FT AM LVN

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to residents and supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must align with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing the facility, ensuring the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Direct the day-to-day functions of nursing assistants in accordance with facility rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies and procedures for all assigned nursing personnel.
• Periodically review and recommend revisions to department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions.
• Plan shifts’ services, programs, and activities with assigned nursing staff and support personnel.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Submit written and oral reports concerning shift activities as required.
• Coordinate with other resident services to maintain the resident’s total regimen of care.
• Ensure nursing service personnel adhere to their job descriptions.
• Participate in the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Participate in facility surveys conducted by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update residents’ written discharge plans as required.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Complete and submit accident/incident reports, charge slips, and the Daily Census Report.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, and charting.
• Maintain confidentiality of assigned user ID codes, passwords, and resident protected health information.
• Report unauthorized access attempts or suspected violations of facility information systems.

Charting and Documentation

• Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon resident admission, transfer, or discharge.
• Encourage physicians to review treatment plans and sign orders in accordance with policies.
• Receive and record telephone orders from physicians on the Physicians’ Order Form.
• 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 involving residents.
• Record new or changed diet orders and forward information to the Food Services Department.
• Report discrepancies in physician orders, diet changes, or charting errors to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Complete transfer forms and ensure documentation for unauthorized discharges.
• Perform routine charting duties and sign/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 medication or treatment.
• Ensure medications are not administered to the wrong resident.
• Maintain an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment.
• Report supply needs to the Nurse Supervisor and order as necessary.
• Maintain accurate narcotic records and report discrepancies.
• Review medication cards for completeness and accuracy.
• Notify physicians of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage.
• Dispose of drugs and narcotics in accordance with established procedures.

Personnel Functions

• Participate in employee performance evaluations and determine staffing requirements.
• Make recommendations concerning employee dismissals or transfers.
• Inform the Nurse Supervisor of staffing needs due to absences.
• Review and evaluate the department’s workforce and make recommendations.
• Develop and assist in completing work assignments.
• Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to your unit/shift.
• Conduct daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform duties according to standards.
• Ensure nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved training program.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Hold regular meetings with nursing personnel to address and correct problem areas.
• Ensure compliance with department policies by personnel, residents, and visitors.
• Maintain a positive working rapport with inter-departmental personnel.
• Create a warm, calm, and positive environment for residents and staff.
• Review and address complaints or grievances filed by assigned personnel.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without bias.
• Receive and give nursing reports at the start and end of shifts.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous chemicals.
• Report suspected fraud to the Administrator.
• Ensure unattended workstations are logged off or password-protected.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, including arrival times and room assignments.
• Prepare rooms for new admissions and greet residents upon arrival.
• Participate in orienting new residents and family members to the facility.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Requisition and 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 established nursing objectives and standards.
• Conduct periodic checks to ensure prescribed treatments are administered properly.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by licensed nurses or qualified nursing assistants.
• Coordinate social and activity programs with nursing service schedules.
• Notify attending physicians of accidents, incidents, or changes in resident condition.
• Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, including self-help and care.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, suction, dressings, colostomy care, and range of motion exercises.
• Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with established policies.
• Obtain specimens for lab tests as ordered (e.g., sputum, urine).
• Monitor and record vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
• Monitor seriously ill residents as necessary.
• Check foods brought by family/visitors to ensure compliance with dietary allowances.
• Ensure direct care aligns with the resident’s care plan and wishes.
• Frequently check on residents unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and family members to address concerns.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as necessary.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Escort discharged residents to the pick-up area.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and assist with post-mortem procedures.
• Call funeral homes when requested by the family.

Staff Development

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