Director of Nursing - Children's Program

About Crystal Springs:

Crystal Springs is a non-profit organization that provides educational therapeutic and residential services to children and adults living with both physical and intellectual disabilities. We support children and adults with developmental disabilities in a loving nurturing environment that promotes health safety dignity respect and choice. Recognizing that all have unique gifts and the desire to achieve and contribute to their world Crystal Springs embraces each persons pursuit of growth and independence so that all may reach their true potential.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a pivotal leader within our collaborative and compassionate family-centered trauma-informed therapeutic team. In this strategic role the DON spearheads the coordination of medical care for our diverse population ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized. The DONs responsibilities encompass overseeing the development implementation and vigilant monitoring of policies procedures and protocols governing nursing and medical care at our residential education school.

As an integral part of our therapeutic community the DON provides essential medical support to our students. Beyond daily operations the DONs role involves ongoing assessment of our students medical status and proactive evaluation of nursing staff and processes to maintain a nurturing and safe environment. The DONs expertise is instrumental in addressing any identified deficiencies and formulating strategic corrective actions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Admission and Care Coordination:

• Function as part of the Admission Review Team offering expert perspective relative to our ability to accommodate the medical and health care needs of prospective students within our approved program model.
• Actively participate in the full student recruitment and admissions cycle including planning screening candidate - virtually on-site and off-site meetings gathering and processing paperwork and assisting with student intake meetings and process.
• Actively participate in student discharge process including collecting and processing paperwork.

Medical Care and Documentation:

• Conduct regular nursing rounds oversees medication administration and ensures proper documentation.
• Oversee the management of students medical conditions including diabetes seizures food allergies g-tubes j-tubes and other complex medical needs.
• Monitor student health records track medical trends and update care plans as needed.
• Ensure students physical dental audiology ophthalmology exams and lab work are up to date.
• Coordinate with Medical Director medical specialist and consultants to ensure comprehensive medical care for our students.
• Ensure appropriate completion of quarterly progress notes admission treatment plans/Individual Health Care Plans and other necessary documentation by RN Supervisor/lead LPNs.
• Provide guidance on infection control practices and emergency response protocols.

Medical Procedures and Training:

• Assist nurses with medication and treatment administration as well as conducts medication and treatment administration.

Foster professional growth and enhances skills and knowledge of staff by planning and implementing comprehensive orientation and training programs for new nursing staff and providing ongoing education and development opportunities.

Team Leadership:

• Facilitate one-to-one supervision sessions and team meetings on a consistent on-going basis with Nursing department staff.
• Oversee and supervise staff and children being treated or housed in the Medical Services building.

Professional Representation:

Comprehend and adeptly portrays the responsibilities roles initiatives and offerings of the agency along with their interconnectedness with staff students and the community.

Ethics and Collaboration:

• Abide by mandates regarding confidentiality and ethics as per federal state agency and policy procedures.
• Foster a safe environment for dialogue and disagreement readily accepting feedback from supervisors colleagues and staff.
• Collaborate with teachers therapists family services behavior and residential staff and parents to ensure a holistic approach to student care and education.
• Serve as a resource for staff regarding medical protocols interventions and student-specific needs.

Medication Delegation and Reporting:

• Register with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to delegate the administration of prescription medications in schools.
• Promptly document and communicate all necessary medical events and incidents to the relevant parties and agencies in accordance with established guidelines.
• Skillfully draft comprehensive corrective action plans in response to identified errors ensuring adherence to established protocols and regulations.

Top of Form

QUALIFICATIONS:

Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Massachusetts in good Degree preferred.

CERTIFICATES LICENSES REGISTRATIONS:

Registered Nurse (RN) License: Must hold an active and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of Massachusetts maintaining compliance with all state regulations and requirements.DD Certification: Must attain Certification by the DDNA within 3 years of employment

Valid Drivers License: Must possess a valid drivers license for more than one year with a clean driving record willing and able to drive Crystal Springs wheelchair and min-van safely and in accordance with the law as travel between locations or off-campus activities may be required.

State-Required Certifications: Any additional certifications licenses or registrations necessary to practice as an Director of Nursing in a Massachusetts healthcare or educational setting.

Bottom of Form

Required Experience:

Director