Registered Nurse - Abilities First LaGrange School Program

Abilities First is seeking a Registered Nurse to provide nursing support for the LaGrange School program in Poughkeepsie, NY. This position serves students with developmental disabilities in a school-based setting, where you will monitor ongoing health care, administer medications, provide emergency care, and supervise infection control practices.

Clinical Setting

The LaGrange School program is part of Abilities First, Inc., a mission-driven organization that has served individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years. The school program provides education and support services to students with special needs and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications to children as ordered, ensuring all orders are current and on file with proper documentation in the school's medication records
• Provide nursing care to students, including emergency first aid, and observe and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments to parents/caregivers and the School Nurse Coordinator
• Maintain the medication cart, Medication Administration Records, nursing office cleanliness, nursing supplies, and AED records
• Maintain effective infection control practices and train staff on universal precautions, school health care policies, procedures, and signs of illness
• Obtain and maintain current physical and immunization records; complete yearly immunization surveys for the New York State Health Department
• Maintain all student health records, including special needs, dietary requirements, and adaptive equipment information; confer with parents/caregivers to ensure medical information is current
• Participate in the intake process and IEP meetings as required
• Notify parents/caregivers when a student is unwell and determine whether the student should remain in the program
• Serve as a liaison to families, school districts, and community resources as appropriate
• Report health-related concerns to the principal and staff; provide consultation and assist in referrals to appropriate health care specialists
• Ensure all required trainings and certifications remain current
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior and all agency policies and procedures
• Comply with all state and local regulatory requirements in school settings
• Perform other job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant, including LPN coverage of other school sites during staffing emergencies
• Incorporate person-centered excellence by respecting people's concerns and using teachable moments to assist individuals in understanding and exercising their rights

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program)

Compensation

$36.13 to $38.13 per hour. Actual starting salary will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

Required Qualifications

• Current Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of New York
• Current New York State driver's license, free of moving violations and deemed acceptable by the insurance carrier
• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn at the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (with or without reasonable accommodation) to safely perform CPR/First Aid techniques, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques
• Verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities and special needs
• Knowledge of applicable regulations including OCFS, OPWDD, and NYSED

Licenses and Certifications

• Current CPR/First Aid certification (required for job performance)
• Current New York State RN license