Function:

Reporting to the Director of Operations and to the Medical Director, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) assumes authority, responsibility and accountability for the delivery of nursing services in the facility. In collaboration with the administration, the DNS allocates department resources in an efficient and economic manner to enable each Individual to attain or maintain the highest practical, physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. The DNS collaborates with other departments, medical professionals, consultants, and organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups to develop, support and coordinate Individual care, related administrative functions, and to represent the interests of the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but not limited to:

• Developing, maintaining and implementing nursing policies and procedures that conform to the standard of nursing practice, facility philosophy and operational policies while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws;
• Communicating and interpreting policies and procedures to nursing staff and monitors staff practices and implementation;
• Participating in all admission decisions and may visit prospective Individuals before admission;
• Evaluating the work performance of all nursing staff, assist in the determination of rate adjustments and implements discipline according to operational policies;
• Ensuring the delivery of quality care of nursing services and nursing supervision as evidenced by adequate clinical care of the Individuals and staff coverage on residences. Adequate care can be evidenced by maintenance of optimal Individual functions.
• Demonstrating knowledge and application of key clinical quality indicators, and proactively monitoring and implementing systems to achieve and or surpass Agency thresholds.
• Exercising overall supervision of Individual assessments and plans of care;
• Overseeing the AMAP Certification Program;
• Ensuring timely and effective responses to significant changes in condition, transfers, discharges, use of restraint for medical reasons, unexplained injuries, falls, medication errors;
• Supervising the collaboration with physicians, consultants, community agencies and institutions for continued quality improvement of nursing services and resolution of identified problems;
• Coordinating nursing services with all other departments;
• Overseeing nursing schedules to ensure meeting Individual needs and regulatory and budgetary standards;
• Participating in the recruitment and selection of nursing personnel and ensuring hiring of sufficient number of staff;
• Overseeing and supervising development and delivery of in-service education to equip nursing personnel with sufficient knowledge and skills to provide quality nursing care and respect for Individual’s bill of rights;
• Proactively developing positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs thereby promoting teamwork, mutual respect and effective communication;
• Performing on site visits to observe care, interview staff, residents, families or other interested parties;
• Monitoring staff for compliance with OSHA mandates and facility policies on workplace safety. Proactively developing procedures and incentives to promote workplace work place safety and safe work practices;
• Establishing, implementing and supervising the monitoring of infection control program to ensure prevention of transmission of communicable diseases;
• Supervising the preparation of infection control surveillance reports in ensuring trends are identified and measures are develop to prevent active spread of infection;
• Establishing, developing, supervising and monitoring QA activities for nursing services to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements;
• Participating in budget development for the nursing department.
• Assisting the Agency in preparing staff for inspection surveys by reviewing and reinforcing important standards previously cited;
• Overseeing the preparation of the Plan of Correction response to an inspection survey and the implementation of any follow up QA required for any nursing allegation;
• Promoting customer service and hospitality and responding to and adequately resolving complaints or concerns from Individuals or families about nursing services;
• Promoting compliance with accident prevention procedures, safety rules, and safe work practices to prevent employee injury or illness and control worker’s compensation costs;
• Interacting courteously with Individuals, family members, employees, visitors, vendors, business associates, and representatives of government agencies; and,
• Performing all other tasks as required by the Director of Operations.

Requirements:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Nursing preferred
• Current state license as a Registered Nurse
• 2-5 years previous experience as an RN required
• Experience in an Individualized Care Facility (ICF) or Individualized Residential Alternative Facility (IRA) for the Developmentally Disabled preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the practice of nursing in a group home setting.
• Has strong organizational and time management skills and ability to prioritize responsibilities.