Nurse, (RN or LPN)
Job level: Intermediate
Kari Masterson, RN, Office of Developmental Disabilities ServicesBeing a nurse in the I/DD system allows you to focus on the family and the client, and that the client drives the plan of care. As a nurse, I can support them to achieve their short- and long-term goals with my nursing process and abilities.
You may be a Nurse if...
Nurses have a wide range of possibilities in working with the many programs through the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. Nursing is considered supportive to the care provided to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD)by the person's family, foster parents, and delegated caregivers, as applicable. Nursing services must be medically appropriate and may require separate eligibility.
Nurses can provide care as independent providers or be hired by an agency provider for programs like Private Duty Nursing (PDN), Direct Nursing (DNS) and Long Term Care Community Nursing (LTCCN). Nurses providing services in these programs direct nursing care to clients where they reside and even where they work. As a PDN or DNS nurse, you will work with the family or I/DD provider to deliver medical care in the home based on their eligible hours as determined by an eligibility criteria. As an LTCCN, you will help clients thrive by providing delegation, developing and maintaining a nursing care plan, providing care coordination, and developing data collection to ensure the clients health needs are met. Nurses may also work in Adult Foster Homes (AFH) and 24 Hour Residential Homes to provide medical supports. As either an independent contractor or an employee of an agency, you can work flexible hours and know you are making a difference by helping clients live as independently as possible in the community.
You may be a Nurse if you...
- Have an unencumbered RN or LPN license by Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
- Successfully pass Criminal History Check
- Have an interest in supporting individuals with complex health needs
- Respiratory and medical technology (ventilator, tracheostomy) experience
- Self-motivated
- Enjoy working directly with an individual client one on one
As a Nurse...
Responsibilities of a Nurse includes, but are not limited to:
- Continuous assessment and reassessment of the medical condition, as part of each shift.
- Skilled nursing tasks and other nursing interventions.
- Implementation of treatment and therapies.
- Data collection, including ventilator, medication, or seizure logs
- Delegation and training to caregivers or family members