POSITION PURPOSE

Collaborates with Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and other allied health professionals regarding medical needs of students/clients. Maintains list of student/client medications and administers medications as prescribed. Examines students/clients in need of medical attention and responds accordingly, making decisions based on facts and experience. Gathers medical information on all new students/clients enrolled in ACCESS. Maintains documentation of Accident/Incident Reports, immunization records, and employee CPR and First Aid certifications. Nursing services shall only be provided by licensed nurses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

1. Collaborates with PCPs and other allied health professionals regarding the medical needs of students/clients. Reports pertinent medical information to PCPs and Program Directors upon discovery.
2. Maintains organized and updated list of scheduled and PRN medications for each student/client receiving medications at ACCESS. Obtains prescribing information from the parent, physician, or pharmacy. Completes daily documentation on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) of medication administration including dosage, frequency, and route of medications administered. Monitors students/clients for drug reactions and documents any reactions noted on the Drug Reaction Log. Notifies parents/guardians when medications need to be refilled.
3. Examines students/clients in need of medical attention and responds accordingly, making sound nursing decisions based on facts and experience. Notifies parents/guardians of situations requiring medical attention. If necessary, contact the student’s/client’s PCP for recommendations. Documents illnesses or injuries requiring medical attention. Follows up with students/clients and/or parents/guardians and documents actions taken.
4. Gathers student/client medical information including immunization records, medical consents, prescribed medications, and allergies. Submits completed Release of Information forms to request any additional information/records needed from physicians, hospitals, or other facilities. Informs staff of student/client medical issues/concerns, as appropriate.
5. Advocates for referrals to outside specialists and other allied health professionals as needed. 
6. Obtains discharge summaries for students/clients who have been absent due to hospitalization.
7. Determines appropriate plans of action in response to accidents and incidents; instructs involved employees as to what documentation should be included and provides assistance with notifying parents/guardians. Maintains or assists with maintaining Accident/Incident Report forms.
8. Maintains documentation of immunizations for each student enrolled in the Early Childhood and Academy Programs. Ensures that immunizations remain current during enrollment and keeps parents/guardians and Program Directors apprised of immunization status.
9. Maintains updated list of allergies for each student/client in deTaso. 
10. Reviews all medical records received and distributes to appropriate personnel. Notifies relevant staff of anything related to the student’s/client’s treatment at ACCESS or any potential area of risk.
11. Notifies supervisor when medical equipment, such as syringes, gloves, etc., needs to be ordered. Stocks equipment when received.
12. Schedules CPR and First Aid classes as needed. Maintains documentation of employee CPR and First Aid certifications and expiration dates. Notifies employees of expiration dates and schedules classes as needed. 
13. Assists with outcomes data collection and utilization for continuous quality improvement.
14. Maintains first aid kits and oxygen tanks.
15. Maintains daily temperature logs on any refrigerators containing medications.
16. Ensures that medical documentation is complete and in compliance with regulatory agencies and company standards.
17. Promotes continuity, consistency, and expediency of medical care to students/clients.
18. Serves as a resource for staff in areas of primary health care, infection control, disease processes, and emergency procedures. Performs staff in-services as needed.
19. Maintains and updates Medical Policies and Procedures for the organization.
20. Completes relevant and approved continuing professional education each year as required to maintain professional licensure.
21. Maintains familiarity with company policies and procedures, as well as requirements set forth by regulatory agencies.
22. May perform other direct student/client medical care responsibilities, as appropriate.
23. May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect. 
• Follows through on commitments.
• Inspires the trust of others. 
• Completes work ethically and with integrity. 
• Upholds organizational values. 

Judgment:

• Displays willingness to make decisions. 
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. 
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. 
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Makes timely decisions. 
• Demonstrates safety awareness.

Client Focus:

• Demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence. 
• Manages difficult or emotional client situations. 
• Responds promptly to client needs. 
• Includes clients, parents/guardians, teachers, and other service providers in the occupational therapy process through regular communication. Solicits feedback to improve services.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Teamwork:

• Balances team and individual responsibilities. 
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to other’s views.
• Gives and welcomes feedback.
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Puts success of team above own interests. 
• Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed. 

Interpersonal Skills:

• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming.
• Maintains confidentiality. 
• Listens to others without interrupting. 
• Keeps emotions under control. 
• Remains open to others’ ideas and displays willingness to try new things.

Oral Communication:

• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Listens and gets clarification.
• Communicates with others in a tactful and professional manner.
• Responds well to questions.
• Demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Participates in meetings. 

Planning/Organizing:

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time effectively and efficiently.
• Completes tasks within expected deadlines.
• Plans for additional resources. 
• Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
• Develops realistic action plans. 

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem-solving situations. 
• Involves the Director of Clinical Operations and relevant team members in the problem-solving process, as indicated.
• Uses reason, even when dealing with emotional topics. 
• Demonstrates fairness when dealing with employee situations and sensitive issues.

Professionalism:

• Communicates with others in a tactful and professional manner.
• Participates appropriately as a member of a team.
• Responds well under pressure.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Follows instructions and responds appropriately to supervisory direction and feedback.
• Completes tasks within established deadlines.

Quality:

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. 
• Sets goals and objectives for improvement.
• Provides staff with constructive feedback to improve performance. 
• Monitors own work and the work of staff to ensure quality. 

Written Communication:

• Writes professionally, informatively, and in accordance with payor source guidelines.
• Edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Varies writing style to meet needs.
• Presents numerical data effectively. 
• Demonstrates the ability to read and interpret written information. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/ Certification:

• A degree from an accredited school of vocational nursing. 
• Current Arkansas license as a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse. 

Experience/ Knowledge required:

• Minimum of two years of experience working with children, adolescents, and/or adults with special needs preferred, but not required. 

Skills/ Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret therapy evaluation reports for quality and accuracy.
• Basic computer skills which includes a working knowledge of databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet software. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of therapists and managers.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel is required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.