RN

Scranton, PA – Nursing – Non-Exempt – Reports to Director of Nursing – Hiring Part-time, Full-time, Per Diem

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to residents and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must be in accordance 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.

As an RN, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties within the RN scope of practice defined by the Ohio Nurse Practice Act/ORC Chapter 4723.

Safety Factors

• Risk Potential to Blood/Body Fluids: Category I: Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues and require the use of personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Direct the day-to-day functions of nurses and nursing assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines governing the long-term care facility.
• Ensure all nursing personnel comply with facility policies and procedures.
• Periodically review and recommend revisions to department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions.
• Plan and coordinate shift services, programs, and activities with assigned nursing staff and support personnel.
• Ensure the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflects day-to-day procedures.
• Make written and oral reports to the Director of Nursing concerning unit activities.
• Coordinate with other resident services to maintain the resident’s total regimen of care.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with their job descriptions.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Participate in facility surveys and prepare the unit for inspections by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as required.
• Assist in planning the nursing services portion of resident discharge plans.
• Participate in weekly care conferences conducted by the physiatrist.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Ensure accuracy of accident/incident reports.
• Complete medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, and charting as necessary.

Charting and Documentation

• Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon resident admission, transfer, and/or discharge.
• Review new admission charts for accuracy and completeness; follow up on identified areas.
• Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans and sign orders, progress notes, etc.
• Review physician order processes for accuracy and transcribe orders to resident charts, cardex, medication cards, and treatment/care plans.
• Review nurse’s notes to ensure compliance with facility charting guidelines.
• Chart all reports of accidents/incidents involving residents.
• Report discrepancies in physician’s orders, diet changes, or charting errors to the Director of Nursing.
• Complete transfer forms and ensure appropriate documentation for unauthorized discharges.
• Perform routine charting duties in accordance with established policies.
• Sign and date all entries made in the resident’s medical record.

Drug Administration Functions

• Ensure unit staff prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician.
• Maintain an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment; report needs to the Director of Nursing.
• Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary.
• Ensure narcotic records are accurate for the unit and report discrepancies to the Director of Nursing.
• Review medication records for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to stop order policies.
• Notify attending 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 make recommendations concerning staffing, dismissals, and transfers.
• Inform the Director of Nursing of staffing needs due to absences.
• Review and evaluate the department’s workforce and make recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Develop work assignments and assist in completing them.
• Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to the unit.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing service personnel perform their duties according to acceptable standards.
• Ensure nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Meet regularly with nursing personnel to identify and correct problem areas.
• Ensure unit personnel, residents, and visitors follow department policies and procedures.
• Maintain a good working rapport with inter-departmental personnel to meet resident needs.
• Create and maintain a warm, calm environment throughout the unit.
• Review complaints and grievances from assigned personnel and report to the Director of Nursing.
• Ensure disciplinary action is administered fairly and without bias.
• Receive and give nursing reports at the start and end of duty hours.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals according to facility policies.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, including arrival time and room assignment.
• Ensure rooms are ready for new admissions and participate in resident/family orientation.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary and arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Consult with the resident’s physician regarding care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Review resident charts for specific treatments, medication orders, and diets.
• Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards in accordance with the plan of care.
• Evaluate the resident’s physical and emotional status through periodic checks.
• Coordinate social and activity programs with nursing service schedules.
• Notify attending physicians and next-of-kin of changes in resident condition or accidents/incidents.
• Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, including self-help and care.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily to ensure they are clean and safe.
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, suction, wound care, colostomy care, and range of motion exercises.
• Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with established policies.
• Obtain sputum, urine, and other specimens for lab tests as ordered.
• Monitor seriously ill residents and take vital signs as necessary.
• Check food brought in by family/visitors to ensure dietary compliance.
• Ensure direct care personnel follow the resident’s care plan and wishes.
• Frequently check residents who are unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and/or family members to address concerns.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents and escort them to pick-up areas.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and follow established post-mortem procedures.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing, planning, and conducting in-service training classes.
• Implement and maintain an effective orientation program for new employees.
• Assist in standardizing work methods and training personnel in task identification.