Staff Development Nurse-RN

Staff Development Nurse - RN

The function of the Staff Development Nurse is to promote optimum health and wellbeing of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group home and apartment settings. The nurse works as a health advocate and supports the individual and interdisciplinary team. Supports staff in maintaining 245D state and federal compliance by providing training and guidance on medical procedures, proper use of medical devices, documentation requirements, and incident reporting, while serving as an ongoing resource for health-related concerns. All employees are expected to center, model, and champion Hammer's core values: Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic and Stewardship.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Nursing Assessments

• Monitor the health status of the individuals who have been assigned to your care particularly related to Urgent Care and Emergency Dept. related situations, and medication administration needs.
• Report changing health conditions to appropriate team members.
• Triage health related concerns for individuals in a timely manner.
• Arrange appropriate medical and remedial services and incorporate recommendations into individuals' Support Plans.
• Identifies changes in physical, behavioral, or mental health status and develops appropriate nursing interventions or follow-up recommendations.
• Assesses staff competency in carrying out delegated health-related tasks and provides guidance or retraining as needed.
• Documents all assessments, observations, and interventions according to regulatory and organizational standards.

2. Health Conditions and Wellness Education

• Teach and counsel the individuals we serve, family members and staff in the areas of health and disease and promoting self-responsibility and independence whenever possible.
• Facilitate training for the direct care workforce to help meet the needs of the people we support.
• Participate in the development of medical training content for orientation, medication administration and continuing education for staff.
• Participate in the instruction of the staff in medical related orientation classes and annual continuing education needs.
• Respond promptly to calls on the nurse emergency cell phone on a rotating basis.
• Attend and participate in regular staff meetings/in services deemed mandatory.
• Evaluate and coach DSPs on dietary needs for people supported
• Provides hands-on training to direct care staff on taking vital signs, administering medications, monitoring blood glucose, and performing other routine health-related tasks.
• Trains staff on the safe and appropriate use of medical devices such as blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, nebulizers, CPAP/BiPAP machines, gait belts, and mechanical lifts.
• Educates staff on recognizing and reporting changes in health status, including respiratory issues, skin concerns, behavioral indicators of pain, and other symptoms requiring timely intervention.
• Performs periodic skill refreshers and competency assessments to ensure ongoing staff proficiency in medical tasks, device use, and safety procedures.
• Advocate for an awareness of the needs and changing lifestyles of the developmentally disabled persons in the community.

3. Health and Safety Standards Protocols

• Abide by HIPPA and PHI regulations.
• Participate in infection control discussions and implementation across the organization.
• Implement all health service policies and procedures in compliance with the state and/or federal regulations.
• Assist with the development of individual/household health or medical related protocols and procedures.
• Collaborates with physicians, pharmacies, therapists, and support coordinators to ensure continuity of care and accurate implementation of provider orders.
• Participate in the periodic review of the Support Plan as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with co-workers and administrative staff members.
• Serve as backup nursing support when "assigned" nurse is unavailable to assist within their assigned sites.
• Process paperwork promptly, accurately, and thoroughly with attention to detail.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the State of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing health services for people who have intellectual disabilities and other related conditions.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that meet the requirements of Hammer Residences insurance carrier.
• Must receive a MN DHS Background study clearance and show a negative Tuberculosis test result.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including fluency in English and proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Outlook and Excel) and SharePoint.
• Requires strong organizational skills; frequently organizes multiple projects at once, good time management, close attention to detail, autonomy based on individuals' health needs and proven ability to achieve assigned deadlines.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to confidentiality and customer service.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
• Adhere to a strong ethical code in compliance with organizational mission and values.
• Physical demands include frequent use of a telephone, frequent use of repetitive motion activities including typing on a computer keyboard and monitor, laptop or scanner and the ability to work for several hours at a time at a desk and computer.
• Ability to bend and move to perform nursing head to toe assessment, evaluations, lifting, and to be able to complete skilled nursing tasks.
• Experience and ability in performing physical work including:
• lifting to 40 pounds (such as lifting a wheelchair into a van), pushing or pulling an individual in a wheelchair or while assisting with cares.
• Physical cares may include twisting/turning, kneeling/squatting, reaching, and assisting with pivot transfers.
• May require operating specialized medical or adaptive equipment, including use of lifting equipment and driving a lift van.

This job description assigns essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all qualifications that may be required currently or in the future