REGISTERED NURSE - RN OVERVIEW:

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist the Director of Nursing Services in planning organizing, developing, and directing the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Service Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, the Medical Director, and/or the Director of Nursing Services, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Licensed Nurse in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language and be able to utilize computer system for job tasks.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to prove care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability 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 nursing care facilities.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• 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.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must act professionally and dress appropriately for the clinical setting with name tag visible.
• Must not use personal cell phone per facility policy in patient areas.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• 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.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

1. Assist the Director of Nursing Services in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing service department, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.

2. Assist the Director in obtaining staffing information that must be posted on a daily basis.

3. Demonstrates Customer Service and Professionalism at all times and leads by example with unit supervisors.

4. Make rounds with physicians as necessary. Schedule physician visits as necessary. Completes wound rounds weekly with nurse supervisors.

5. In the absence of the Director, serve on, participate in, and attend various committees of the facility. Chair Standard of care mtg. in Director’s absence.

6. Assist the Director in preparing written and/or oral reports of the nursing service programs and activities to submit to such committee(s).

7. Assist the Director in determining the staffing needs of the nursing service department and calculating staffing needs daily.

8. Develop work assignments and schedule duty hours, and/or assist nursing supervisory staff in completing and performing such tasks.

9. Make daily rounds of the nursing service department to ensure that all nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards. Report findings to the Director.

10. Ensure that direct nursing care be provided by a licensed nurse, a certified nursing assistant, and/or a nurse aide trainee qualified to perform the procedure.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university..

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write 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 ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
• 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 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.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.