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Position Overview

Assists the Director of Nursing (DON) in directing, developing and managing the nursing services department to ensure the delivery of high quality nursing care and services in accordance with all laws, regulations and facility guidelines.

Basic Qualifications

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required; current RN license in good standing within applicable state. Skills & Requirements: Must possess the ability to read, write and speak the English language; must be involved in health care matters and projects with the community as needed; must have strong communication and presentation skills in both group and individual situations; must be patient, friendly, courteous and respectful to residents in any situation, including difficult ones; must be able to make independent decisions when necessary; must have the ability to follow nursing department guidelines as outlined by the facility and other regulations governing nursing services in a long-term care facility; must be able to move frequently throughout the workday; must be able to lift 40 lbs floor to waist; lift 20 lbs waist to shoulder; lift and carry 40 lbs; and push/pull 40 lbs.

Experience: Minimum of two years experience in health care, long-term care; geriatrics nursing experience preferred; must have proven leadership skills. Working Conditions Primarily works in an office setting as well as throughout the nursing department; bends, lifts, sits, stands and moves frequently throughout the shift; deals with frequent interruptions and possibly upset residents and family members; works regularly scheduled shifts in addition to providing weekend supervision and working holidays and other hours based on resident needs; primary responsibility is service to the residents but also deals with visitors, government personnel, etc.

; participates in required continuing education programs; subject to odors, falls, burns and exposure to infectious diseases, waste, etc., including AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. Competencies of Position Professionalism: Reports to work on time and as scheduled; works in unison with all staff; displays a willingness to help others; embraces constructive criticism; presents a friendly and professional attitude.

Resident Rights: Promptly reports resident grievances to supervisors; treats all resident care information with confidentiality; continuously monitors assigned areas to ensure residents are treated fairly and with dignity and respect at all times. Organizational and Communication Skills: Ability to multi-task and is detail-oriented; possesses the ability to effectively prioritize matters promptly and appropriately; understands the importance of follow-up; builds rapport with residents, families and employees through listening attentively and effectively following up; able to effectively communicate individually or as a group.

Safety Awareness: Follows safety program guidelines; immediately reports accidents and incidents to supervisors; identifies unsafe working areas and promptly reports to supervisors; promotes safety by working as safely and efficiently as possible; consistently follows infection control and universal precautions and other guidelines; identifies and corrects or reports hazardous conditions to supervisors; understands facility emergency and evacuation protocols.

Leadership Skills : Possesses an approachable management style; ability to solve problems and treat each situation fairly; is calming during a crisis situation; ability to build positive relationships with employees and other managers; ability to exercise sound judgment; enables and motivates staff and provides on-going recognition and praise.

Customer Service: Treats all residents, families, co-workers, inquiries, referral sources and supervisors with dignity andrespect and takes initiative to exceed customer expectations; professionally represents the facility, self and position to visitors and residents; shows genuine concern for the residents; proactively identifies needs of the physical plant; demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to help to all visitors and residents; remains sensitive to all needs through listening, observing and responding appropriately for the position held.

Essential Job Duties

1. Assists with overall supervision of the Nursing Department and provides guidance to the Nursing staff.
2. Assists with the recruitment, selection and orientation of qualified team members for the Nursing Department.
3. Assists in providing expectations and monitors performance of Nursing Department staff in accordance with budgetary obligations.
4. Assists with managing the labor budget and control of expenses in accordance with company guidelines.
5. Assists the Director of Nursing (DON) in directing and developing the nursing department to ensure the delivery of high quality care and services in accordance with all laws, regulations and Company guidelines and makes recommendations to the DON.
6. Assumes responsibilities as DON when DON is absent or not available.
7. Schedules, attends and actively participates in care plan meetings as required by the facility guidelines.
8. Assesses resident care needs and makes recommendations to the DON regarding the nursing department's ability to meeting those needs.
9. Assesses newly admitted residents and compares physician orders to care plans.
10. Ensures that physicians have recorded and signed progress notes, orders, etc. in a timely manner.
11. Monitors nursing notes to ensure information recorded is timely, accurate and descriptive.
12. Performs daily rounds within the nursing department to effectively monitor residents and ensure that nursing needs have been met as outlined on the care plans and that infection control guidelines are being followed.
13. Ensures that all medication passes and schedules for resident treatment are timely, accurate and compliant.
14. Evaluates resident needs and makes recommendations for appropriate staffing levels for CNAs, LPNs and RNs per shift.
15. Monitors availability of medications, supplies and equipment to ensure adequate availability for care needs.
16. Forwards grievances or complaints regarding the nursing department to the DON timely for resolution.
17. Monitors licenses and certifications for nursing staff to ensure all are valid and current.
18. Assists DON with policies and procedures adherence and monitoring absenteeism; makes recommendations for corrective actions to be taken as needed.
19. Ensures timely completion of MDS and care plans by reviewing necessary reports.
20. Creates and monitors the Quality Assurance program, reviews reports and makes recommendations to the QA improvement team.
21. Conducts infection control meetings and ensures recommended steps are considered and implemented.
22. Monitors infections developed post-admission and reports to DON for quarterly review.
23. Educates staff and other on isolation policy and handling of residents with infections.
24. May be required to participate in various routine and non-routine meetings to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of facility outcomes. Other Job Duties
25. Actively participates in development and delivery of in-service training programs.
26. Coordinates, schedules and actively participates in resident care conferences.
27. Participates in facility and department orientation program for new employees.
28. Communicates new admissions with nursing staff to ensure rooms are prepared for arrival.
29. Accompanies physicians through nursing department rounds.
30. Provides direct nursing care as necessary.
31. Promotes continuity of care through partnering with other departments (i.e. Rehab).
32. Participates in discharge planning process.
33. Assists in building an effective nursing team and actively participates in state or federal survey processes.
34. Educates staff on facility policies regarding resident right to refuse treatments.
35. Reviews advance directive policies and procedures with residents or resident representatives.
36. Assists with administrative duties as needed or requested