Registered Nurse (RN)

Essential Duties

• Aid the Director of Nursing Services in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities.
• Develop, maintain, and update written policies and procedures for the nursing service department.
• Maintain current reference material at nurses’ stations.
• Recommend written material to assist the nursing service department.
• Maintain the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Evaluate nursing service personnel compliance with the procedures in the manual.
• Report to the Director as necessary regarding the nursing service department's operations.
• Review department policies and procedures periodically and recommend revisions.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services.
• Evaluate nursing service personnel compliance with job descriptions.
• Participate in the quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Prepare and present reports to facility surveys conducted by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as needed.
• Plan the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan.
• Meet with nursing staff and support personnel to plan 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, studies, charting, etc.
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws and report violations.
• Report unauthorized attempts to access facility information systems.

Committee Functions

• Attend various facility committee meetings as required.
• Prepare and submit reports of nursing service programs and activities to committees.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee.
• Develop the agenda for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as required.
• Implement recommendations from established committees.

Personnel Functions

• Ensure a sufficient number of licensed practical and/or registered nurses are available.
• Ensure a sufficient number of certified nursing assistants are available.
• Develop work assignments and assist in completing tasks.
• Delegate administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability to Charge Nurses.
• Enroll nursing assistant trainees in or have them graduate from approved training programs.
• Supervise nursing assistants to ensure they are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments.
• Monitor absenteeism and report problem areas to the Director.
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed by all departmental personnel.
• Review complaints and grievances and make appropriate reports to the Director.
• Create and maintain a positive environment for residents and staff.
• Assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and improving services.
• Develop and maintain a well-educated nursing service department through in-service training.
• Plan and conduct in-service training classes.
• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in planning annual facility in-service training programs.
• Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions and their room assignments.
• Greet newly admitted residents and escort them to their rooms.
• Escort physicians during rounds as necessary.
• Inform the Director when physician visits are not made in a timely manner.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians in planning care.
• Notify the attending physician and next-of-kin of changes in the resident's condition.
• Visit residents daily to observe and evaluate their physical and emotional status.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by a licensed nurse, certified nursing assistant, or nurse aide trainee.
• Review nurses' notes to ensure they are informative and accurate.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Administer IVs, obtain specimens, take vital signs, and start medications.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as necessary.
• Report problem areas to the Director and implement corrective action.
• Keep the Director informed of resident status and other related matters.
• Assist the Charge Nurse in monitoring seriously ill residents.
• Authorize the use of restraints when necessary.
• Ensure proper storage and control of medications and supplies.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules.
• Inspect treatment areas daily.
• Check on residents who cannot call for help.
• Meet with residents and family members as necessary.
• Report problems to the Director.
• Arrange transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of the resident's death and contact funeral homes.

Staff Development

• Develop and schedule in-service training classes.
• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in planning annual facility in-service training programs.
• Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.

Safety and Sanitation

• Develop safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Evaluate and classify routine and job-related functions to identify potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Ensure personnel receive appropriate in-service training before performing tasks involving exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Ensure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment is available and used correctly.
• Monitor personnel to ensure they follow safety regulations.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Inspect nursing service work areas daily.