Respiratory RN

About the Role

The Registered Nurse is responsible for delivering quality nursing care to residents, coordinating total nursing care, and participating in goal-setting with the Director of Nursing and Unit Managers. This role ensures compliance with operating policies, state regulations (Michigan Department of Health & Human Services), and federal regulations (Federal Health Care Administration). The RN communicates with and supervises appropriate personnel, provides daily and periodic reports, and performs Certified Nurse Aide duties when required.

Responsibilities

• Assess resident conditions to implement interventions and develop Care Plans.
• Accurately record resident observations in PCC and follow through on Care Plans.
• Ensure adherence to facility medical records policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular resident rounds independently and with physicians; observe and evaluate symptoms, progress, and reactions to treatments and medications, implementing interventions as necessary.
• Provide preventative, supportive, maintenance, and rehabilitative care addressing both physiologic and psychosocial needs.
• Perform treatments such as dressing changes, wound care, Foley Catheter irrigations, IV therapy, tube feedings, chest tubes, and peritoneal dialysis.
• Request and ensure availability of supplies and medical equipment for resident care.
• Schedule appointments, physician visits, therapy, and consults; document in the appointment book.
• Monitor and assist CNAs with personal resident care (e.g., bathing, feeding, ambulation).
• Receive reports from outgoing nurses and conduct daily resident rounds as needed.
• Administer medications according to Public Health Code, Nursing Department Policies, and physician prescriptions; report medication contraindications.
• Advise residents and/or responsible persons about changes in medications, treatment plans, or resident condition.
• Manage and document emergency care, coordinating communications with physicians, responsible persons, DON, Administrator, hospital personnel, and emergency transport.
• Perform comprehensive and focused nursing assessments for changes in condition and scheduled programs.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents; ensure supplies and equipment are available prior to or at admission.
• Complete weekly, periodic, and discharge summaries.
• Participate in quality improvement activities as assigned by the Director of Nursing.
• Monitor accident/incident occurrences and infection rates; develop corrective action suggestions.
• Conduct weekly skin assessments to monitor pressure injuries or other conditions; provide written data to the Director of Nursing.
• Report resident and staff complaints, unusual occurrences, and allegations of abuse/misappropriation/neglect to the Director of Nursing or Administrator immediately.
• Participate in regulatory surveys by the State of Michigan and assist in preparing Plan of Correction responses.
• Report resident injuries to the Unit Manager.
• Understand and uphold residents’ rights, including freedom from restraints and abuse; report violations promptly.
• Know and support facility philosophy, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate with department heads to problem-solve and plan for effective patient care; inform the Director of Nursing when staffing requirements are unmet.
• Maintain a professional appearance and serve as a unit role model.
• Fulfill continuing education and staff development requirements through seminars and related activities.
• Promote compliance with safety rules and accident prevention procedures to reduce employee injury and control workers' compensation costs.
• Ensure safe equipment use and report maintenance concerns to the Environment Plant Manager; adhere to the Nurse Practice Act.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Requirements

• Current Michigan license as a Registered Nurse.
• CPR certification.
• Two years of professional nursing experience in a long-term care setting preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws regulating nursing practice in long-term care.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts (fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions) to practical situations.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids, with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals and materials used in personal protective equipment (e.g., latex, plastic).
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.