Registered Nurse

The Program Nurse plays a key role in overseeing medication administration and providing support to Certified Residential Medication Aides (CRMAs). This position ensures that residents' health needs are addressed through effective communication with healthcare providers, assisting residents in following medical orders and recommendations. The Program Nurse also helps monitor and ensure the correct delivery of health care services. The Program Nurse is responsible for ensuring that provider ordered personal care services and medication administration services meet licensing requirements and adhere to best practices.

Key duties include:

Being available in each program for at least 10 hours per week (with flexibility based on resident needs and nursing workload), including participation in staff meetings, oversight of MAR orders, participate in individual living plan (ILP) meetings (focusing on health and medication), oversight of progressive self-medication (PSM) plans, and any necessary changes to care plans. Supports CRMA staff to administer prescribed medications correctly, ensuring residents receive the appropriate medications at the correct times, doses, and via the right routes. Review health documentation upon resident admission and health history questionnaires. Assist with completing yearly comprehensive health assessments, focusing on personal care and medication needs. Collaborate with the program coordinator to assess resident needs for primary and secondary medical services, including annual physicals, follow-up treatments, and review of relevant lab results. Assist Mental Health Support Specialists in addressing needs related to dental, ophthalmologic, nutritional, podiatry, and other medical care. Evaluate health care consultation needs, referring residents to appropriate providers as necessary. Enter nursing notes when required, based on resident interactions or follow-up concerns into the AWARDS system. Complete Quarterly assessments and nursing notes in conjunction with the ILPs. Serve as a liaison between residents and healthcare providers, coordinating care and attending provider appointments when needed. Review service referrals and ensure that medical and psychiatric orders are properly referred to the primary physician or other relevant providers. Ensure that medication orders comply with licensing regulations and are consistent with residents' allergies. Review Medication Administration Records (MARs) prepared by staff each month and communicate any required revisions to CRMA staff or the coordinator. Review completed MARs at the end of each month to verify compliance with orders, proper documentation of medication administration, and appropriate use of PRNs (as-needed medications). Review medication incident forms and provide coaching instructions on errors, and may help develop a plan of correction in collaborating with the program manager, to ensure the medication incident policy is being followed. Identify educational needs for staff, residents, or the program, and address any concerns with the program manager. Discuss health and medication needs with providers, transcribe emergency telephone orders as needed, and consult with clinicians on overall treatment planning. Work with hospitals to ensure a smooth transition for residents returning from inpatient care, ensuring ongoing medication administration support. Ensure CRMA staff follows state regulations and MOCO procedures for medication administration. Support and participate in addressing process and procedure changes as necessary. Education Provide 5 hours of annual educational in-services to residential staff on topics such as infection prevention, adverse reactions to psychoactive medications, diabetes, EpiPen response to anaphylaxis, Narcan response to potential opioid overdoses, and aging-related topics. Facilitate consumer groups focused on healthcare, medication, and activities of daily living (ADL) needs; as needed. Conduct 40-hour CRMA training classes and recertification testing (if certified to do so). Professional Services Attend Nurse Practice meetings twice a month. Contribute to the development and review of clinical forms, policies, procedures, and protocols in compliance with the Maine State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act. Minimum Qualifications Active licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maine. Knowledge of physical assessment, pathophysiology, and medication management. Experience working with individuals with severe and prolonged mental illnesses and experience working with residents within community programs is preferred. Valid Maine driver's license. Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office products.

Equal Employment Opportunities Pay:

From $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person