REGISTERED NURSE

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. 

SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to the residents and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by the Nursing Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act; current federal, state, and local standards; guidelines and regulations that govern the center; and as may be required by the Director of Nursing Services or Assistant Director of Nursing to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care center. 

Ensure that all nursing personnel assigned to you comply with the written policies and procedures established by this center. 

Ensure that all nursing service personnel comply with the procedures set forth in the Nursing Service Procedure Manual. 

May be expected to supervise nursing staff while abiding by scope of practice per position. 

Make written and oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of your shift as required. 

Cooperate with other resident services when coordinating nursing services to ensure that the residents’ total regimens of care are maintained. 

Participate in center surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as may be requested. 

Assist in planning the nursing services portion of the residents’ discharge plans as required. Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required. 

Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.

Registered Nurse

Complete all record keeping upon residents’ admissions, transfers, and/or discharges into the electronic health record (EHR). 

Receive telephone orders from physicians and transcribe as required by center policy. 

Chart Progress notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to residents as well as the residents’ responses to the care. 

Perform routine and required documentation/charting duties in accordance with established policies and procedures. 

Sign and date all entries and electronically sign all entries in the EHR. 

Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and as required by center policy. 

Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary and in accordance with established policies. 

Ensure that narcotics are handled in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and as required by center policy and that narcotic records are accurate for your shift. 

Participate in associate performance evaluations and making recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor concerning associate dismissals, transfers, etc. 

Develop work assignments. 

Make daily rounds of your unit/shift to ensure that nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards. 

Meet with the nursing personnel on your shift on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying and/or improving services. 

Understand and implement the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures. Instigate and/or escalate disciplinary actions for resolution. Ensure that departmental disciplinary action is administered fairly and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or marital status. 

Make rounds with physicians as necessary. 

Consult with the residents’ physicians in providing the residents’ care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc. as necessary. 

Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards. 

Notify the residents’ attending physicians and next of kin when there are changes in the residents’ conditions or if the residents are involved in an incident or accident. 

Administer professional services such as catheterizations, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy and drainage bags, taking blood, etc. as required. 

Ensure that personnel providing direct care to residents are providing such care in accordance with the residents’ care plans and wishes. 

Attend and participate in all center inservice programs as required. 

Maintain professional competence through participation in continuing education programs, seminars, and training programs.

Monitor assigned personnel to ensure established safety regulations are followed in the use of equipment and supplies. 

Ensure that established departmental policies and procedures are followed by self and assigned personnel. 

Ensure work area, unit, resident care rooms, treatment areas, etc. are maintained in a confidential, safe and sanitary manner. 

Ensure self and assigned personnel follow established infection control procedures. 

Review care plans to ensure that appropriate care is being rendered. 

Ensure nursing documentation reflects that the care plan is being followed when administering nursing care or treatment. 

Ensure assigned Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are aware of and carry out resident care plans. 

Assist the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling, and revising the MDS, including the implementation of CAAs and triggers. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must hold a current and valid RN license in the state employed.

Completion of postsecondary education and be able to read, write, and follow oral and written directions. Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance as required. 

Must be able to work weekend and overtime as required. 

Must meet all local health regulations and pass postemployment exam, if required. 

Related experience at a level necessary to accomplish this position. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT: 

Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, bending, lifting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing, and pulling.

Willing to work beyond normal working hours and during disastrous circumstances, as needed. 

Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents, families, and outside agencies and to work cooperatively with other associates. 

Ability to present to groups. 

Ability to remain calm under stress. 

Ability to communicate with local staff, remote staff, and outside agencies.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Practice universal precautions at all times. 

Understand, comply with, and promote rules regarding residents’ rights. 

Maintain an orderly, confidential, and safe work environment. 

Adhere to all Company and departmental policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.