Assistant Director of Nursing

About the Role

Responsible for planning, organizing, developing, directing, and delegating the overall operation of the Nursing Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, as well as facility policies. The objective is to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Qualifications

• Current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois and/or Wisconsin.
• Minimum of one (1) year nursing service administration experience.
• Current CPR certificate or certification within two weeks of employment.
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
• Able to read, write, and speak English fluently and understandably.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with customers, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies, and the general public.
• Leadership and supervisory ability with a willingness to work harmoniously with personnel.
• Personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful.

Physical Requirements

• Able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Able to cope with mental and emotional stress associated with the position.
• Possess sight and hearing senses (or use prosthetics) to function adequately in this role.
• Able to function independently, with flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with customers, family members, personnel, and support agencies.
• Good general health and emotional stability.
• Able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile individuals.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, and customers in excess of 50 lbs. throughout the day.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

Responsibilities

• Accept work assignments as directed, which may include different floors, customers, workloads, and multiple tasks.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the Nursing Department.
• Ensure all nursing procedures and protocols are followed in accordance with established policies; review annually for revisions and make recommendations to the Administrator.
• Directly supervise and instruct nursing staff on various topics to promote job knowledge.
• Identify problems, develop, and implement solutions with the assistance of Administration.
• Develop and implement a nursing/rehab/restorative philosophy that promotes quality care for each resident.
• Ensure adequate staffing on all shifts.
• Audit charts and EHR to ensure daily documentation is completed.
• Ensure laboratory and x-ray reports are received and filed for all tests completed.
• Audit transfers/discharge information for accuracy and completeness; audit charts for deficiencies.
• Assist in developing a written plan of care for each customer and actively participate in resident care plan conferences.
• Attend Customer and/or Family Council meetings when invited; report concerns or complaints to the Administrator.
• Recruit, interview, and select nursing staff with the approval of the Administrator.
• Schedule department work hours, personnel, and assignments to meet customer needs.
• Counsel or discipline staff as necessary; complete performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform required duties and follow appropriate procedures; conduct physical rounds on all customers daily and with physicians as needed.
• Submit Workmen’s Compensation forms to the Business Office Manager within 24 hours of occurrence.
• Plan, conduct, and participate in in-service education programs.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining an effective orientation program for new staff.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
• Order equipment and supplies as necessary, following budgetary guidelines.
• Maintain budgetary restraints by following established procedures for purchase orders.
• Maintain a reference library of nursing materials (e.g., Drug Formulary, State and Federal regulations) to support daily needs.
• Participate with the Administrator and Admissions Director in selecting appropriate admissions and room assignments.
• Review nurses’ notes/EHR to ensure they are informative and reflective of the care provided and customer response.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to ensure compliance with orders.
• Ensure professional nursing personnel have valid and current licenses as required by the State.
• Report changes in customer condition to family and attending physicians.
• Attend Department Head meetings, Infection Control meetings, Quality Assurance meetings, etc., as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.