DON

PURPOSE:

The Director of Nursing is a Registered Nurse who plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the administrative and professional functions of the Nursing Services Department.  The DON assures that care and services are provided according to professional standards of nursing practice, the organizational philosophy and goals, and State and Federal regulations.  In collaboration with the Nursing Home Administrator, the DON develops and implements systems, programs, policies/procedures and resource allocation strategies to enable each resident to attain or maintain their highest practicable well-being.  The DON collaborates with nursing staff, other departments, professionals, consultants, organizations and agencies to develop, support, and coordinate resident care, related administrative functions, and the interests of the facility.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:

Identifies with, shares in, and displays a commitment to the mission, philosophy, and overall strategies of The Bethany St. Joseph Corporation.

Maintains a safe and suitable environment for the resident.

Assures that all residents’ rights are maintained at all times.  Demonstrates respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the resident, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attitudes or the nature of the health problems.  Reports any violations or suspected deviations according to Onalaska Care Center’s policy.

Follows all safety, security, infection control and hazardous materials policies and procedures.  Performs all tasks to assure resident and personal safety and the protection of Onalaska Care Center’s property.

Provides nursing leadership to Nursing Home Administrator, Medical Director, Department Heads and Governing Body to formulate operational strategies and achieve facility objectives within planned budgets and schedules.  Provides direction to nursing staff to execute tasks necessary to implement operational objectives.

Develops and maintains the nursing service objectives and the standards of nursing practice, policy and procedure manuals and job descriptions of each level of nursing personnel.

Develops and maintains nursing policies and procedures that reflect current clinical practice, professional standards and facility philosophy of care consistent with state and federal laws and regulations.  Establishes criteria to assure that services provided meet established standards of quality.

Communicates and interprets policies and procedures to nursing staff.  Monitors practice for effective implementation.

Communicates directly with residents, families, medical staff, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members and Department Heads to coordinate care and services, improve organization and implementation of plans of care, and to maintain quality of care, quality of life and a homelike environment for all residents.

Participates in the selection of prospective residents in terms of the nursing service they need and the capability of the facility and staff to supply the needed service.  Evaluates on a regular basis the needs and services as concerns nursing care.

Participates in planning and budgeting for nursing service. Develops staffing plans that assure sufficient numbers of qualified, competent nursing staff to meet direct care needs.  Recommends numbers and types of nursing personnel necessary to provide care and to maintain compliance with facility mission and with regulations.

Evaluates and oversees ordering of medical supplies and equipment.

Supervises work and time schedules for all nursing personnel.

Develops a nursing organization structure.

Sets standards for qualifications and defines duties for nursing personnel.  Assists the Human Resource department in recruitment, interviewing and evaluating applicants for all levels of nursing personnel.

Coordinates the completion of performance evaluations for all nursing personnel.

Collaborates with nursing supervisors to continually upgrade and improve nursing care to residents.

Assists and supports Resident Care Coordinators and Charge nurses in their leadership roles.

Holds monthly nursing staff meetings

Encourages and facilitates further study and experience-gaining activities for professional nurses.

Works closely with all departments in interpreting the objectives, goals and functions of the nursing department.

Promotes effective working conditions and relationships with the administration, medical staff, and other departments, volunteers and agencies affiliated with the nursing home.

Works with consultants as necessary to implement services to residents.

Supervises the infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection. 

Reviews infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and to develop effective actions to control and prevent infections in the facility.

Functions as the coordinator of the Quality Improvement Committee and participates in the Quality Assurance Committee with the Medical Director and at least three other facility staff members. 

Supervises the development of in-service education programs designed to equip nursing staff with sufficient knowledge and skills to provide nursing and nursing related services to each resident to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psycho social well-being and to perform the essential functions of their jobs satisfactorily.

Ensures that a responsible nurse is in charge when absent from the facility.

Assists other departments in determining education needs.

Serves on various committees as needed.

Represents the care center and nursing service in professional and community activities.

Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing

Experience:

At least two years of nursing in a geriatric setting.

Specific Knowledge Requirements:

Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.

Demonstrate a genuine interest in geriatric nursing

Possess leadership skills and a willingness to cooperate with all departments.

Must have ability to organize, plan, and direct.

Must have patience, tact, cheerfulness, and enthusiasm.

Must be able to handle residents based on their level of functioning.

Must have a working knowledge of Wisconsin and Federal regulations and codes for long term care facilities.

Must have a working knowledge of levels of care and financial impact.

Working Conditions:

Hours of work:  40 hours per week – flexible

May need to deal with facility issues during off hours

Lifting as needed – may be repetitive 50 – 70 lbs.

Moderate repetition of bending, twisting, push-pull activities

Potential exposure to situations of resident behavior outbursts and infections/disease processes.

Moderate exposure to water/soap solutions.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the Supervisor or other departments