6P6A LVN Full-time

General Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to residents and supervise day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must comply with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing the facility, as directed by the Director of Nursing Services or Nurse Supervisor, to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Essential Duties

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, the omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or essential to the position.

Administrative Functions

• Direct day-to-day functions of nursing assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies and procedures among nursing personnel.
• Review and recommend revisions to department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions.
• Plan shift services, programs, and activities with assigned nursing staff and support personnel.
• Maintain and update the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Ensure compliance with the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Prepare written and oral reports/recommendations for shift activities.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services to maintain a comprehensive care regimen.
• Ensure compliance with job descriptions among nursing service personnel.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the facility's quality assurance program for nursing services.
• Participate in facility surveys by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as necessary.
• Interpret department policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Complete accident/incident reports, resident charge slips, and the Daily Census Report.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, and charting.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident/facility information and report suspected violations.

Charting and Documentation

• Complete and file recordkeeping forms/charts for resident admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Encourage physicians to review and sign treatment plans, orders, and progress notes.
• Receive and record telephone orders from physicians.
• Transcribe physician orders to resident charts, cardex, medication cards, and treatment/care plans.
• Chart nurses' notes descriptively, reflecting care provided and resident responses.
• Complete and submit accident/incident reports.
• Record new/changed diet orders and forward to the Food Services Department.
• Report discrepancies in physician orders, diet changes, and charting errors.
• Complete transfer forms and document unauthorized discharges.
• Perform routine charting duties in accordance with established policies.
• Sign and date all entries in the resident's medical record.

Drug Administration Functions

• Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician.
• Verify resident identity before administering medications/treatments.
• Ensure medications are not administered to the wrong resident.
• Maintain an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment.
• Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as needed.
• Ensure accuracy of narcotic records and report discrepancies.
• Review medication cards for completeness and accuracy.
• Notify physicians of automatic stop orders before the last dosage.
• Dispose of drugs and narcotics according to established procedures.

Personnel Functions

• Participate in employee performance evaluations and staffing requirements.
• Report staffing needs and absentee call-ins to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Review and evaluate the department's workforce and make recommendations.
• Develop work assignments and provide leadership to nursing personnel.
• Conduct daily rounds to ensure compliance with nursing standards.
• Ensure nursing assistants are enrolled in or graduated from an approved training program.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees under direct supervision.
• Meet with nursing personnel to identify and correct problem areas.
• Ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Maintain a positive and calm environment throughout the unit and shift.
• Address complaints and grievances from assigned personnel.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without discrimination.
• Receive/give nursing reports at the beginning and end of shifts.
• Report occupational exposures and suspected fraud incidents.
• Ensure unattended computer workstations are logged off or password-protected.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, arrival times, and room assignments.
• Ensure rooms are ready for new admissions and greet residents upon arrival.
• Orient new residents/family members to the facility.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by physicians.
• Consult with physicians regarding resident care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Review resident charts for treatments, medication orders, and diets.
• Implement and maintain nursing objectives and standards.
• Monitor administration of treatments by nursing assistants and evaluate resident status.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by qualified personnel.
• Coordinate social and activity programs with nursing schedules.
• Notify physicians and next-of-kin of accidents, incidents, or changes in resident condition.
• Implement restorative and rehabilitative programs.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas for cleanliness and safety.
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, and wound care.
• Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with policies.
• Collect specimens for lab tests as ordered.
• Monitor vital signs and seriously ill residents as necessary.
• Check foods brought by family/visitors against dietary allowances.
• Ensure direct care personnel follow care plans and resident wishes.
• Frequently check residents unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and/or family members as necessary.
• Assist with transportation arrangements for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and follow post-mortem procedures.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing and conducting in-service training classes.
• Implement and maintain an effective orientation program for new employees.