General Description and Purpose of this Position The Community Nurse performs nursing functions within the neighborhood and is required to be a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, providing and supervising all medical care given to the Sister. The Community Nurse works closely with the Sisters, physicians, therapy services, pharmacy, community ministers, director of nursing, day charge nurse, medication aides, caregivers, and community team leaders to coordinate all medical, physical and psychogical services being provided for the Sister. There is a close and consistent communication between the Community Nurse, medication aide, and caregiver. The Community Nurse is the Sister’s closest advocate in the community, and promotes well-being through meaningful relationship building, and works with the community team to meet other social service needs of Sister and the community, always providing support, friendship and kindness for each of the community members. The Community Nurse, in collaboration with other team members, assists with planning and Sister participation in community activities such as mass, exercise, relationship building and fun, and also supports other community team members in keeping the community clean and safe, caring for Sister’s laundry, and all activities at meal time.

MISSION/VISION AND VALUES STATEMENT

As members of the Mount St. Francis Center community, we are called to provide a life of quality for all residents and staff. We agree to model these four core values:

• WELCOMING COMMUNITY – We welcome others with respect, concern, and acceptance as a way of creating a caring community and treat ourselves and one another with kindness and dignity.
• PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT – We accept and respect the differences and needs of others and foster shared decision-making. We support and encourage residents and staff to feely pursue personal, professional, communal, and spiritual development.
• RESPECTFUL SERVICE – We graciously respond to the needs of others with respect and humility, which nurtures and values others’ integrity, dignity, and differences. We assure that the basic needs of life are met through quality care.
• CARE OF THE EARTH – We strive to be aware and respectful of the environment by carefully using the Earth’s resources and reducing waste.

Medication Administration Responsibilities – Follows Administration Rules

• Measures correct dosage.
• Pours correct medication.
• Gives to correct Sister.
• Gives the medication at the right time.
• Administers by the correct method.
• Knows specific diagnosis or physical conditions of the Sister that might affect how medication would react.
• Charts/Records promptly and accurately after administration of medications.

Duties and Responsibilities of This Position

• Provides leadership in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Sister needs and coordinates plan of care in accordance with physician orders, recognized nursing procedures, and MSFC administrative policy. 
• Contacts physician, lab, pharmacy, therapy, durable medical equipment, pastoral care, community ministers, and leadership Sisters for Sister care needs.
• Through daily assessment, consults with director of nursing, day charge nurse and other staff nurses, determining Sister’s need for further care. Makes Dr. appointments, sends to acute care or the emergency room after identifying appropriate action for the medical condition.
• Performs nursing procedures as required such as nebulizer treatments, tube feedings, catheter and tracheotomy care, and oxygen therapy.
• Assists in decision making about meal time attendance, mass, appointments, and trips outside of the building.
• Admits new Sisters to Clare and implements correct medication and discharge orders.
• Contacts all appropriate persons during Sister condition change or time of death.
• Documents in Medex, Sister Chart, and Sister Care Book all pertinent information.
• Prepares physician visit forms and transfer forms with accuracy.
• Orders, checks in, sets up, and dispenses medications and supervises drug supply.
• Inventories and orders all medical supplies and paper products.
• Answers all call lights at Clare and Francis buildings, including Francis area of rescue.
• Takes appropriate action and supervises other staff to do the same in fire, tornado, and disaster procedures.
• Helps with Sister’s personal care such as positioning, dressing, eating, bathing and grooming.
• Assists with bed linen changes and positioning during rounds.
• Supervises medication aide and caregivers to exercises and walk Sisters, and also transporting them to various locations.
• Assist Sister’s in activities programs.
• Takes and records vitals (blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations) pulse oximeter readings and weight as indicated.
• Routinely assist with the physical transfer of Sisters, following the specific lifting list guidelines.
• Passes beverages and nourishment between meals. 
• Supervises nursing care and assists in evaluating work performances of medication aides, and caregivers. 
• Keeps all neighborhood areas and Sister rooms neat, clean, and safe, and supervises medication aides and caregivers to do the same.
• Supervises caregivers doing equipment cleaning schedule, Sister care book updates, and all linen and waste procedures, including proper care of biohazard linen and waste.
• Identifies Sister conditions that require isolation precautions, implements and notifies other departments.
• When assigned as charge nurse serves as resource for other nursing personnel, makes decisions in conjunction with other nurses, and replaces staff unable to report for duty.
• Receives and gives shift report.
• Participates in professional ongoing educational programs keeping nursing license current.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education: Graduate of accredited school of nursing. Work requires extensive specialized or advanced training such that would be acquired in the first 2-3 years of college or business school.
• Certification: State of Iowa Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Registered Nurse
• Completion of food service and food handling training.
• Physical Exertion: Heavy. Must be able to stand and walk most of the day. Repeated bending or stooping. Must be able to assist with lifting of Sisters on a routine basis.
  1. Lifting:
     • Floor to waist maximum 50 lbs.
     • Waist to shoulder maximum 30 lbs. 
  2. Bilateral carry maximum 50lbs. 
  3. Push maximum 35lbs. 
  4. Pull maximum 35 lbs.
• Visual Attention: Ability to read such equipment as thermometers and blood pressure cuffs.
• Be willing to work for the best interests of the Sisters, MSFC, and to take pride in his/her work.
• Maintain a helpful, respectful, and courteous manner with all residents, staff, and guests.