Residential Nurse

Position Summary

The Residential Nurse plays a vital role as part of the interdisciplinary team, supervising nursing services provided to residents. This professional position involves diagnosing and treating human responses to health issues, offering health counseling, and implementing prescribed medical regimens. The Residential Nurse ensures care that is supportive, restorative, and aligned with AABR’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its clients.

Essential Job Functions

Client Admission and Discharge

1. Participate in the admission and discharge process:
   • Review pre-admission evaluations, program designs, and placement plans.
   • Conduct a 30-day post-admission evaluation and develop a care plan.
   • Create discharge plans during post 30-day discharge conferences.

Infection and Disease Control

1. Manage communicable diseases and infection control within the residence:
   • Identify and assess health risks or dangerous situations.
   • Report communicable diseases to medical authorities.
   • Implement protective and preventive measures as needed.

Health Care Services

1. Provide comprehensive nursing services:
   • Periodically evaluate the type, extent, and quality of programming and services.
   • Refer clients to appropriate community resources.
   • Develop individualized written care plans as part of habilitation programs, with monthly progress notes.
   • Modify care plans annually based on evolving client needs.
   • Participate in quarterly reviews and perform weekly evaluations with recorded notes.

• • Manage emergency care and follow-ups for ill residents.
  • Schedule medical appointments and accompany clients when necessary.
  • Coordinate treatments, follow up on referrals, and update immunization and medical records.
  • Monitor the health status of hospitalized residents and document updates.

Medication Management

1. Oversee client medication plans:
   • Review medication records monthly and discuss changes with physicians.
   • Document physician recommendations and outcomes in client records.
   • Supervise medication administration by staff.

Training and Development

1. Plan and implement in-service training for direct care staff:
   • Develop and conduct training programs on:
     • Detecting signs of illness or dysfunction requiring medical attention.
     • Basic skills for meeting client health needs, including hygiene, family life, and counseling on sensitive topics.
     • First-aid procedures for accidents or illnesses.
   • Maintain records of training sessions and document their effectiveness through evaluations.
   • Identify needs for additional training programs.

Other Duties

• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as required to ensure client health and well-being.

Qualifications

• Licensed and registered as a professional nurse by the New York State Department of Education.
• Minimum of 1 year of specialized experience in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.