Position Overview Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this does not imply that these are the only duties required. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the role if the work is related or essential to the position. Administrative Functions
Assist the Director of Nursing Services in overseeing the daily functions of the nursing activities in compliance with rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern long-term care facilities.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and updating of written policies and procedures governing the nursing service department.
Ensure reference materials (e.g., PDRs, regulations, professional standards) at nurses' stations are current.
Recommend written materials to assist the department in meeting resident care needs.
Ensure the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is up to date and reflects day-to-day nursing procedures.
Ensure compliance with procedures outlined in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
Provide written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director regarding the operation of the nursing service department.
Periodically review department policies, procedures, and job descriptions, and make recommendations for revisions.
Develop methods to coordinate nursing services with other resident services to ensure continuity of care.
Ensure all nursing personnel comply with their job descriptions.
Assist in developing and implementing the facility's quality assurance program for nursing services.
Participate in facility surveys (inspections) as requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Review and update the resident's written discharge plan as required.
Assist the Director in planning nursing services related to discharge plans.
Meet with nursing and support personnel to plan department services, programs, and activities.
Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
Interpret department policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, and charting.
Agree to not disclose assigned user ID codes, passwords, or resident/facility information.
Committee Functions
Attend various committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment) as required.
Assist in preparing written/oral reports for committee(s).
Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.
Participate in developing agendas for the Care Plan Committee meetings.
Review and provide input on discharge plans with the Care Plan Committee.
Implement recommendations from established committees as directed by the Director.
Personnel Functions
Ensure a sufficient number of licensed practical and/or registered nurses and certified nursing assistants are available to maintain quality care.
Develop and assign work tasks, delegating authority, responsibility, and accountability to Charge Nurses.
Ensure nursing assistants are enrolled in or graduated from an approved training program and under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Make daily rounds to ensure nursing staff perform duties according to nursing standards.
Monitor absenteeism and report problems to the Director.
Ensure compliance with established policies, including dress codes.
Address complaints and grievances, reporting as necessary to the Director.
Foster good working rapport with interdepartmental personnel to ensure effective service delivery.
Create a positive and calm environment on your shift.
Participate in performance evaluations, staffing requirements, and personnel management (e.g., dismissals, transfers).
Ensure disciplinary actions are applied fairly and consistently.
Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous materials.
Ensure proper security of computer workstations in accordance with facility policies.
Nursing Care Functions
Inform nursing personnel of new admissions and ensure rooms are ready.
Greet new residents and escort them to their rooms as necessary.
Ensure timely documentation and visits by attending physicians.
Notify the attending physician and next of kin of any changes in the resident's condition.
Make daily rounds to observe residents' physical and emotional status.
Provide direct nursing care as needed (e.g., IVs, specimen collection, TPRs, blood pressure).
Ensure medications and treatments are administered as ordered.
Ensure compliance with medication administration, storage, and control procedures.
Monitor treatment areas and ensure cleanliness and safety.
Ensure residents who cannot call for help are frequently checked.
Assist in resident transportation upon discharge and inform families of any resident deaths.
Staff Development
Participate in developing, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes.
Assist in developing annual training programs (e.g., OSHA, HIPAA, Infection Control).
Participate in clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
Attend continuing education programs to maintain licensure and stay updated on profession changes.
Safety and Sanitation
Assist the Safety Officer in developing safety standards and ensuring staff are trained for exposure to blood/body fluids.
Ensure adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used correctly.
Ensure safety regulations are followed for equipment and supplies.
Ensure nursing service areas are clean, safe, and sanitary.
Monitor hand hygiene and infection control procedures.
Ensure participation in fire safety and disaster preparedness drills.
Equipment and Supply Functions
Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Director.
Ensure adequate stock levels of medications, medical supplies, and equipment.
Collaborate with Maintenance on a preventive maintenance program for nursing service equipment.
Ensure proper and safe operation of nursing service equipment by authorized personnel.
Monitor use of supplies to prevent waste.
Care Plan and Assessment Functions
Participate in developing comprehensive resident assessments and care plans.
Encourage resident involvement in care plan development.
Review care plans for accuracy and update as necessary.
Ensure all staff members involved in resident care are familiar with the care plan.
Budget and Planning Functions
Stay updated on economic conditions and recommend necessary adjustments to maintain quality care.
Report incidents of fraud or false billings.
Supervisory Requirements
Assist in the supervision and management of the nursing staff.
Assume administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to carry out duties.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
Minimum of a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.
Training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices.
Minimum of 2 years of experience, preferably in long-term care.
Language Skills:
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals.
Ability to effectively communicate with managers and employees.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to apply concepts like fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to make independent decisions and solve practical problems.
Ability to interact tactfully with personnel, residents, families, and the public.
Certifications/Licenses:
Active, unencumbered RN license.
Current CPR certification.
Knowledge and experience with PCC preferred.
Continuing education and licensure maintenance required.
Physical Demands:
Ability to move intermittently, speak, and write clearly in English.
Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress.
Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds and assist in evacuating residents in emergencies.
Work Environment:
Work in various areas of the nursing service and office, subject to frequent interruptions.
Potential exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
Must be available beyond normal hours, including weekends, holidays, and during emergency conditions.
Additional Information This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. It may be subject to change based on reasonable accommodation or other factors.