Per Diem Day Program Nurse (LPN)

About the role

Provides direct service and daily nursing care in a clinically intensive program, designed to meet the needs of a unique and specialized population who have been diagnosed with a brain injury and may also have complex medical needs. Assumes overall responsibility of program for designated shift as charge nurse. Ensures that care is provided in a respectful, dignified, high quality manner. Ensures that the care provided promotes individual choices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the comprehensive assessment of physical health of each client/person served upon admission, and with any change in medical status.
• Provide nursing care, teaching, and assistance in daily living activities according to each client’s/person served care plan including but not limited to wound care, diabetes care, mouth care, foot care, GT/JT care, nutritional management, catheter maintenance and care.
• Maintain client’s/persons served medical equipment and supplies that includes, but is not limited to wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, and hospital beds.
• Administer medication as ordered by primary care provider.
• Administer treatments as ordered by primary care provider.
• Communicate any change in status of clients/ persons served to appropriate individuals including Program Manager, primary care provider, family and/or guardian and other outside agencies.
• Coordinate communication with day program staff, PCP, guardian, and residence when there are changes in a persons served medical status.
• Collect sputum, urine and stool samples as appropriate and ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Perform individualized assessments with any change of status and provide skilled nursing interventions as indicated.
• Take and document client’s temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure per IAP and as ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Obtain physicians signatures for participation & approval at Day Hab.
• Document monthly, annual, and as needed reviews on persons served.
• Complete incident documentation, as needed.
• Ensure maintenance and safety of physical site.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with psychiatric disabilities/developmental disabilities and medical illnesses and other co-occurring disorders preferred.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate’s degree in Nursing is required.
• May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver’s license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver’s license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver’s screening background check, which is subject to annual checks.
• If driving, must maintain a safe driving record. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Skills

• Knowledge of psychiatric illness and/or developmental disabilities.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources.
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.