SUMMARY: The HSTEAM Registered Nurse (RN) provides high-intensity clinical oversight, medication support, and medical monitoring for residents of Harvey West Studios and other community-based housing programs. The RN acts as the primary clinical interface between residents, psychiatric providers, and primary care physicians to ensure health stability and prevent medical or psychiatric crises.
I. CLINICAL & MEDICATION SUPPORT SERVICES
A. Medication Administration & Management
- Clinical Oversight: Manage and oversee the site-based medication system, ensuring all medications are stored, labeled, and administered according to Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) standards and agency policy.
- Medication Support: Provide direct assistance with medication setup (pill-minding), administration, and clinical teaching to promote resident independence and adherence.
- Psychiatric Coordination: Monitor residents for therapeutic effectiveness of psychotropic medications and identify potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Physician Liaison: Coordinate with psychiatrists and primary care providers to manage prescriptions, labs, and specialized medical orders.
B. Medical Monitoring & Health Stabilization
- Health Assessments: Conduct regular nursing assessments, including monitoring vital signs, blood sugar (for diabetic residents), and overall physical health status.
- Chronic Disease Management: Provide education and support for residents managing chronic conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, or HIV/AIDS) within a "Housing First" framework.
- Crisis Intervention: Act as the lead clinical responder for medical emergencies on-site, providing immediate triage and coordinating with emergency medical services (EMS).
- Wound Care & Specialized Nursing: Perform basic nursing procedures including wound care, injections, and health screenings as indicated by resident needs.
II. COORDINATION & DOCUMENTATION
A. Care Coordination
- Integrated Care: Collaborate with the Lead HSTeam Coordinator and Connectors to ensure medical goals are integrated into the resident's overall stability plan.
- Warm Hand-offs: Facilitate transitions of care for residents discharged from hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, ensuring immediate medication reconciliation and follow-up.
- Community Linkages: Proactively connect residents to community-based medical resources, specialty clinics, and public health services.
B. Quality & Compliance
- EHR Documentation: Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in the County EHR, ensuring all nursing service units are captured and meet medical necessity standards.
- Medication Audits: Conduct weekly audits of Medication Administration Records (MARs) and storage facilities to ensure 100% regulatory compliance.
