JOB SUMMARY

The overall purpose of the Registered Nurse (RN) position is to participate in and oversee the assurance of the provision of resident care services consistent with accepted standards of care and assigns duties to LPNs and/or nursing assistants as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities with assigned functional area within a nursing home facility which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

• Dedicated to delivering a high level of customer service.
• Consistent and regular attendance.
• Assures resident care is delivered in accordance with accepted standards of practice.
• Observes, assesses, and reports on residents conditions/changes and then documents in accordance with facility policies and as required by regulations.
• Administers medication/treatment as prescribed.
• Receives, transcribes and executes physician orders.
• Implements and evaluates residents plan of care.
• Identifies and secures equipment and supplies. Notifies supervisor when supplies are needed.
• Informs subordinate staff about the condition of residents and expectations/needs for the shift assigned at the beginning of each shift and receives report from subordinates throughout and at the end of each shift regarding resident conditions.
• Directs C.N.A.s to assure care provided according to standards of practice and according to facility policies and regulations.
• Rounds with C.N.A.s prior to end of shift to assure unit is in proper order.
• Communicates appropriate and thorough information to oncoming licensed staff so that continuity of care is provided from shift to shift.
• Completes assessments as indicated, i.e. admission assessments, ongoing pain assessments, etc.
• Assures residents are as free from pain as possible and advocates for residents with physicians as needed.
• Assures that residents accident or incident is fully documented, investigated and reported in accordance with facility policies and per regulations.
• Assures that each residents attending physician and family/responsible party is promptly notified of any significant changes in the residents health condition.
• Performs incidental housekeeping or maintenance tasks as may be required to maintain a clean, hazard-free environment for residents, visitors and staff.
• Assists in the evaluation of subordinate staff and any necessary counsel/discipline in accordance with facility policies.
• Ensures a safe environment is maintained in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Performs frequent rounds throughout facility to assure that the facility is orderly, odor-free and clean.
• Functions as a team leader/role model.
• Has reviewed the facility abuse policy and understands employees responsibility to enforce it.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to blood or other body fluids, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Ability to communicate in English via phone, in writing, and verbally in conversations with different levels of staff, patient families, and any outside customers.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; frequently use hands or fingers, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus; ability to utilize a computer, phone, etc. for extended periods of time.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• Attends in-service and educational programs.
• Attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Attends seminars related to essential job duties and stays current with changes to practice.

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  The Registered Nurse must have the following:

• A current, valid Illinois Registered Nurse license is required. BSN preferred.
• Education/and or experience in long-term care, acute care, or geriatric nursing preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English Language and to verbally converse with different levels of staff, parent families, and any outside customers.
• No disqualifying criminal offenses as defined by regulatory guidelines.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports nursing/patient progress notes, and nursing procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from department heads, customers (patients, family members, physicians, etc.) and the general public.

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