What are the responsibilities and job description for the RN/LPN Charge Nurse position at Pleasantview?
CHARGE NURSE (RN/LPN)
Department: Nursing
Supervisor: Director of Nursing
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
About Pleasantview: We are a faith-based, not-for-profit, small-town, caring community. Our recently remodeled facility has 50 skilled nursing beds, 16 dementia care rooms, and 28 assisted living rooms. The community also includes 57 independent living units.
QUALIFICATIONS
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EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS: |
Qualified applicants must be graduates of an accredited school of nursing. Current licensure as an RN or LPN in the State of Iowa by the Iowa Board of Nursing, without restrictions, is required. RNs preferred, although LPNs are also welcome. Applicants with advanced preparation in geriatric care are preferred. Must be able to read, write, and follow directions in English. Current CPR certification is required. An LPN must complete the Supervisory Skills. Failure to maintain current licensure and certification in good standing without restrictions will result in termination. Applicants may not be debarred providers. |
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REGULATORY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: |
The charge nurse is required to report any arrest, charge, or conviction of a crime other than a traffic violation, and receipt of notice of any agency investigation or charge, including investigations relating to licensure, certification status, or dependent adult or child abuse within 48 hours and may not perform services pending such report. Failure to report such an arrest, charge, conviction, investigation or similar issue may result in termination. The charge nurse must understand the nature of resident care and resident rights and comply with these requirements at all times. A charge nurse who reasonably believes a dependent adult has suffered dependent adult abuse is required to report suspected abuse to the Director of Nursing within twenty-four (24) hours. During the course of employment the charge nurse is also required to report any information that may impact patient/resident care, including, but not limited to, violations of resident rights and HIPAA violations, to his or her supervisor or the CEO. |
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CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: |
Charge nurses are required to complete annual 12-hour in-service training programs as well as any CEU required for licensure. Failure to complete the 12-hour in-service training program or required CEUs, or any other requirement under internal policies, local, state or federal law may result in termination. |
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WORK EXPERIENCE: |
At least one year of experience in a hospital or long-term care facility is required. |
BENEFITS: • Regular, performance-based, incremental wage increases • 403(b) retirement plan with company matching • Paid time off (PTO) for both full-time and part-time employees • Full-time employees are eligible for group health, dental, and vision insurance coverage • Employee referral program.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY
The charge nurse assists in the supervision and administration of quality nursing care for the facility. The charge nurse must possess a comprehensive knowledge of general nursing, theory and practice, including basic knowledge related to nursing such as drugs, biological, physical, social, and medical sciences. Good memory and excellent communication skills are also required. The charge nurse will assist in maintaining a physical, social, and psychological environment that will be conducive to the best interests and welfare of our residents.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support Pleasantview's core values, culture, mission, and vision statements.
- Evaluation of resident needs, conditions, and care, and assistance in developing nursing care plans for individual residents, including rehabilitative and restorative activities and instruction in self-help.
- General nursing duties as assigned.
- Communication with the family members of residents regarding the condition and progress of the resident, including in-person and answering telephone inquiries.
- Assisting the physicians in rounds, reviewing physicians' orders, ordering medications, maintaining the residents' charts, and transcribing physicians' orders.
- Requisitioning necessary supplies, equipment, linens, emergency drugs, and other materials to meet the unit's needs. The charge nurse is also responsible for making sure all necessary equipment is in good working order.
- The charge nurse participates in maintaining unit records, including charting duties and maintenance of narcotic records.
- They are responsible for arranging the schedules, appointments, and transportation necessary for residents in connection with diagnostic, therapeutic, dental, or medical services.
- The charge nurse is responsible for the admission, discharge, or transfer of residents.
- Each shift requires that an RN must complete the admission assessment and/or IV therapy.
- The charge nurse may also be asked to have input in hiring other nursing staff employees.
- They will participate in orientation and training programs for new employees in the unit.
- The charge nurse will assist with the implementation of policies and procedures for the unit.
- They monitor and assess the emotional and physical needs of residents during the shift.
- The charge nurse helps pass medications as needed and ensures compliance with all medication requirements.
- A charge nurse needs to have the ability to reasonably conform to all rules and policies of the facility.
- The charge nurse must organize their time effectively to complete all tasks.
- Other duties may also be assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT
Lifting Requirements: Charge Nurses may be called upon to lift equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. and to assist with lifting and moving residents. Assistive devices are required for resident lifts. Push/pull requirements of 40 lbs. are common.
Carrying Requirements: Charge Nurses will frequently be required to carry objects including charts and equipment up to 20 lbs. Nurses may be called upon to carry equipment up to 30 lbs. Carrying equipment in excess of 30 lbs. is not generally required.
Safety: Various safety protocols and assistive devices are utilized to perform job functions such as Hoyer lifts and gait belts. Nurses must be capable of using all such devices efficiently and safely and all such devices must be used pursuant to facility policies. Nurses must be familiar with and follow all facility safety policies.
Sight Requirements: Nurses are required to have vision corrected to average in order to assess and respond to residents, family members, physicians, co-workers and others needs.
Hearing Requirements: Nurses are required to have an average range of hearing, as corrected, in order to assess and respond to residents, family members, physicians, co-workers and others communications.
Socialization Requirements: Nurses are required to work with all other persons in the facility and the ability to get along with others and to socialize with others is essential. In addition, the Nurse is responsible for meeting and dealing with residents and their families requiring excellent communication and socialization skills.
Other Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, Nurses are frequently required to stand and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to talk or listen. Significant fine finger dexterity is required. Nurses will be called upon frequently to perform twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling or crouching when assisting with resident therapy needs. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
Environment:
- Exposure to general resident care environment.
- Exposure to resident variables such as inappropriate language or physical behaviors due to compromised mental capacity.
- Exposure to moderate temperature variations.
- Exposure to pharmacological preparations, biologicals, and potential biohazard materials, including blood and other bodily fluids and medical sharp objects.
- Exposure to moving equipment and machinery.
- Exposure to chemicals, including cleaning and disinfecting solutions, etc.
- Frequent work interruptions occur.
- Must work well independently and as a team member.
- Must be able to give clear and concise directions to residents and others.
- Extended or variable hours may be required.