Registered Nurse

QUALIFICATIONS:

• License - Current registration as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
• Has a diploma from an accredited 4-year high school or equivalent.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possess a driver's license valid in the State of New Jersey for employee mobility as necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Driving history/record must meet the conditions of CARING's motor vehicle insurance carrier.
• One (1) year of experience as a Registered Nurse in a facility serving the developmentally disabled and/or elderly is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for on-site clinical supervision of licensed practical nursing staff, certified and non-certified aides.
• Responsible for the oversight of developmentally disabled individual's healthcare. Assesses resident through record review, medication review and visual observation/assessment to ensure the resident is properly cared for.
• Audits resident medical and healthcare records and practices (i.e. doctor appointment records, lab test/results, hospital records, admission records, medication, medication storage and medication administration records).
• Audits resident's compliance with mandatory healthcare appointments (Annual Physical, Annual Dental, Annual TB testing).
• Reviews the healthcare records, current doctor orders and current medications/MAR for newly admitted residents or residents returning from extending hospital or nursing home/rehab stays within 72 hours of admission/re-admission, but preferable within 24 hours.
• Prepares clear, concise, accurate and informative written or verbal reports of nursing services.
• Follows up on all outstanding issues to ensure that the residents healthcare needs are met and within licensing standards.
• Recommends further evaluation or Follow-Up of resident healthcare as necessary.
• Reports to Director, Deputy Director or Senior Assistant Director of problems identified in resident's care or overall healthcare and well-being.
• Reviews daily logs and nursing notes (if applicable) in each assigned home. Reviews critical information in daily logs for accuracy and requirements to standards. Signs off on daily logs as they are reviewed.
• Is proactive and searches for ways to improve the overall healthcare and well-being of the resident.
• Documents on daily log and makes corrections as needed to maintain licensing standards.
• Visual observation of each resident at least once per month, performing full nursing evaluations as needed, required or requested.
• Monitors skin integrity of residents through risk assessment and visual assessment as needed, required or requested.
• Identifies education and clinical needs of nursing and non-nursing/licensed and unlicensed staff working in the group homes to ensure overall healthcare and well-being of residents.
• Provides training to group home staff as needed for the overall healthcare and well-being of residents, provision of treatments or other doctor ordered medication administration.
• Assists in the development, organization and implementation of the residents plan of care with CARINGHouse Manager.
• Communicates with DHS and DDD staff as needed or requested.
• Communicates with other agencies (admitting agencies, day programs, etc.) as needed or requested.
• Reports complaints to Director/Deputy Director.
• Keeps currently informed of new and revised personnel policies, state and DDD regulations, directives and other communications. Develops plans and procedures for implementation of such communications. Ensures that subordinates are in compliance with all regulations.
• Investigates problems and makes recommendations for solutions.
• Assists in planning and implementing administrative improvements.
• Expedites and coordinates services such as maintenance, reports, supplies and mail.
• Plans, schedules, and/or attends meetings, conferences and prepares reports thereon.
• Reviews and/or prepares routine correspondence.
• Prepares and coordinates training sessions to maintain a high level of standard.
• Completes other duties as required or requested.
• Completes all duties within regulatory guidelines.
• Compiles information to prepare purchase orders for procurement of materials, supplies, equipment or service. Reviews orders for completion.
• Cooperates with the licensee and the Department of Human Services staff during any inspection or investigation.
• Must successfully complete required DDD Pre-Service Trainings (Overview of Developmental Disabilities, Medication Administration Training, Preventing Abuse and Neglect) and American Red Cross Standard First Aid Training and Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training within 120 days of employment.
• Must successfully complete Crisis Management or related Behavioral Intervention training as approved by this agency.
• Must keep mandatory certification requirements (i.e. First Aid, C.P.R., TB testing, Medications Training Annual Review, etc.) current and up to date according to licensing standards.
• Must be fingerprinted every two years for DDD State and Federal Criminal Background check requirements.
• Must disclose to CHP Administration any criminal charges or convictions prior to or during employment; and also Motor Vehicle moving violations and suspensions during employment.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

h Ability to understand, interpret the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and objectives of the Department of Developmental Disabilities as applied to nursing services.

• Ability to instruct nursing personnel in the principles, approved procedures, practices and techniques of nursing services required by the developmentally disabled and/or elderly individual.
• Ability to understand, interpret and institute established procedures to specific cases in nursing services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with nursing and non-nursing personnel and ancillary services.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of nursing clinical expertise.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures.

h Knowledge of modern office management principles, procedures, and techniques and their adaptation.

h Ability to acquire knowledge of division and department organization and programs.

h Ability to prepare statistical, financial and other reports.

h Ability to analyze problems and data and take or recommend action.

h Ability to plan and supervise administrative control systems.

h Ability to speak and write effectively and to analyze, edit, review and interpret complex technical material.

h Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with the department and with outside departments and agencies.

h Ability to maintain records and files.

h Ability to supervise assigned employees.

h Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

• Ability to operate computer, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel and other computer programs required by position.
• Ability to respond to operational emergencies as needed on or off duty.
• Permission for pre-employment checks of drug screening, criminal background, Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI), and the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.