Medical Respite Care Program Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Medical Respite Care Program Nurse

REPORTS TO: Program Director; Medical Respite Care Programs

HOURS: Non-Exempt – Full Time

Location: Auburn, California

PREFACE:

This position description is intended to provide a guideline of what the duties, responsibilities, and essential functions of this position are. The duties, responsibilities, and essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to those specifically identified in the description below. These duties, responsibilities, and essential functions may change over time and other ones may be added to this position description without necessarily being reflected in this description.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Medical Respite Care Program Nurse (MRCP nurse) is responsible for assuring quality service to all guests of the program is provided in a compassionate and professional manner. Objectives include supportive interaction with guests and co-workers, assessment of guests needs, and performance of all work duties as required. Work should be performed in a cost effective and service-oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Others may be assigned.

• Uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the company and always maintain a guest-first mentality.
• Responsibilities of the position will include the creation and updating of written policies, procedures, and trainings. These may include:

• Biomedical and pharmaceutical waste, including expired medications and needles.
• Medication storage and handling by staff.
• Exposure to bodily fluids and other biohazards.
• Infection control
• Communicable diseases
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Assist patients with after care instructions provided by the discharge physician.
• Alert staff of conditions to monitor for each patient.
• Discuss care plan and progress/challenges with PCP if needed or requested
• Interpreting care plans to the patient for their own understanding
• Explain what each diagnosis means and how their care plan coincides
• Giving instructions for daily progress in recovery
• Advocate for patients best care, including referrals to specialists
• Reaching out to emergency contacts or family
• Understand and maintain guest confidentiality, HIPAA, and data privacy standards.
• Understand status as mandated reporter of child or vulnerable adult maltreatment.
• Address, document and notify the Director of the MRCP of any guest concerns, potential workflow problems and/or any exceptions to policy that can impact the programs safety, security, or success of the company.
• Provide transportation for guests medical needs i.e. appointments, medication pickup, etc.
• Create materials for and lead health awareness groups, at a minimum of once a month.
• Maintain working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to ensure a safe work environment for guests and co-workers.

The MRCPs nurse will support and advise the program director in the following areas

• Hospital assessments
• Selection of program participants
• Discharge planning
• Treatment planning
• Non-emergency medical interventions
• Facility improvements (ADA Compliance)
• Menu planning, centered around universal dietary restrictions
• Reporting, documentation for improved functional status
• Clinicals (documents supporting the need for Medical Respite Care for insurance purposes)

Administration

• Checking medical protocols and directing support staff in daily needs/tasks
• Calling insurance providers as needed for congruent treatment needs
• Preparing medical supplies and materials, stocking supplies
• Assisting medical supplies providers coming in with equipment
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and other relevant training.
• Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate and safe staffing coverage.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

• Be punctual. No more than one late occurrence per quarter. If you know you are going to be late, you must contact your Supervisor at least one hour in advance.
• Complete paperwork and tasks in a timely and consistent manner, including all reports, etc. You should be able to regularly prioritize your daily tasks independently but be willing to ask for guidance from your Supervisor if conflicts arise.
• Complete work accurately – proofread all documents you are responsible to create or distribute.
• Become familiar with office systems so that you can locate documents and information at any given time.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency for all programs used by the organization.
• Keep organized (desk, files, etc.)
• Use good judgment and discretion in all aspects of this position. Make ethical, non-biased and well-thought-out decisions.
• Communicate regularly with Management and co-workers on all pertinent issues.
• Assist others in a compassionate manner without ethnic or social prejudices. Be tactful and mindful of issues & challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse and persons with physical and mental disabilities.
• Be able to perform duties independently as well as part of a team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None at this time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

4-year degree, current RN or LVN license. 3+ years nursing experience. Experience with homeless populations a plus. Experience developing policies and procedures a plus.

WORKING HOURS:

This is an hourly, non-exempt, full-time position. General working times will be Monday – Friday 8 am – 5pm. Some weekends and evenings may be required. Schedule subject to change. Overtime may be required and will be paid in accordance with non-exempt position requirements. Any overtime worked should be approved in advance by the Supervisor.

DRESS:

Medical scrubs, work-friendly clogs, or suitable athletic footwear.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents, to write reports and correspondence, and to speak effectively with groups of people including other employees, guests, etc.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply and divide).

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CRITICAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires strong communication, organization, and computer skills.

CRITICAL BEHAVORIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires a commitment to carrying out the Mission, Vision and Values of the Organization. It is also essential to take responsibility, be trustworthy and to carry a high level of confidentiality. Flexibility, good judgment, and an ethical and honest outlook are also essential behavioral qualities.

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 position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, to handle objects, paper, etc. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee regularly needs to talk and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.