Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The employee is this classification, under the direction of the Director of Nursing and/or the Assistant Director of Nursing plans, directs and supervises nursing care on the Behavior/Dementia resident care unit; maintains twenty-four (24) hour responsibility for all operations of the assigned unit including but not limited to, resident care activities, education and quality programs, maintenance of resources, cleanliness and safety and nursing standards of practice; performs nursing care as needed and related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures unit staff is educated and oriented regarding appropriate nursing and resident care techniques and practices in relationship to behavioral health and dementia.
• Participates in the selection of residents for admission to the Behavioral Health/Dementia unit in relation to nursing care needs and collaborates with Unit Manager and other facility department personnel to determine unit/bed assignments.
• Makes recommendations to improve nursing services and assists in the implementation of education, new programs and services in accordance with Federal, State and local standards, guidelines and regulations.
• Provides nursing oversight responsibility and collaboration with other departments in the behavior management of residents requiring additional care planning support; monitors resident outcomes and generates quality improvement reports.
• Participates in assessment of the residents with the Specialty Physician to undertake development and implementation of comprehensive, individualized, resident specific plan of care.
• Directs, supervises, plans, assigns, evaluates and recommends discipline for nursing staff on assigned unit.
• Able to demonstrate evidence-based practice of behavioral health and dementia standards.
• Able to consult, liaise and work with specialty physicians, family members and facility staff in development and treatment plans for residents with behavioral health and dementia diagnosis.
• Makes daily rounds to talk with residents, reviews care plans for individualized resident specific interventions, accuracy and care delivery.
• Notifies attending physician, as well as the legal guardian, when the resident has a change in condition.
• Assumes twenty-four (24) hour responsibility for the assigned resident care unit.
• Maintains unit staffing schedules; interviews and hires staff for unit.
• Meets with individual staff for problem solving in work related areas.
• Maintains a safe, clean unit environment.
• Participates in budget planning process and works within annual unit budget.
• Conducts monthly staff meetings on the unit.
• Performs emergency procedures as necessary.
• Has manual dexterity for performing nursing procedures such as drawing blood or giving injections.
• Monitors compliance with State, Federal and Local Regulations; audits medical records for documentation compliance.
• Participates in developing and updating department policies and procedures.
• Oversees unit compliance of MDS completion.
• Operates computers and required software programs.
• Lifts, moves and carries equipment and supplies that weigh up to 50 pounds; pushes and pulls equipment and supplies that weigh up to 100 pounds.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Orders or designates ordering equipment, supplies and medications as needed according to policy and notifies Assistant Director of Nursing of needs and/or problems.
• The statements contained in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCES

• Be licensed by the Michigan Board of Nursing to practice as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, and must maintain licensure.
• A minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience.
• A minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience in a long term care facility.
• A minimum of one (1) year specialized behavioral health and/or dementia training.
• Successful completion of the probationary period for the position of Unit Manager.
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Thorough knowledge of nursing principles, methods and practices; familiarity with the organization, functions, policies, regulations and procedures of a hospital or medical care facility.
• Ability to use good professional judgement for the welfare and safety of residents and employees.
• Ability to organize work programs and skill in identifying problems and planning their solution.
• Possess the ability to supervise, direct and organize the work of others.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of resident care.
• Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job may be considered.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet. Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

Martha T. Berry employees who are applying must meet the following 3 criteria:

1. No more than 5 absences in the last 12 months.

2. No written discipline in the last 24 months.

3. Applicants must pass any required job specific testing.