LPN - 30 to 35 hours

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, provides general nursing care to individuals in Day Habilitation Program by performing the following duties.  Assist in coordination of the medical services of each recipient’s primary care physician and/or medical clinic.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

• Administer prescribed medication and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
• Observe individuals, record significant conditions and reactions, and notify health care supervisor, program director, guardian, residential provider, and if necessary PCP of individual’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Respond to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
• Take temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and or other vital signs to detect deviations and assess condition of individuals.
• Explain procedures and treatments to individuals to gain cooperation, understanding, and minimize apprehension.
• Maintain awareness of comfort and safety needs of individuals.
• Participate in department or program quality improvement activities.
• Arrange for orientation of newly hired staff concerning agency policy and procedures related to individual medical needs including toileting protocols, feeding protocols, special dietary needs, physical disabilities/medical concerns, and/or other medically necessary policies specific to the program or the individual.
• Participate in the Positive Behavior Support initiative and complete the Quality Behavior Curriculum.
• Participate in the RSP/Clinical Assessment process in cooperation with the core professional interdisciplinary team.
• Responsible for monthly progress notes for each assigned individual under the supervision of the health care supervisor.
• Maintain updated information relative to each member’s current medications, PRN’s, side effects, diagnosis, annual physical, immunizations, physician’s authorizations, orders and treatments.

• Cooperate and interact with co-workers, clients, volunteers, and funders in a collaborative, courteous, empathic, and professional manner. Demonstrate willingness and ability to be part of team effort.
• Adhere to agency safety standards.
• Perform additional duties, or substitute for others as required. Additional duties may include but are not limited to clearing snow and ice from walkways, vehicles, parking lots, and roads using equipment like shovels and snow blowers while applying deicing agents to ensure safety. 
• Adhere to all RTR policies and procedures.
• Develop and provide all services in accordance with RTR’s philosophies including staff and Board beliefs.

• At least one-year related experience and/or training in program with the ID/DD population.
• Must hold valid Nursing License with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and the internet.
• Successful completion of all state and agency mandated trainings.
• Must be willing to authorize a Criminal History Background Check (CORI) and release of information concerning Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and other agencies.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• Tuberculosis screening within the previous 12 months.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be fluent in English and have the ability to read and interpret documents such as professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.   Ability to communicate effectively with individuals under supervision, employees of the organization, families, and members of the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.