HCC Care Coordinator

Title:  Collier Assisted Living & Hester Living Center Care Coordinator                                                                  

Reports to:  Assisted Living (AL) Administrator

Department:  Nursing

FSLA Status:  Non-exempt; hourly

JOB SUMMARY

The Collier Assisted Living (CAL) and Hester Living Center (HLC) Care Coordinator is a Licensed Nurse who carries out the plans and services in these areas and assists the AL Administrator in the overall operation of CAL and HLC.  This individual assumes responsibility for the care of the residents to ensure that their physical and mental well-being is at the highest practicable level, and helps to maintain standards consistent with state and federal nursing home regulations as well as those of The Wesley

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Observe daily nursing care provided by nursing personnel assigned to unit; participate in counseling and disciplinary measures as appropriate.
• Ensure all personnel under supervision are oriented appropriately to their duties, and assigned according to their skills, licensing and training.  Assist in evaluating the educational needs of nursing staff and report these needs to the AL Administrator.
• Assist in evaluating the work performance and quality of care provided by each staff member.
• If there is an insufficient number of nursing staff on a shift, work in any nursing capacity to carry out the individualized care plan for each resident.
• Be sensitive to comfort level of staff members in their job responsibilities, especially with new employees.
• In coordination with the AL Administrator, conduct regularly scheduled team meetings and impromptu meetings as needed, including specific shifts.
• Work openly, honestly and efficiently with other nursing coordinators, the Director of Nursing and the Healthcare Administrator.

Infection Control:

• Observe staff performance to ensure proper execution of policies and procedures necessary to maintain compliance with acceptable infection control standards.
• Monitor/participate in implementation of appropriate precautionary measures for residents displaying signs/symptoms of infection.
• Ensure that staff members practice universal precautions and proper disposal of infectious waste.
• Communicate implementation/discontinuance of appropriate precautionary measures with residents displaying signs/symptoms of infection to appropriate departments and to administration.
• Assist in collection of and maintenance of documentation relevant to infection control on the assigned unit.
• Review infection surveillance program reports as given by infection prevention nurse.

Coordination of Resident Care:

• Oversee the therapeutic programming for residents on unit; keep abreast of all residents' current status, be aware of the overall needs on the unit to ensure quality care is provided to each resident, and participate in actual care of residents as time permits.
• Be accountable for meeting and maintaining the established standards of resident care.
• Evaluate resident care according to each resident’s care plan, established policies and procedures, state and federal regulations and participate in resident care plan conferences.   Assist in the ongoing development, updating and execution of the resident plan of care and physician plan of care.  Communicate changes as appropriate.
• Provide residents with opportunities for independence and choice consistent with their care plan.
• Confer with residents and/or families about resident's cares and concerns as appropriate; attempt to bring resolution to resident/family conflict situations.
• Assess any accidents or incidents, including medication errors, and report such as per policies and procedures.  Follow up on all accidents or incidents immediately as appropriate to the situation.
• Monitor wound care status. Report appropriate information to the AL Administrator and/or Medical Director.
• Ensure the changes in orders from physician are coordinated with the resident's care plan.
• Assist with physician’s calls and ensure that all physician orders are obtained and implemented in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Assist in discharge planning upon admission, ongoing and discharge.  Complete discharge summary, if necessary.
• Assist with and coordinate pre-admission screenings, admissions, transfers and dismissals when necessary and work with other departments to ensure successful transfer of residents.
• Monitor availability of supplies in proper quantities.  Ensure that equipment is in proper working order and that personnel know where such supplies and equipment are stored and how to utilize them properly.
• Review charts for content of charting and pertinent information. Ensure that appropriate documentation accompanies residents when transferred from facility for continued care.
• Ensure changes in resident conditions are verified, appropriately addressed and documented. Report changes in resident’s condition, as necessary, to the attending physician, family, or designated contact person.
• Oversee coordination of lab work, x-ray work, and physician appointments. Make rounds with physicians when appropriate.
• Assist residents with transfers, promote ambulation and exercise, transport residents as needed and as designated, on the plan of care using gait belts, proper transfer techniques and lifts according to established procedures.
• Supervise accurate medication and treatment administration to residents as ordered.
• Attend resident council meetings as needs indicate.
• Ensure AL Administrator is apprised of changes in resident conditions and of emergency situations.
• Ensure a detailed report is provided to on-coming shift personnel.
• Ensure all residents are receiving appropriate care by making unit rounds on a regular basis and encouraging staff to report needed improvements to process/services.
• Make visits to assisted living residents, as the need arises, and fill out appropriate forms. Keep home health team informed of visits and concerns.
• Work with Social Services on Advance Directives for residents as needed, providing education as appropriate.
• Assist in developing and enhancing nursing involvement in activities.
• Perform any nursing duties, as needed, to fulfill the resident’s individual plan of care.

Nursing Administration in Collaboration with the AL Administrator:

• Responsible for knowing nursing policies and procedures and for the appropriate administration of the same on the assigned unit.  Execute and direct nursing care in accordance with regulations and policies and procedures of The Wesley.
• Participate with the problem-solving and systems development for the Nursing Department; attempt to bring resolution to employee conflict situations.
• Maintain effective communications with all staff/departments, as needed, for appropriate resident care, to include responding to intra-facility memos and other mail.
• Promote professional growth through attendance at continuing education programs.
• Assist with Quality Assurance as listed in the weekly Risk Management meeting
• Work with Administration on updating admission/discharge criteria as therapeutic programming changes.
• Demonstrate safety and cost effectiveness in delivery of care according to The Wesley policy, including product usage control.
• Maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive focus to ensure the resident receives the highest quality of care possible.
• Assist the AL Administrator in the survey process. Assist with implementing new regulations and interpretations, as directed by licensing agencies.
• Ensure all personnel on assigned unit are aware of appropriate procedures for fire and other emergency situations.
• Demonstrate a positive image to residents, families, visitors, and peers to enhance the image of The Wesley
• Ensure completion of admission assessments on new residents and other federal/state required assessments as necessary.
• Use and operate equipment in a safe manner; report unsafe or defective equipment or situation immediately.
• Delegate appropriate tasks to members of the team consistent with their job descriptions and licensure within the State of Kansas.
• Complete other duties as directed by the AL Administrator. This may include filling in for an LPN in Thorne Living Center in an extreme circumstance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently licensed as a Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse in the state of Kansas.
• Long term care and/or management experience preferred.  Possess proficient assessment skills related to geriatric residents.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language; ability to communicate with people at various levels of comprehension.
• Must be capable of understanding and following and/or issuing oral and written instructions.
• Ability to develop good relationships with residents and their families.
• Operational understanding of all regulations pertaining to adult care home licensure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other departments within the facility.

Special Demands:

          Must be flexible as schedule changes. Willingness to work with the realization that errors or incompetence can cause serious consequences for the resident.  Must have patience and tact and be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, and other staff members. Must have good eyesight to observe residents and to give nursing care, read thermometers, and to complete documentation. Can hear normal and soft tones to hear resident calls. Be aware that working with residents with dementia may expose staff to residents who become violent, combative, or aggressive without notice or provocation.  It is important for all staff to respond in appropriate manner, remaining calm and non-threatening. Must be able to distinguish smells.  Is familiar with and capable of operating all special equipment utilized for the benefit of the residents within health care.