(DNS) Director of Nursing

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the overall operations of the Nursing Services department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations.

Interprets and communicates policies and procedures to nursing staff, and monitors staff practices and implementation.

Participates in all admission decisions.

Participates in daily or weekly management team meetings to discuss census changes, resident changes in status, complaints or concerns.

Evaluates work performance of all nursing personnel and implements discipline according to operational policies.

Participate in QAPI or facility assessment activities as needed, such as carrying out duties assigned as part of a performance improvement committee

Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as appointed.

Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and nursing supervision as evidenced by adequate staff coverage on the units, general cleanliness, and maintaining optimal resident functions.

Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to identify and resolve issues and improve the quality of services.

Oversees nursing schedules to ensure resident needs, regulatory and budget standards are met.

Participates in the recruitment, hiring and termination of nursing personnel.

Performs rounds to observe residents and ensure nursing needs are being met.

Conducts observations of nursing care and supervises development of in-service education to ensure nursing staff is competent in current knowledge and skills.

Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.

Monitors, assists and implements the infection control program in accordance to current infection control guidelines to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.

Participates in budget development for the nursing department, medical, nursing and central supplies.

Assists in the preparation of inspection surveys, including staff in-services on survey processes, and participation in mock surveys as indicated.

Participates in the facility’s plan of correction response to an inspection survey and implements any follow-up required for nursing allegations.

Communicates directly with residents, medical and nursing staff, family members, department heads and members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and services and respond to and resolve complaints and concerns. 

Oversees resident incidents and concerns daily to identify any unusual occurrences and reports them promptly to the Administrator and/or state agency for appropriate action.

Monitors for allegations of potential abuse or neglect, or misappropriation of resident property and participates in the investigative process.

Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent employee injury and illness.

May provide direct nursing care as necessary.

Acts in an administrative capacity in the absence of the Administrator.

Additional Tasks

v  Treats all residents with dignity and respect.  Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.

v  Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures.  Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.

v  Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.

v  Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.

v  Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel.  Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.

v  Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator.  Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations. 

v  Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy. 

v  Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings.  Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.

v  Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.

v  Follows established infection control policies and procedures.

v  As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

v  Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

v  Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.

v  Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

v  Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

v  Must possess leadership, supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

v  Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

v  Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.

v  Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.

v  Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

v  Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

v  Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

v  Meet general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.

v  Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

v  Ability to push/pull, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform overhead lifting and other common physical movements as needed for the position.

v  Communicates with medical and nursing staff, and other departments.

v  Subject to call-back during emergency conditions.

v  Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

v  Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

v  May be subject to handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

v  Works in office and throughout the facility.

v  Subject to frequent interruptions.

v  Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family member, personnel and visitors.

v  Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends, holidays when necessary.  On call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Compliance as a Condition of Employment and Performance Appraisal

Agreement to abide by all standards, policies, and procedures of the facility, including the facility’s compliance and ethics program, is a condition of employment.  Compliance will be a factor in evaluating job performance.  Violations, including failure to report violations, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

This job description is intended to convey the general scope of the major duties and responsibilities inherent in this position.  Other tasks not listed here may be assigned by the Administrator.  Periodic revision may be necessary to reflect changes in expectations placed on long term care by various governmental agencies.  This job description will be reviewed and/or revised annually and as needed.