The Northeast Residential Services Agency Nurse oversees the medical care of service recipients and provides training and guidance to ensure employees meet health and safety standards along with meeting state requirements. The Agency Nurse is a member of the NRS leadership team and will be responsible for guiding strategic plans and outcomes related to the medical care of its members. The Agency Nurse plays an integral role in providing state mandated medical trainings and education to NRS employees and beyond. The Agency Nurse reports to the COO and works in conjunction with the Director of Residential Services.
Primary Responsibilities
•Oversee the day-to-day medical care of NRS service recipients and provide training and education to NRS employees
•Collaborate with medical providers, pharmacies, support teams, hospitals and other medical care settings to ensure thorough and enacted treatment plans. Communicates action plans to all involved parties
•Develop and refine agency medical policies, procedures, and standards of practice
•Utilize the online software system (Therap) for MAR implementation and oversight to confirm accurate transcriptions, orders, and medication passes
•Act as an infection preventionist for NRS employees by assisting with strategies to meet mandated vaccination requirements and monitor new health threats. The nurse will educate the NRS team on prevention strategies, PPE use, quarantine protocols, and general outbreak strategic planning in the event of elevated concerns
•Serve as an advocate for NRS’ service recipients for the highest possible care
Training
•Train Certified Residential Medication Administration (40 hours, recert, bridge, and shared living), DEBB (Diabetes, EpiPen, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Breathing apparatus), safe lifts and transfers, essentials of personal care, and provide education to new employees during the onboarding process.
•Train First Aid/CPR courses
•Attend new employee orientation for training as directed
•Perform in program trainings of new staff as needed
•Train managers, teams leads, and DSPs as needed as part of corrective actions and skills deficiencies
Site Visits
•All NRS residences will be visited a minimum of bi-monthly to ensure CRMA compliance and nursing standards for each resident served. A report of any health and safety concerns and plans of action will be reviewed promptly with the residential team. The nurse will prioritize home visits based on the urgency of needs for each program and resident
State Licensing/Audits
•The nurse will complete an in-person med cart audit 60 days prior to an expiring home license and as directed. The nurse will develop a plan of action for needed corrections and provide confirmation that corrections are completed prior to a licensing survey and following
•Conduct other internal audits including month to month new MAR transitions and med cart audits
Admissions
•Review historical and clinical documentation for all prospective admissions into NRS’s services to assess their ability to be served
•Collaborate with the admissions team to approve or deny an admission, and strategize a medical support plan to serve the person
•Assist the residential team in transitioning medical providers, medications, orders, and treatment plans for the person being served from the previous facility or residence to NRS
Meeting Structure
•Attend the weekly clinical meeting for each region
•Attend the weekly leadership meeting
•Attend bi-monthly managers meetings
•Attend team meetings as requested for medically related support
•Attend MACSP and other provider meetings as directed by the COO
Urgent/On Call Support
The NRS nurse is considered part of the third tier after hours on call system for urgent and emergency care situations. In these instances, the nurse will be called upon to provide guidance and communicate with hospitals, EMS, medical providers, and NRS employees as needed. The nurse will assist the residential team with admissions and discharges between a medical facility and NRS as needed
Qualifications
•Nurse Licensure
•Bachelors Degree
•CRMA Trainer
•Knowledge of Safety Care, College of Direct Support, Section 21/29 waivers, HCBS regulations
•5+ years of relevant experience in the field.
•Reliable/legal transportation and proof of adequate insurance.
•Strong written and verbal communication skills
•Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel, Outlook
•Current DSP/CRMA certification and ability to complete all other required training within 6 months
•Must pass criminal, APS, and CPS background checks
Physical Requirements:
•Must be able to alternate between sitting and standing (transporting/assisting/supervising individuals) for extended periods.
•Must be able to walk (assisting/accompanying individuals) for extended periods.
•Must be able to climb, stoop, or kneel during individual transfers and performance of personal care.
•Must be able to occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, or 25% of body weight (whichever is less), without assistance.
•Must be able to work independently at various agency and community sites.
Skills Required
- Valid Nurse Licensure
- Bachelor's Degree
- CRMA Trainer
- Knowledge of Safety Care, College of Direct Support, Section 21/29 waivers, HCBS regulations
- 5+ years of relevant experience in the field
- Reliable/legal transportation and proof of adequate insurance
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Current DSP/CRMA certification and ability to complete all required training within 6 months
- Must pass criminal, APS, and CPS background checks
What We Do
NorthEast Residential Services provides high-quality residential care and assistance to adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Autism across Maine. Their mission is to maximize clients' quality of life by empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives through a person-centered approach. They focus on promoting independence, dignity, and respect, providing self-directed services that enable individuals to be active members of their communities and build meaningful relationships.
