Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings, ensuring optimal health outcomes for patients. RNs are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to promote patient wellness, prevent illness, and manage chronic conditions. Individuals may currently reside in family homes, sub-acute facilities, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), or intermediate care facilities and require a higher level of medical care.

Residents may be either ambulatory or non-ambulatory. They will present with intensive medical conditions requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care to address ongoing health needs. This includes daily nursing assessment, monitoring, and interventions. Some residents may also have unique challenges related to maladaptive or developmental behaviors, requiring specialized resources and behavioral support.

The selected service provider must demonstrate a commitment to:

• Maintaining a long-term, stable environment for residents.
• Ensuring ongoing communication with family members, community partners, and external professionals involved in resident care.
• Collaborating with outside agencies such as DDS, healthcare providers, and behavioral health professionals.

Residents referred to the facility may present with complex medical needs combined with maladaptive and/or developmental behaviors. The program must be fully equipped to provide comprehensive supports for individuals requiring pervasive assistance with all activities of daily living, including specialized healthcare and behavioral interventions.

Examples of Medical Needs May Include:

• Insulin dependency
• Gastrostomy care
• Tracheostomy care
• Ileostomy management
• Renal dialysis
• Staphylococcus infection management
• Complex medication regimes
• Catheter use
• Fecal impaction/suppository support
• Wound care
• Suctioning
• Oxygen support
• Ventilator or respirator support
• IV medication and injections
• Pain management
• Palliative care
• Postoperative care and rehabilitation
• Nutritional/dietary restrictions
• Visual or hearing impairments

Examples of Behavioral/Developmental Needs May Include:

• Biting, self-injury, or head banging
• Elopement risk
• PICA (ingestion of non-food items)
• Physical and verbal aggression
• Property destruction
• Inappropriate sexual behaviors
• Smearing
• Impulse control disorders
• Acute mental health needs (e.g., suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Inability to participate in structured programs outside of the residential setting

Many residents may also have severe or profound cognitive impairments, requiring total support and dependency. Care will be provided by direct care staff, consultants, and licensed medical professionals.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Licensing: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
  • Continuing education as required to maintain licensure.
• Experience: Experience in a clinical or hospital setting is preferred, but not always required.
• Certifications:
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certifications preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong clinical and technical skills in patient care, assessment, and treatment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle multiple tasks.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-focused care approach.
  • Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and medical software.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect patient privacy.

Working Conditions:

• Shifts: Full-time, part-time, or per diem. May involve evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and move patients, stand for long periods, and assist with patient mobility.
• Environment: Work may take place in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or home healthcare settings. Exposure to infections, illnesses, and hazardous materials may occur.

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits typically include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education opportunities, and professional development.