REGISTERED NURSE

Position 1 will serve adolescent males in the Manchester Transitional Living Program and the Hartford STAR (Short Term Assessment & Respite) home.

Position 2 will serve adolescent females in the West Hartford STAR Home and adolescent males in the Wolcott STAR Home.

Both positions are considered "on-site" and are not remote positions.

The Bridge Family Center offers competitive pay and great benefits, including:
403(b) with match, prorated vacation time (FTE of 19 days of vacation to start increasing annually for the first 5 years), paid sick time, personal time, and 8 paid holidays.

All Bridge employees must be vaccinated (or request and be granted a religious/medical exemption upon offer - all offers contingent upon vaccination/exemption status).

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Nurse is responsible for coordinating and managing the medical and health related services for the residents of the group home(s). The nurse will work closely with the program staff in following the guidelines of the DCF medication administration program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. Program and Administrative Duties

• Review and familiarize medical histories of each resident.
• Ensure that each case record contains the presence of informed consent for medication and releases of information from doctors.
• The nurse will recommend an individual plan of care for each resident’s health needs.
• Timely completion of all paperwork including Nursing Assessments for STAR residents within 72 hours.
• In addition to nursing services, provide other services to the residents, including occasional transportation, instruction in hygiene, and assistance in the development of daily living skills.
• Monitor responses to medication, vital signs, and blood work.
• Conduct health related groups for the residents.
• Conduct and document quarterly reviews of written policies and procedures relating to all aspects of medication administration and medical services.
• Provide on-site testing and maintain documentation for all staff following a DCF course for medication administration.
• Annually conduct on-site testing to ensure the certified staff are safely administering medication.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and other pertinent meetings as designated by the Director.
• Train and certify staff to administer medication
• Assist in fostering a stable and therapeutic environment by maintaining the values and principles of the relational model.
• Participate in the agency’s on-call service.
• Develop a close, therapeutic relationship with residents, and a positive professional relationship with co-workers.
• Interact with residents in a manner marked by a controlled, non-judgmental tone of voice and body language, promoting individual responsibility and self-esteem.
• Supervise all aspects of the medication administration program including:
• Proper storage of medication
• Review current prescription orders
• Review documentation of medication records and medical records
• Review pharmacy labels to insure that the labels match doctor’s orders
• Track and formulate improvements in those situations where there are medication errors.
• Complete monthly documentation for the DCF.
• Act as the agency’s chief RN and point person inclusive of ensuring that all medical policies comply with DCF and State regulations, chairing quarterly meetings with the physician providing oversight to our medication component, and informing other Bridge RN’s of policy and procedural updates and enlisting their feedback.
• Provide RN coverage for additional programs on a short-term basis, as needed and as requested.
• Perform such other duties as may be requested by Program Management.

Qualifications: This position requires a degree and license as a Registered Nurse. The RN will have experience working with adolescents from high-risk environments and providing care to adolescent with a history of psychiatric problems. Must have (1) a valid CPR certification, (2) computer proficiency and (3) have passed all the necessary police and DCF background checks. The RN shall have a valid driver’s license, a safe and roadworthy vehicle and be willing to transport residents in this vehicle as may be necessary from time to time. Travel to different Bridge programs is required.