LPN - Developmental Services at Behavioral Health Network, Inc. in Holyoke, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Description




Join our Developmental Services program as a Licensed Practical Nurse, coordinating care and services in a group home setting, ensuring the health and well-being of the individuals served at Behavioral Health Network.




GENERAL SUMMARY


The Licensed Practical Nurse is part of a nursing team that provides healthcare consultations, technical advice, training, and assessment of individuals served in Developmental Services.



ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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• Consults with program team to manage all aspects of existing or new emerging health issues of individuals served in Developmental Services including making recommendations to be written and included in individuals' plans for remediation of health/nutritional deficits when appropriate.


• Provides nursing assessments of individuals as required in the individuals' homes and prepares progress notes.


• Serves as a medical resource to individuals and families.


• Makes recommendations to improve safety in the home and community, including modifications to decrease falls.


• Reviews all Health Care Encounter forms and ensures all documentation is present during chart reviews.


• Accompanies individuals to medical appointments as agreed with Nursing Supervisor, Program Directors, and/or Senior Program Manager.


• Visits individuals while they are in the hospital (or other health care facility) and performs medical case management tasks to ensure all individuals have a safe discharge plan.


• Supports RN completing client discharges from hospital, as needed.


• Participates in Health Care Management meetings to ensure individuals are receiving necessary care from health care providers. Ensures program staff follow up on Health Care Management reviews.


• Ensures that equipment used to ensure the health care of individuals, including First Aid kits, OSHA buckets, glucometers, blood pressure machines, and thermometers are monitored for quality.


• Utilizes current research to guide evidence-based practice.


• Provides requested information to RN writing health care protocols as needed for individuals.


• Provides ongoing in-service training and consultation to other staff members and families on issues of medical care/health.


• Provides support to ensure the organization's compliance with the Medication Administration Program (MAP) including completing all Method B verification paperwork.


• Communicates with individuals' health care providers, obtaining reports, and obtains approval of treatment plans as needed.


• Communicates with DDS Area Office nurses and Service Coordinators, day programs, families and guardians as needed and in cooperation with program staff.

• Participates on organization committees as assigned.


• Completes paperwork related to service in a quality and timely manner.


• Performs other tasks as requested by Nursing Supervisor.

• High School Diploma or GED required.


• Licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse required.


• Minimum three years' experience as an LPN.


• Must be well organized with good interpersonal skills.


• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle available for all working hours required.


• Basic computer skills including MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.


• Demonstrates willingness and ability to work with challenging and diverse individuals.


• Demonstrates cultural competence in dealing with a variety of individuals with different cultural backgrounds.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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