Pay Grade: 46

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: All employees and volunteers associated with the homes.

Status: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities:

General Duties: The Registered Nurse implements completion of Medication Manager training and is a consultant on Medication Administrator training.

Core Member Health

• Reviews physician orders for medications and treatments.
• Communicates physician orders to staff, core members, and guardians.
• Analyzes medication administration and how it affects behaviors and core members' ability to progress on skill development.
• Monitors progress of non-acute, non-chronic illnesses and response to medication.
• Reports inconsistencies or failure in care provided to Executive Director in a timely and appropriate manner.

Training and In-Service Education

• Develops and implements staff training to include but not exclusive to Medication Management and Medication Administration and core member health and safety issues.
• Attends and provides in-service training.
• Attends continuing education to maintain current licensure.
• Provides training to core members and staff to support knowledge of current or emerging health needs to include medication counseling, disease, and treatment plans.

Documentation and Administration

• Assists in developing policies and procedures related to the functioning of RN areas of responsibility, as well as those necessary to meet licensing standards and provide for the welfare of the core members.
• Advises staff on medical emergencies, and accompanies core members to emergency room, when possible.
• Communicates appropriately about emerging health care needs of core members, with members of the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Facilitates communication between all levels of care providers within or outside Friendship Ark Homes' structure, to insure appropriate and timely quality service to core member population.

Other

• Reads, analyzes, and interprets professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Writes reports, business correspondence, as they pertain to the health of core members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Classification: This position requires tasks that routinely involve a potential for mucous membranes or skin contact with blood, body fluids, tissues or potential spills or splashes. Use of appropriate measures is required for every health care provider in this position.

Qualifications:

Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

Education: Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Iowa.

Experience: Experience working with adults or children with special needs. Experience in a supervisory role preferred.

Driver’s License: Must have a valid license and qualify as an insurable driver.

Physical Demands: This person will be in good health, free from communicable diseases, and able to lift and carry over 50 pounds.

Personal Qualities: Has a demonstrated commitment to meeting physical and spiritual needs of persons with disabilities. Demonstrates a willingness to work as a team, is well organized, exemplifies good leadership skills, is able to plan and supervise the work of others, and has strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrates compassion yet firmness in dealing with staff issues. The Registered Nurse must be flexible and able to collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop strategies and systems that resolve problems. The Registered Nurse must be stable, mature, professional and capable of working in stressful situations. S/he must possess good judgment in crisis situations and analyze core member health needs consistent with the regulations governing the operation of Friendship Ark Homes. The Registered Nurse must treat all core members and staff with respect, courtesy, and dignity at all times.