Serving Hawaii's Most Vulnerable Since 1990

Lead Registered Nurse (Full Time or Part Time)

Position Description
The primary responsibility of the Lead Nurse (who works a minimum of 20 hours per
week) is to oversee the nursing team in addressing the physical concerns and needs of Bobby
Benson Center clients. The Lead Nurse creates the nursing schedule, trains the nursing team,
and provides supervision and accountability to the nursing team. Is involved in quality assurance
by participating in the Safety and Infection Control Committee. Reviews all medical policies and
procedures and ensures compliance with state and federal laws as licensing and accreditation
standards. Ensures the nursing team obtains a nursing assessment on each client admitted to
the center. Leads health education seminars for clients and staff as needed. Oversees
medication certification program of staff who pass medications under Lead Nurse’s license.
Creates and executes auditing systems to ensure documentation is done consistently and
correctly.

In addition to the above, the Lead Nurse performs all the regular duties of the
Registered Nurse: Gives direct client care, implements and evaluates each unique client
treatment plan, assessing data and client/family needs and solutions. Monitors adherence to
the medical directives of the Medical Director and Consulting Psychiatrist. Oversees the
implementation of the medical treatment plan and provides a limited amount of biomedical
screening. Initiates and participates in medical discharge planning, including placement (as
necessitated) and referral. Maintains skills and knowledge through participation in educational
programs.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Creates the nursing schedule every month.

• Provides supervision and training to all nursing staff (every three months, and on an as-needed basis).

• On-boards new nurses utilizing the Nurse Training Handbook.

• Provides medication certification training to all staff members who are scheduled to administer medications. Those certified to administer medications would be able to demonstrate the ability to accurately follow the policies and procedures for medication administration to the R.N before being certified to offer medications.

• Reviews all training, procedures, and policies and revises as necessary to meet CAMHD/OCHA/CARF standards. Reports to the Clinical Director, Medical Director, with a plan of completion.

• Creates the auditing processes to ensure the MAR’s are properly documented in, chart auditing is done consistently (specifically with regards to Doctor’s Orders, client appointments, and documenting nursing interventions).

• Regularly reviews medication log for completeness and client PRN use for patterns

• Updates staff regarding medical policy and procedural changes subsequent to review by and approved from the Executive Director.

• Reviews all medical policies and procedures on a regular basis to ensure compliance with state, federal and licensing / accreditation standards.

• Participates in Quality Assurance activities through the Safety and Infection Control Committee.

• Oversees implementation of, and provides staff training on infection control policies and procedures.

In addition to the above, the Lead Nurse performs all the regular duties of the Registered Nurse:

• Completes nursing assessments on all admitted clients.

• Provides risk management by attending to all injuries and when medically appropriate will notify the Medical Director or Consulting Psychiatrist or additional medical facility when necessary.

• Prepares medications for passes and outings as necessary.

• Provide and improve all medical training materials as needed.

• Be responsible to dispense medication, attend to all client medical needs, train staff, and provide clinical oversight to certified personnel / shift leaders. The R.N. will be available for the majority of all the daily scheduled medication administration times.

• Write orders that are specific and communicate clearly their intent with the nursing staff and certified medication trained staff members. The R.N will transcribe all orders immediately and implement them as directed by the physician. Orders will reflect individual needs of the client. Nursing staff will be consulted if a client requests PRN medication. The medical physician will be available at all times at his office or through the Physicians Exchange.

• Written (typed) instruction will be available for unlicensed persons to follow if the R.N. is not on site / or there is a med error or drug reaction.

• Medications will be adequately stored: Each client’s medication will be labeled.

• Off-site medication will have locked bags. Shift leaders will have the keys on site and off-site.

• Medication is delegated by the presented and documented monthly. Auditing tools will also be utilized.

• All doctors’ orders will be recorded on physician order sheets. Transcription of medical orders will be viewed as part of chart audit.

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Checklist of Specific Operations (including but not limited to):

• Documents all physician medication orders and supervises compliance by staff in following physician directives.

• Ensures that all incoming medication has proper orders from physician and is properly documented.

• Maintains close control / supervision of all locked meds.

• Maintains an inventory of medications. Orders medication when necessary.

• Reviews completed physician physical and lab work on each patient.

• Provides periodic review of the medical section of the chart to ensure accurate documentation of medical services.

• Conducts group education and individual counseling on medical-related issues to all clients.

• Acts as primary BBC contact for the Medical Director. Provides the Medical Director with all appropriate documentation and information.

• Facilitates client medical / dental appointments as necessary.

• Participates in bi-monthly visits by consulting psychiatrist. Ensures that clients and parent/guardian are educated in medication need and effect. Obtains parental permission for medication prescription.

• Ensures that all medical issues are presented to the treatment team through the client’s assigned addiction counselor or designee.

• Communicates with health insurance companies to verify client coverage and request referrals.

• Completes documentation as required by state and federal regulatory laws.

• Maintains current State Nursing License and FA/CPR certification.

• Maintains legible and neat documentation.

• Brings all client concerns to the attention of the clinical director, collateral contacts and family / guardian in a timely manner.

• Provide ongoing supervision of clients both on and off premises (when in care of the Nurse).

• Assists in the implementation of quality improvement projects as required by the executive director.

 

​Required Qualifications & Skills

• Dependability - follows instructions well, on time for work, no unplanned absences except in the event of an emergency, available after hours for phone consult, as needed. Cooperates with co-workers and supervisors. Good team player, professional and will always do full share of work.

• Client Care – practices clear professional boundaries at all times.

• Knowledge of Job – has comprehensive understanding of job, grasps details. Able to practice all job tasks with minimum supervision.

• Problem Solving – does not complain or blame others, solution oriented, open to constructive criticism and self-improvement.

• Rule Adherence- Thoroughly knows and follows BBC policies and procedures without

• formal corrective action.

• Meets timelines for required physicals, TB clearance, supervision, training, and documentation.

• Prior experience working with adolescents preferred.

• Working knowledge of 12 step programs preferred.
  Must be in good physical condition.

 

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

•  Associates Degree OR Bachelor’s Degree in Registered Nursing.

• Minimum of one (1) year nursing experience in a hospital, clinic, or residential chemical dependency unit.

• Valid Driver's License/good driving record