LTC RN

Summary

Provide professional nursing care to residents as ordered by the Medical Staff and as outlined by the policies and procedures of Health Services.  Assist in maintaining continuity of nursing care given to the patients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.

• Assess and meet residents' immediate needs.
• Keep accurate and complete records.
• Observe, record, and report to physician or immediate supervisor any significant change in the patient's condition associated with drugs, treatments or any other disease process.
• Acquire knowledge of each background and history. Assist in planning and documentation of the total care for each patient.
• Assist in directing, supervising, assigning, orientating, and teaching, of assigned personnel.
• Use all opportunities for teaching both patients and their families.
• Be aware of community resources that are available for the patient's continued nursing care after his/her dismissal. Assist in arranging resources for those that need them.
• Interpret LTC policies for the patient, his/her family, and the community.
• Administer medications, treatments, oxygen therapy and aerosols as outlined in the procedure manual and as indicated by doctor's orders.  Attend annual in-service on these issues.
• Assist with ordering, receiving and handling supplies as needed.
• Assist with narcotic count at end of each shift and assure accuracy before allowing the staff to leave.
• Assist with Quality Performance Improvement as assigned.
• Provide direction and monitoring of medication administration by medication aide following the prevailing practice standards of the profession.  The charge nurse will be responsible for observing and taking appropriate action regarding side effects, desired effects, intervention, and contraindication associated with the medication.
• Assumes responsibility for monitoring the results of PRN medication given by the medication aides.  Provide verbal direction to the medication aides regarding observations to be made after administering a PRN medication.
• Assumes responsibility that it is safe for a medication aide to provide a PRN medication, medication by an additional route (including but not limited to gastrostomy tube, rectal, vaginal ) or participate in monitoring prescription medications.
• May participate in the uniting of the Comprehensive Care Plans.  Directs staff so that documentation reflects the Comprehensive Care Plan.
• Initiates and follows through with employee disciplinary action after consultation with the D.O.N. and/or the administrator.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Federal and State regulations.  Contacts proper resources when changes occur or questions arise.
• Utilizes positive and interactive management skills and techniques.
• Gives informative and pertinent shift reports.
• Participates in regular meetings to assure ongoing high standards are being maintained on all shifts.
• Utilizes effective and positive interdepartmental communication.
• Practice the proper fire, safety and disaster procedures as set forth by SMC.
• Participate in all quality, safety, security and infection control programs that are mandatory as well as those required and provided by the department.
• Uphold confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times and report violations to the Privacy Officer.
• Understand and comply with the requirements of the Saunders Medical Center’s Compliance Program, including, but not limited to the Code of Conduct, the Compliance Policy, all Saunders Medical Center-wide policies for compliance, and compliance plans affecting specific duties and responsibilities.
• Participate in all education and training programs regarding compliance as required by Saunders Medical Center policy and as requested by the Supervisor.
• Demonstrate personal traits of a high-level commitment, motivation and energy; team orientation; professionalism; trust; personal honesty and integrity; and a demonstration of placing others in a place of high value and treating them with dignity and respect.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise MA's and nurse aides in the provision of resident care.

Disclosure Statement

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Education and/or Experience

Graduate of an accredited associate degree of nursing, diploma, or Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing program.

Prefer one or more years of experience in LTC nursing.

Certificates Licenses, Registrations

Current Nebraska RN/LPN license. Active BLS certification. 

Language Skills

Must be able to read, write and follow written and oral instructions and possess positive skills in communication.  Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, visitors, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate at the level necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagram or schedule form.

Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must sit frequently and spend long periods of time examining documents.  The employee must stand, reach with arms and hands and occasionally lift, push or pull 75 pounds.  The employee must occasionally walk and climb or balance.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Attendance is essential and required for a successful working environment.

Typical Long Term Care Environment.