POSITION SUMMARY: The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct our infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs, and as may be directed by the Administrator and the Infection Control Committee to ensure that an effective infection control program is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Assists the Director of Nursing Services in managing and directing the Nursing Services Department.
• Confer with the Director of Nursing Services and/or other licensed nursing personnel regarding dermatologic disorders of residents in the facility.
• Consult with the Care Planning Team concerning assessment evaluations and assist in planning and developing the skin care treatment to be performed for the resident.
• Initiate requests for consultation or referral. Respond to requests from the resident, physician, or nursing staff.
• Examine the resident and his/her records and charts, and discriminate between normal and abnormal findings, in order to recognize when to refer the resident to a physician for evaluation, supervision, or directions.
• Implement and maintain established policies and procedures relative to skin care treatments. Interpret these to the physician, resident family members, and public as appropriate.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the attending physician, Medical Director, or the DON concerning the status and care of the residents.
• Serve on the interdisciplinary Care Plan Team and work with the Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team in developing a comprehensive assessment and care plan for assigned residents.
• Identify, manage, and treat specific skin disorders and primary and secondary lesions, such as skin abrasions, foot problems such as corns and calluses, decubitus ulcers, bacterial, parasitic and viral skin infections, scaling popular diseases, and benign tumors.
• Provide assessment and diagnostic services to residents. Perform an assessment evaluation using techniques including observation, inspection and palpation.
• Complete a quarterly physical dermatologic examination of the resident and record the results with the assessment.
• Provide therapeutic services. Confer with the Care Planning Team in the development of the care plan.
• Provide, within established protocols and under the supervision of the physician, treatment for uncomplicated dermatologic disorders as directed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
• Ensure that residents with decubitus ulcers receive appropriate prophylaxis and treatment, such as daily inspection, turning and activity, a well-planned diet, and maintaining a clean, dry bed.
• Give direct physical and psychological nursing care in emergencies, as well as in the presence of illness or disability in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress, and enhance the resident’s ability to cope.
• Assist in the admission or discharge of residents.
• Work with other health agencies and family members in the physical and emotional transitions of admission, care, and discharge of residents as necessary.
• Assist in resident rehabilitation activities. Where required, perform range of motion, assist in ambulation, provide emotional support. Monitor the results of physical therapy activities.
• Provide preventive health care services. Make recommendations to the resident concerning nutrition, prevention of common skin disorders, etc.
• Provide information to resident and family members of prevention techniques and other ways to maintain or improve the general health and psychosocial status of the resident.
• Participate as requested by the Medical Director or Director of Nursing Services in the planning and conducting of in-service training classes concerning dermatologic nursing skills and procedures used within the facility.
• Participate in educational programs for residents and their family members relative to skin care when a resident is being discharged to home.
• Ensures that nursing department employment actions are administered fairly and in compliance with the facility’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:
· High School Diploma or equivalent

· Must have, as a minimum, 1 year of experience as a RN/ LVN/ LPN in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related health care facility.

Certificates and Licenses:
· Must possess an active license to practice as a RN/ LVN/ LPN license valid in this state.

· Certified Wound Nurse training preferred, but not required.

Other Specific Requirements
· Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

· Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action.

· Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

· Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.

· Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

· Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e. nurse’s stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. May be on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of mechanical devices):

· Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

· Must be able to cope with the mental emotional and stress of the position.

• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively.

• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which may include a medical and physical examination.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical setting:

• Long term care
• Nursing home

Standard shift:

• Day shift

Weekly schedule:

• 5x8
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• LVN (Required)
• LPN (Required)

Work Location: In person