The Clinical Resource Nurse supports the Director of Nursing Services to assist nursing and unit operations as a nursing leadership float. The position aids the nursing department by supporting activities directed at addressing and improving quality measures and resident care.

Job Related Responsibilities and Activities

• Actively supports SNF and NF unit operations per Director of Nursing Services recommendations
• Supports the Director of Nursing (DNS) and Nursing Management and other departments on and implementing measures to enhance the quality of resident care.
• Collaborates with DNS, Nurse Managers, and other nursing staff on resident care issues in addition to making rounds on each unit daily, and as needed.
• Will assist in the investigation of medication error reports and other nursing performance problems as directed by the DNS.
• Will review resident incident reports provided from the DNS; assist with the investigation and promote process improvements.
• Will assist with investigations and resolution of resident care complaints as directed by the DNS and in support of Unit Managers, to promote process improvements.
• Organizes, directs and ensures timely completion of program projects, (i.e. facility audits, routine resident and staff infection control testing) as assigned and as needed.
• Supports all administrative responsibilities as required by MVH policy and procedure in a professional, accurrate and timely manner.
• Performs duties in a manner that assures maximum safety consideration for both resident and staff.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing Services.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Must have and maintain current and up-to-date RN license from the State of Maine.
• Must be knowledgeable of current nursing standards of practice.
• Must be CPR certified.
• Must be able to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to understand and comply with State, Federal and VA regulations.
• Communicate pertinent information about a resident’s condition and to collaborate with other disciplines both within and outside (examples -physician office, hospital, laboratory, imaging), MVH.
• Must be able to apply knowledge, manage time, assist meeting deadlines; prioritize, organize and delegate work effectively.
• Ability and willingness to work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers, staff, supervisors, residents and their families.
• Knowledgeable of modern office practices and proper use of equipment, including computers, telephone, facsimile, photocopier and technical equipment used in the execution of job duties; and must be able to utilize this equipment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in the execution of job duties including ability to identify matters, which are confidential in nature.
• Participates as a positive marketing individual for MVH by displaying courteous, respectful and compassionate behavior towards residents, family, and visitors; works positively and professionally with vendors and others from outside MVH; and by providing positive information to others on MVH services.
• Ability to manage time and flexible when work changes.
• Ability to recognize emergencies, within context of job duties and follow emergency safety procedures, including ability to assist in the evacuation of residents and others during emergencies.
• Ability to provide back-up support for staff scheduling when primary scheduler needs assistance.
• Supports the Nursing Department with nursing coverage
• Support to all members of the Nursing Management Team, per DNS direction

• Member of the MVH-South Paris Nursing On-Call team and backs up the Infection Prevention Nurse, per DNS direction

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Conduct analysis and formulate conclusions
• Identify occurrences, reservoirs, incubation periods, periods of communicability, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and susceptibility associated with the infectious disease process
• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Differentiate between colonization and infection
• Differentiate between prophylactic, empiric, and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials
• Foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Understanding of adult learning principles and applies such when educating workforce members and residents/families.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines
• Use judgment and make sound decisions
• Work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the safe and effective performance of the job
• Adept at using computer, other technologies, and electronic tools such as Microsoft word, excel, power point, graphing, spreadsheets, presentations and web based programs.