredited nursing program and be licensed as an RN in the State of CT. Must have three years of experience as an RN, preferably working with youth who have mental health diagnoses and are emotionally disturbed and/or behaviorally disordered. Must be able to work independently while seeking supervision when necessary.

Must have knowledge of and ability to apply professional nursing theory, practice and ethics; knowledge of current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects; knowledge of medical, therapeutic and psychiatric nursing interventions and methods; interpersonal skills; abilty to respond to emergencies; ability to analyze and evaluate proper care and treatment; ability to listen and provide empathetic assistance to residents in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments.

The ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing is requisite as is the ability to work with colleagues and residents from diverse ethnic, economic, educational and religious backgrounds.