Charge Nurse; RN; 3rd Shift

The position of Charge Nurse is multi-faceted. The Charge Nurse is responsible for the safety and well-being of both the staff and the people served. In the absence of the Administrator and the DON, the Charge Nurse makes emergency decisions until one of them is contacted for further direction. The Charge Nurse participates in and oversees all medical care that is provided to the 14 people who live at our JFM ICF-IID, under the supervision and orders of the respective provider and the DNS and as outlined in the duties outlined below.

He/she supervises all direct support staff directly and other staff indirectly, and collaborates with the Developmental Trainer (DT), who is the team leader, and the rest of the team to ensure delivery of appropriate care for the people supported and to help resolve problems as they arise.

• Prepare for all medication administration and administer it to the people served as ordered by the provider, and order medications from the pharmacy as needed.
• Draw laboratory samples or arrange for blood draws as ordered.
• Coordinate laboratory pick-up of lab samples.
• Call the provider as the need arises, using good nursing judgement.
• Take care of scheduling problems and find coverage for call-outs as the need arises.
• Supervise the administration of ointments and medicated creams (treatments).
• Regularly check Therap for notes, appointments and other communication.
• Communicate with Day Programs regarding changes in People Served's needs.
• Conduct monthly summaries as assigned and monthly medication reviews.
• Check vital signs monthly and as needed (prn); monitor weights. Assure that each vital sign and weight is recorded in Therap.
• Assist CNAs (direct support staff) as the need arises.
• Call to schedule appointments with the Providers’ Offices.
• Review GERs, provide follow-up documentation and notify appropriate individuals of information related to the report.
• Give shift reports to the oncoming Charge Nurse and to direct support staff.
• Provide guardians updates on any incidents, physical and health changes or concerns and obtain permission for all medication changes.
• Call ancillary support when problems arise, such as maintenance, plumber, electrician, pharmacy, lab, x-ray etc.
• Make decisions concerning people served participating in activities and attending Day Programs if they are ill.
• Document in Therap according to accepted nursing practice and following ICF-IID Summer Street protocol.
• Document medication administration on the Med. Administration Records (MARs).
• Document effectiveness of all PRNs given on the electronic MAR
• Check new MARs and Treatment Sheets at the beginning of each month for accuracy by two nurses.
• Check supplies and leave list of needed items for the support staff to order as needed.
• Help complete the BMS '85 forms every six months and as needed.
• Reinsert G or J tubes prn and conduct tube feedings as ordered.
• Clean all buckets used for tube feeding supplies and restock daily.
• Supervise all CNAs, (RAs, DTAs, DTs) and coordinate and supervise all care given.
• Communicate frequently and directly with staff, deal with problems as they occur.
• The Charge Nurse must be aware of weather reports and to determine whether people supported go to Day Programs, on activities or outings. Make decisions regarding attending outings based on safe driving conditions due to impending or already occurring snow or ice storms and the temperature. Taking into consideration wind chill factor, humidity and pollen factor for each individual and their medical condition.
• Participate in staff reviews or remedial actions when requested.
• Report to the DON and/or Administrator any suspected Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation or Sub-standard Care. This must be done immediately no matter what time.…