Position: Registered Nurse

Program Assignment: Abilis Residential Program

Supervisor: Director of Health Services/Director of Nursing

Job Summary: As a licensed healthcare professional within the Residential Programs, the Registered Nurse is responsible for ensuring that medical services are delivered promptly, monitoring medical documentation, and maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. The role requires adaptability to meet the diverse health needs of individual residents.

Schedule: This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. The Registered Nurse will work closely with the Director of Health Services to establish a flexible schedule that ensures sufficient availability to meet the health needs of residents and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities:

• Support each resident in achieving optimal health and ensure access to high-quality medical care.
• Develop and maintain an effective infection control program, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for residents and staff.
• Create and regularly update personalized health plans with clear objectives and strategies for each resident.
• Participate in the Individual Plan (IP) process as the medical representative, providing consultation to the interdisciplinary team.
• Assess the overall health needs of each resident and coordinate necessary health services and specialty consultations (e.g., neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, gynecology).
• Maintain open communication with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders regarding medical concerns.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and oversee the implementation of medical treatment plans, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
• Provide in-service training to staff on topics such as medication administration, first aid, communicable diseases, seizure management, sexual health, illness detection, and basic healthcare skills.
• Supervise and guide residential staff in delivering healthcare that meets regulatory and healthcare standards.
• Monitor the effectiveness of medications, observe for side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, and ensure adherence to DDS Policy and Program Review Committee recommendations, including the management of medication incident reports.
• Work independently while consulting with the Program Manager or Director on unresolved issues.
• Serve on Abilis' standing committees, such as the Protection and Advocacy Response Team, Infectious Disease Control Committee, and Admissions Committee, as appointed.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of medication certification for unlicensed personnel, in compliance with the Department of Developmental Services and Abilis Medication Administration Policy. This includes managing documentation for on-site lab practicums, annual evaluations, quarterly medication reviews, and reporting medication errors.
• Continuously monitor and document medication administration, with a minimum frequency of monthly or quarterly reviews.
• Provide guidance and support to residential staff when health-related issues arise and be available by phone for consultation as needed.
• Attend DDS Nursing Network meetings to stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

Qualifications:

• Nursing degree from an accredited college or university with a current Connecticut RN license.
• A minimum of three years of full-time experience in delivering clinical services.