Registered Nurse 3/11

Job Title Code: RN

FLSA: Nonexempt

Position Purpose

The purpose of this position is to oversee, provide, and coordinate nursing care in compliance with facility policies and procedures and to assess residents’ care needs and take appropriate action. The Registered Nurse will demonstrate proficiency in administering the fundamentals of the nursing process, contribute to nursing assessment and the development of a nursing care plan, and participate in the evaluation of nursing care.

Supervisory Responsibility: None-may direct the work of CNAs, PCAs, and/or RAs on shift

Essential Job Functions – Principal Accountabilities

• Obtains and documents nursing history from residents and/or significant others that is comprehensive of present condition and prior problems. Performs basic assessment of residents, indicating adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Records vital signs, notes changes, and pursues more-specific investigations as needed. Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and shows a fundamental understanding of its implications by reporting information to the physician and others caring for the resident, and by incorporating information in the nursing care plan.
• Uses assessment information to develop a care plan before the end of duty time that communicates enough information for incoming staff to adequately care for the resident. Reviews and develops care plans for assigned residents. Includes the resident and his or her family in planning care, establishing priorities, and setting goals.
• Uses care plans as a basis for providing safe and therapeutic care to residents. Communicates with the resident and his or her family and other members of the health care team in carrying out the goals of the care plan. Accepts accountability for clinical care of assigned residents including supervision of nonprofessional personnel.
• Evaluates and notes the resident's response to nursing care defined in the nursing care plan and medical records.
• Participates in peer review as appropriate.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth by current reading and attendance at educational programs and unit conferences.
• Supports nursing care standards through adherence to existing policies and procedures.
• Assures resident safety through strict adherence to protocols, policies, and procedures, open communication with residents, supervisors, and coworkers, and careful observation of residents, equipment, and environmental conditions.

Other Job Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of medical principles (symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health care).
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Knowledge of therapy methods and procedures
• Oral and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills
• Customer service skills
• Skills to observe resident condition
• Must display professionalism, initiative, positive attitude, and concern for others
• Must be stress tolerant, self-motivated, cooperative, team-oriented, and dependable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Demands/Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand, traverse, ascend/descend stairs, move/transport carts weighing over 100 pounds, transport tools/equipment, grasp and manipulate tools/equipment to set up. Occasionally move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Move resident as necessary, stretch, bend, stoop, squat, twist, crouch, kneel, and balance to access all resident body parts, observe skin color, detect vital signs and equipment alarms/messages.
• Operate computer, read, remain in a stationary position, converse with others.
• Legibly complete forms; perform data entry of information. Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Converse with others, write legibly, read and comprehend written/verbal information. Communicate instructions or demonstrate tasks.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds frequently; up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Stand and walk frequently, sit for extended periods; simple grasp; fine hand manipulation; near vision; far vision; hear conversation; speak.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or equivalent is required.

Experience: Experience performing the essential functions of the position is desirable.

Certification/License: Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing is required. Candidates are required to attain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days after hire. State background check standards must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapters 435 and 408.809 and Florida Administrative Code 59A-35.090.