RN Unit Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

To function at a professional nursing level using both administrative leadership and clinical expertise in order to assure that comprehensive care and treatment is rendered to resident population, collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in the design, implementation and evaluation of various programs within the unit. Twenty-four hour responsibility for the continuity of nursing care and the management of the resident welfare.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1 Utilizes expertise in the leadership role as a manager of an assigned unit;

2 Collaborates with the Director of Nursing in maintaining adequate nursing coverage to provide safe nursing care for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; effectively utilizes existing manpower limiting use of overtime and agency personnel;

3 Develops, implements and evaluates protocols/standards of assigned unit while following the proper approval channels;

4 Assesses the work performance of nursing personnel as it relates to their job description, unit standards of care and goals of the individual;

5 Implements the process of progressive counseling and when necessary, recommends or initiates disciplinary action based on facility’s and or nursing policies and procedures;

6 Encourages nursing staff to perform their jobs to the fullest of their potential;

7 Provides professional guidance and supervision to both professional and nonprofessional unit staff;

8 Conducts periodic meetings on their shift and among shifts with staff and other members of the interdisciplinary team to disseminate information; develop unit protocols; establish unit goals and initiate implementation; and evaluate the effectiveness of these processes;

9 Attend committee meetings as requested;

10 Assumes nursing administrative responsibilities of the facility for weekend and holiday coverage as requested;

11 Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of quality assurance activities for the facility and/or unit as requested. Participates in Quality Improvement reviews as defined by the Director of Nursing;

12 Identifies educational needs of the staff and plans with the Staff Development Coordinator (if available) a program to meet their needs. Evaluates and provides feedback to the Staff Development Coordinator and to the individual staff member effectiveness of the program;

13 Demonstrates, teaches and evaluates nursing skills utilized in direct resident care of the unit’s specific resident population;

14 Participates with the interdisciplinary team in developing, implementing and evaluating ways to achieve resident care goals;

15 Initiates resident centered team meetings with the staff using the problem solving approach;

16 Serves as a role model in the delivery of direct resident care using the nursing process;

17 Assumes responsibility for the MDS’s completion on the unit.

18 Provides consultation in developing and implementing discharge plans in collaboration with the resident, family and interdisciplinary team;

19 Evaluates written and verbal communication provided to and received from other modalities regarding continuity of resident care and takes appropriate action;

20 Participates in developing a program to facilitate continuity of care when residents are transferred to other nursing facility or the hospital;

21 Assumes responsibility for independent study to improve managerial and clinical skills;

22 Prepares written reports, reviews records and participates in needed data collection as indicated;

23 Adjusts schedule to evaluate staff on evening and night shifts;

24 Assumes responsibility for assuring daily staffing assignments;

25 Participates in facility and/or nursing committees as requested;

26 Submits requests for the budget;

27 Supervises and evaluates Unit Clerks when assigned to the unit;

28 Participates in staff recruitment (i.e. Assist in the interviewing and selection of nursing personnel);

29 Concerns his/herself with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

30 Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;

31 Performs other related duties as required.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1 Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

2 Successful completion of experience in leadership (i.e. head nurse, supervisor, etc.) for a minimum of one year.

3 Current licensure by the NJ State Board of Examiners of Nurses.

4 Membership in the Association of Professional Nurses is recommended.

JOB SKILLS:

1 Must be able to demonstrate leadership skills, organization and provide a positive attitude, direction and discipline for the nursing department.

2 Must possess the ability to work independently, problem solve and make decisions as necessary.

3 Must possess the ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

4 Must be able to develop and implement programs, policies and procedures, etc., which are necessary to providing quality care.

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

6 Must have patience, tact, a pleasant disposition and enthusiasm.

7 Must provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES:

1 This position is accountable to the Director of Nursing for the provision of nursing care to a specific resident population and supervision of staff assigned to the unit.

2 The Unit Manager/Director works within the framework of the policies, procedures, standards and philosophy of the Nursing Department.