PURPOSE OF JOB POSITION

The primary purpose of your job position is to direct and oversee the overall operation of our nursing services department in the absence of our Director of Nursing. The department must be operated in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the administrator, medical director, or director of nursing to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Must possess, as a minimum, a nursing degree from an accredited college or university.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid and current RN license in this state.

Must be able to write the English language in a legible and understanding manner.

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

Must possess 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 willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.

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

Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The relief RN is responsible to the Director of Nursing services for planning, supervising, and evaluation:

1. All nursing functions during his/her tour of duty.

2. Administration of nursing home routines and policies during his/her tour of duty.

3. Seeing that all personnel on the unit during his/her tour of duty function to the maximum capacity.

4. Maintaining the highest quality of patient care in compliance with the physician’s orders.

5. Cooperating in planning and evaluation experiences for employees under his/her supervision.

6. Keeping all matters concerning the nursing home, the residents, and nursing home personnel in strict confidence. Do not discuss these matters with fellow employees.

DUTIES

Cooperating with the Director of Nursing in setting up a nursing care plan for each resident.

Assigning specific duties to nursing personnel under his/her supervision.

Assisting supervisor in preparing time schedules and ensuring proper staffing.

Providing proper assistance to medical staff.

Directing and supervising the activities of the nursing personnel assigned to the unit during his/her tour of duty.

Checking all residents’ charts for accurate reporting and recording of symptoms, reactions, and progress.

Visiting residents frequently to evaluate their condition and need for nursing care.

Rendering direct nursing care as needed.

Working in any resident care area to which he/she is assigned.

Supervising CNA’s and other nursing personnel.

Give on-duty orientation for licensed personnel.

Assign nursing cleaning duties.

Obtain laboratory specimens.

Assist nurses during stress situations.

Charting of daily decubitis sheets.

Assuming duties of Director of Nursing services in his/her absence.

**Every effort has been made to keep your job description as complete as possible. 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 a logical assignment to the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in well-lighted and ventilated areas throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).

Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved 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.

Is willing to work beyond normal working hours and on week-ends and holidays when necessary.

Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license on a current status.

Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.

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

Must be able to see and hear, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.

Must be able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.