ASSABET VALLEY COLLABORATIVE

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR:  Registered Nurse (RN)

DIRECTLY REPORTS TO:  Nursing Coordinator in conjunction with Program Administrator

Credentials required:    

Successful completion of an accredited RN program and Massachusetts licensure as a registered nurse.  The Registered Nurse must meet the requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Health specific to the practice of nursing as per MGL Chapter 112: Section 74.  

SUPERVISES: N/A

Primary Position Function:

The RN in AVC programs provides a range of nursing services and additional responsibilities that are consistent with the profile of students in each program.  Overall, the RN at AVC is responsible to monitor the safety and well-being of students while at school, and to administer medication, treatments, assessments, and interventions throughout the school day.  In addition, school health records (including health care plans), nursing notes, medication administration records and documentation, storage and security of medications, and communication (both written and oral) are responsibilities of the AVC RN.  While nursing responsibilities are the foremost priority for the AVC RN, additional programmatic responsibilities are in common among all AVC staff who work as a team within each program to deliver high quality education services, of which nursing is a related service.

The position includes the following responsibilities:

Service Delivery:

1. Coordinates and implements medical procedures as appropriate in daily and emergency situations.
2. Administers medications and treatments.
3. Performs nursing assessments, and directs appropriate emergency response, including emergency interventions and calling 911.
4. Assists and collaborates with Nurse Coordinator and host-school Nursing department (if applicable) ais well as sending district nursing department to support the overall medical and nursing needs within the building.
5. Acts as a medical resource training staff in implementation of universal precautions, infection control and program emergency planning and management.
6. Contributes to the overall work of the program or classroom-implementing lessons, lifting, etc. as applicable (varies by program assignment).
7. Participates in IEP team meetings.
8. Collaborates with other staff members on student IEP goals and benchmarks.
9. Provides assessments related to 3 year evaluation for special education services
10. Provide training to other staff members as they relate to health care needs of students.

Communication:

1. Maintains daily nurse's notes.
2. Reviews and updates files continuously including electronic and paper medical records, telephone emergency contact information and emergency forms.
3. Communicates and collaborates with educational and related service providers regarding medical interventions required to access programming; schedules interventions to allow for maximized participation of the student in educational programming.
4. Shares pertinent student’s medical information with classroom teacher to support access to academic program.
5. Provides written reports as required.
6. Communicates and consults with Nursing Coordinator and AVC nurses as appropriate.
7. Communicates with families, physicians, and therapists verbally and in writing; including documenting communication in student health record.
8. Develop and maintain  Health Care plans as applicable.

Program Management:

1. Maintains student medical supplies and requests purchases through AVC’s Nurse Coordinator.
2. Responsible for monitoring medication arrival to program in properly labeled container and securing and storing medication as per regulations (MGL S54B and DPH 105CMR210)
3. Collaborates daily with classroom/program schedule.
4. Attends monthly department meetings and scheduled staff development.

Professional Growth and Ethics:

1. Adheres to established federal, state and local laws and regulations.
2. Refines and develops professional skills through training, evidence based practice and continuing education.
3. Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPAA.
4. Follows all AVC policies and procedures.
5. Perform other duties as directed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical ability to execute job responsibilities that may include (depending upon assignment):

• Assist in lifting students which may include use of Hoyer Lift to elevate up to 120 lbs. from floor to chest height
• Assist in personal care of students
• Implementation of ranges of motion as directed by PT and/or OT if applicable
• Assisting ambulatory young adults in maintaining gait steadiness
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to physically intervene in a crisis or emergency as trained and per AVC Physical Restraint protocol, policy and applicable regulations.
• Use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to see, hear and speak.
• Ability to report to work on time and fulfill contract days and hours.

EVALUATION: Evaluation to be performed annually in accordance by the Nursing Coordinator with AVC’s personnel handbook guidelines and pertinent regulations and statutes.