RN-

About the Role

The primary responsibility of this position is to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities of the facility during your tour of duty. Such supervision must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern the facility. You may also be required by the Director of Nursing (DON) and/or Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Nursing Services in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Participate in developing, maintaining, and updating written policies and procedures for the nursing service department.
• Ensure reference materials (e.g., PDRs, regulations, professional standards) at nurses' stations are current and recommend additional materials as needed.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Provide written and oral reports to the Director concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
• Periodically review department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions, and recommend revisions.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure all nursing service personnel comply with their job descriptions.
• Participate in the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Participate in facility surveys and inspections by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update residents' written discharge plans as required.
• Plan and coordinate nursing services, programs, and activities with staff and support personnel.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required, and complete necessary accident/incident reports.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, and charting.
• Safeguard resident and facility information by not disclosing user IDs, passwords, or protected health information.
• Attend and participate in facility committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment).
• Prepare reports for committees and provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.
• Ensure sufficient licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and certified nursing assistants are available for each shift.
• Develop work assignments and delegate administrative authority to Charge Nurses.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees and ensure they are under direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Make daily rounds to monitor nursing service personnel and report findings to the Director.
• Monitor absenteeism and ensure adequate staffing levels at all times.
• Review complaints and grievances from department personnel and report to the Director.
• Maintain a positive working rapport with inter-department personnel.
• Create a calm and supportive environment for residents and staff.
• Conduct regular shift meetings to address and correct problem areas.
• Participate in employee performance evaluations and make staffing recommendations to the Director.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without bias.
• Report occupational exposures and incidents of fraud as required.
• Ensure compliance with computer workstation security policies.
• Inform staff of new admissions, room assignments, and prepare rooms for arrivals.
• Greet and escort newly admitted residents to their rooms.
• Make rounds with physicians and encourage timely documentation of progress notes and orders.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians to plan care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Notify physicians and next-of-kin of changes in residents' conditions.
• Visit residents daily to observe and evaluate their physical and emotional status.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by qualified personnel.
• Review nurses' notes for accuracy and completeness.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary, including starting IVs, obtaining specimens, and taking vitals.
• Monitor seriously ill residents and authorize the use of restraints when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with medication administration, storage, and control procedures.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules for accuracy.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents unable to call for help frequently.
• Meet with residents and family members as needed and report concerns to the Director.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents and notify families of resident deaths.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing, planning, and conducting in-service training classes for nursing staff.
• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in developing annual facility training programs (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, Safety, Infection Control).
• Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs to maintain licensure and stay current with professional changes.

Safety and Sanitation

• Assist the Safety Officer in developing safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Assist in identifying and classifying job-related functions with potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Ensure personnel with potential exposure receive appropriate in-service training.
• Maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment and ensure proper use and disposal.
• Monitor staff compliance with established safety regulations for equipment and supplies.
• Ensure nursing service work areas are maintained in a clean and safe manner.