Registered Nurse (RN)

Description

Performs nursing care to the residents of Sunnycrest Manor in accordance with the Iowa Nurse Practice Act.

Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Nursing Department Management Staff.

Supervision is exercised over certified nursing assistants, restorative nursing assistants, nursing assistant transporters, ward clerks, certified medication aides and program instructors.

Job Duties

• Reviews prior shift records, reviews treatment and medication instructions.
• Supervises, schedules, trains, and directs the work of employees. participates in the interview and selection processes and may make employment decisions; evaluates employee performance and recommends corrective action.
• Instructs subordinates on procedures and techniques for the routine care of residents.
• Personally administers medications; gives injections, catheterization, inserts nasogastric tubes; changes dressings, checks blood pressure, and provides other nursing services as indicated.
• Documents condition, development, and treatment in patient records.
• Observes throughout the course of the workday and evaluates patients' condition and initiates action as required; responds to emergencies in accordance with established procedures or professional judgment.
• Accompanies physicians on rounds and gives information as requested.
• Briefs relieving or supervisory staff on shift developments.
• Utilizes the nursing process which involves assessment, nursing diagnosis, and establishment, implementation, and evaluation of the plan of care.
• Administers, records use, monitors effects and side-effects of medications.
• Consults with patients' families.
• Follows proscribed protocols for safety and infection control.
• Performs and monitors quality assurance standards and protocols.
• Monitors nutritional status and dining process of residents.
• Participates in development of Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment and the formal care planning process.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a school of nursing approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Possession of a license as a registered nurse as issued by the State of Iowa.

Must pass the prescribed pre-employment physical, abuse registry review, and criminal background check.

Other Requirements: Must be authorized to work in the United States. Dubuque County does not sponsor work visas or provide immigration sponsorship.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of:
Standards of nursing practice for the registered nurse in the State of Iowa.
Precautions to be taken in the use of medications.
The treatment, diagnostic, immunization and related medical services for the type of patients in area of assignment.
Rules, regulations, procedures, and policies pertaining to nursing services of the assigned institution.

Ability to:
Observe medical problems and initiate appropriate action.
Assign and supervise the work of a staff of nonprofessional personnel and to instruct them in practices and techniques.
Accurately maintain patient medical records and prepare reports.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, subordinates, and others contacted in the course of work.
Work with aggressive patients.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements:
Vision abilities required by this job including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Effective verbal speaking and hearing abilities are needed to handle communications with staff, residents, and others.
Requires pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance.
Requires standing most of the time to perform work responsibilities with regular walking between locations.
Requires ability to walk steps, reaching, squatting, stooping, bending, and sitting, pushing, pulling, twisting, gripping and apply physical intervention holds.
Some exposure to slippery surfaces when floors are wet.
Exposure to chemicals from cleaning compounds and exposure to bodily fluids require the use of personal protective equipment to safe guard against potential biological and chemical hazards.
Work is primarily indoors.
Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions and some outdoor work.

EOE/ADA Statement

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Dubuque County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.