A Registered Nurse provides medical care and treatment, educates patients about their conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and families. Works in hospitals, schools, clinics or community health centers. Works under the supervision of a physician or other specialist, and serves as the primary point of care for patients in a hospital setting. May specialize in emergency room work, or treatment for a particular condition, or specialize in working with infants, the elderly or other patient groups. May work as an advanced practice specialists and prescribe medications in addition to offering specialty care.
The Wellness Nurse provides clinical oversight, health monitoring, and staff training for individuals receiving services under Indiana's Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDRS) Medicaid Waivers, including but not limited to the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH). The Wellness Nurse conducts scheduled monthly or bi-monthly client visits (only lasting about an hour; this is about 1-2 visits per week), oversees risk management plans, monitors medication administration practices, and provides Medication Administration Record (MAR) training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The role ensures compliance with BDDRS policies, Indiana Administrative Code, Medicaid waiver requirements, and provider standards, while promoting the health, safety, and well-being of our clients.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Wellness Visits and Health Monitoring Conduct once or twice monthly wellness visits per client, or more frequently as required by the Individualized Support Plan (ISP) or medical need. Perform basic nursing assessments, including: general physical condition, vital signs as indicated, nutrition and hydration status, mobility and functional health, and mental and emotional well-being. Monitor chronic health conditions and changes in health status. Identify early signs of illness, injury, or decline and communicate concerns promptly. Coordinate with physicians, pharmacies, case managers, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members as needed. Document all wellness visits accurately and promptly in accordance with agency policy and BDDRS standards. Risk Management Plan Oversight Review, monitor, and support the implementation of individual Risk Management Plans. Identify health-related and medication-related risks, including but not limited to: medication errors or non-compliance, falls and mobility risks, choking and aspiration risks, seizure activity, allergies and medical emergencies. Ensure risk prevention strategies are clearly communicated and followed by Direct Care Staff. Recommend updates to Risk Management Plans when changes in health status, medications, or environment occur. Provide staff with education and guidance on risk mitigation and emergency response procedures. Ensure documentation reflects current risks and interventions. Medication Administration Oversight Review Medication Administration Records (MARs) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance. Monitor medication storage, labeling, and handling practices. Verify medications are administered according to physician orders and pharmacy instructions. Identify and address medication errors, omissions, or discrepancies. Communicate medication concerns to leadership and medical providers as appropriate. Support corrective action plans when medication administration issues are identified. Training and Support for Direct Care Staff (DSPs) Provide Medication Administration Records (MAR) training to Direct Care Staff in accordance with Indiana BDDRS requirements and agency policy and procedures. Educate DSPs on safe medication administration, side effects and adverse reactions, documentation standards, infection control and universal precautions, and offer ongoing coaching and retraining as needed. Validate staff competency and maintain training records. Serve as a clinical resource to staff regarding health-related questions. Compliance and Quality Assurance Ensure nursing activities align with Indiana BDDRS policies, Medicaid waiver requirements, and the Indiana Nurse Practice Act Participate in audits, reviews, and quality improvement activities. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation. Support corrective action plans and compliance improvement initiatives. Report incidents or concerns following agency and BDDRS reporting protocols.
Qualifications:
Required Active, unrestricted Indiana RN or LPN license Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) preferred Knowledge of BDDRS Waivers (FSW, CIH) preferred Understanding of medication administration standards Ability to train and support Direct Care Staff Strong documentation and communication skills Valid Indiana driver's license and reliable transportation Preferred Experience in community-based waiver services Familiarity with ISP, Risk Management Plans, and MAR systems Experience with Medicaid waiver compliance and audits Physical and work requirements Ability to travel to client homes and community settings Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift as needed during assessments Ability to work flexible hours to meet client and agency needs Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Core Competencies Clinical judgment and critical thinking Staff education and coaching Attention to detail and accuracy Person-centered care approach Regulatory compliance awareness Professional ethics and accountability
Compensation:
$163.02 per Wellness Coordination unit. Most months, this position will involve approximately 1-2 authorized units per client. Units and workload, including number of hours, may vary based on the number of individuals served and their authorized service needs.
