Assistant Director of Nursing (RN)

Primary Purpose of this Position

The primary purpose of this position is to assist the Director of Nursing in planning, organizing, developing and directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing services department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Assist the Director of Nursing in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating and directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing services department in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
• Assist in developing and implementing a nursing services organizational structure.
• Work with the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI)Coordinator to schedule, conduct and submit resident assessments.
• Allocate resources efficiently while ensuring that residents obtain their highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.
• Collaborate with medical professionals, consultants and organizations including government and advocacy groups.
• Coordinate with other resident services to ensure continuity of resident care.
• Read and interpret long-term care regulations and requirements of participation.
• Assist in the development of nursing policies and procedures which meet the current standards of nursing practice, comply with state and federal regulations, reflect facility philosophy and support operational objectives.
• Assist the Director of Nursing in obtaining staffing information that must be posted on a daily basis.
• Participate in developing, implementing and periodically updating the resident’s written discharge plan.
• Develop and periodically update nursing services objectives and statements of philosophy.
• Ensure that reference material (i.e., Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), regulations, professional standards of practice, etc.) maintained at the nurses’ stations is current; recommend to the Director of Nursing written material that will assist the nursing services department in meeting the day-to-day needs of residents.
• Monitor the facility’s quality measure reports.

Nursing Care Functions

• Ensure that direct nursing care is provided by a licensed nurse, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and/or a nurse aide trainee qualified to perform the procedure.
• Greet newly admitted residents upon admission; escort them to their rooms as necessary.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to ensure that medications are being administered as ordered and that treatments are provided as scheduled.
• Participate in the interviewing and selection of residents for admission to the facility including the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review(PASARR).
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Provide the Director of Nursing with information relative to the nursing needs of the residents and to the nursing services department’s ability to meet those needs.
• Report medication errors to the Director of Nursing.
• Report problem areas to the Director of Nursing; assist in developing and implementing corrective action.
• Schedule daily rounds to observe residents and to determine if nursing needs are being met.

Personnel Functions

• Assist the Director of Nursing in determining the staffing needs of the nursing services department.
• Assist the Director of Nursing in preparing performance evaluations as directed.
• Assist the Director of Nursing in the recruitment and selection of nursing services personnel.
• Delegate to the Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary to perform their assigned duties.
• Develop work assignments and schedule staff hours as needed.
• Ensure that all nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Interpret the department’s policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors and government agencies as necessary.
• Make daily rounds of the nursing services department to ensure that all nursing services personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards; report findings to the Director of Nursing.
• Monitor the professional nurses’ licensing status to ensure that they remain current; inform nurses at least 30 days in advance of their license expiration date.
• Participate in the development and implementation of performance evaluations for the nursing services department.
• Recommend to the Director of Nursing the number and level of nursing personnel to be employed.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures governing accident and incidents.
• Review complaints and grievances made or filed by department personnel; make appropriate reports to the Director of Nursing as required or as necessary.
• Schedule work assignments and duty hours.

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Education

Must possess, as a minimum, a nursing degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• Must possess a current unencumbered active license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures as well as laws, regulations and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.