Registered Nurse - Skilled Nursing Facility

About the Role

Performs an age-specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient interviews, explains policies and procedures, reviews patient’s chart, and answers questions.
• Assesses gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological health status; determines mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, and skin condition, adjusting the plan of care as appropriate.
• Assesses level of pain and pain management; communicates and documents patient’s physiologic health status and plan of care.
• Assesses patient’s psychosocial health status, coping mechanisms, knowledge level, cultural/ethnic requirements, and expectations of care.
• Identifies patient outcomes, develops criteria for measurement, and establishes individualized patient goals.
• Develops and prioritizes care activities to achieve expected outcomes; coordinates cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication.
• Documents the plan of care and collaborates with physicians and other health team members.
• Implements the plan of care, ensuring safety precautions, reassessing patients, and revising the plan as needed.
• Administers prescribed treatments, uses equipment safely, and provides emotional support to patients and significant others.
• Makes accurate observations of patient conditions, reports and records them appropriately.
• Keeps accurate documentation of patient treatment, activity, condition, and responses to interventions.
• Acts rapidly and effectively during emergencies, managing self, patients, and other employees.
• Participates in discharge planning, provides discharge instructions, and coordinates referrals.
• Evaluates care provided for patient outcomes and documents effectiveness.
• Performs variance analysis related to outcome data for performance improvement.
• Designs, implements, and evaluates systems to improve care in the unit.
• Collaborates with care team members in planning and carrying out treatment regimens; provides direction to team members.
• Accurately interprets and implements treatment regimens as prescribed by the physician; assists during treatments and diagnostic procedures.
• Performs grade I-IV decubitus care, preventive skin care, simple dressings, warm/cold compresses, and irrigations.
• Administers medications correctly and safely, educates patients and families on drug and food interactions.
• Participates in patient and family education, providing explanations of conditions and health teaching.
• Communicates assessment data to care team members and appropriate agencies.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN Degree within five years of job entry date.
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.