Registered Nurse

About HeartShare 

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

The nurse is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all health care services, including health education, required by the residents.

Job Description

Nurses are responsible for providing specialized nursing care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to improve their health and quality of life by addressing their unique healthcare needs and promoting their independence. A nurse also provides education, support, and resources to individuals, families, and DSPs to assist them in understanding and managing health. Additionally, they advocate on behalf of people with IDD to ensure that their rights are protected and their healthcare needs are met.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements

• Current license and registration as Registered Nurse approved by the NYS Department of Education.
• One year nursing experience as well as experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities highly desirable.
• American Heart Association issued BLS Certificate

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides oversight of individuals’ health by ensuring coordination of medical, clinical and nursing service needs.
• Advocates for the individual health care needs.
• Trains Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) in the nursing task that has been delegated to them.
• Provides health related trainings required by OPWDD.
• Provides support to residential staff in maintaining health services for the individuals.
• Supervise and observe AMAP/DSP while they perform delegated nursing tasks to ensure effectiveness.
• Interacts with primary, medical specialists, various clinical staff as necessary.
• Maintains ongoing communication with clinical team.
• Utilizes appropriate reporting mechanisms/chain of command in responding to individual and/or staff issues.
• Completes follow-up including documentation for individuals post ER/hospital visit follow-up.
• Reviews, comments, initials and dates lab, x-ray, consults, etc. If indicated completes follow-up with practitioner.
• Responds to emergency requests as soon as possible (within and outside caseload).
• Completes nursing assessments and related documentation e.g. Nursing Notes thoroughly and within established time frames.
• Provides individual-specific nursing interventions.
• Implement and review all PONS customized to each individual.
• Conducts medication inventory
• Completes initial medication certification and conducts annual clinical performance evaluations for AMAP Staff.
• Participate in the Program Planning Team process.
• Attends Clinical meetings and Nursing Department meetings. Reviews MARs, completes required medication error documentation and staff medication error remediation.
• Maintains professional skills.
• Maintain confidentiality on a need-to-know basis regarding healthcare concerns and diagnosis of the individuals served.
• Report all incidents, including allegations of abuse and neglect and serious reportable incidents, to management immediately upon discovery.
• Advocate appropriately and professionally on behalf of all individuals.
• Serve as a role model. Abide by agency dress code. Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times.
• Remain sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of individuals and program staff.
• Participate in in-service trainings and on-site workshops, as required, for professional growth and development. Attend external trainings and workshops at direction of Management and Sr. Director of Nursing.
• Represent HeartShare, both within and outside the organization, in a manner that promotes the Mission, Vision and Values of the agency. Personally adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
• Undertake any additional tasks and initiatives as assigned by Management, the Senior Director of Nursing, or the Director of Nursing.

Benefits 

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal) 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Team environment 
• Medical and dental benefits 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.) 
• 403(B) retirement plans 
• Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit) 
• Employee assistance program 

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.