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.
• Ensure the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflective of daily nursing procedures.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Make written and oral reports to the Director as necessary.
• Periodically review department policies and procedures.
• Participate in facility surveys and inspections.
• Review and update resident discharge plans.
• Plan the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan.
• Meet with nursing staff 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 sufficient licensed nurses, nursing assistants, and nurse aides are available.
• Delegate administrative authority to Charge Nurses.
• Enroll nursing assistants in approved training programs and ensure trainees are supervised.
• Monitor nursing staff to ensure they are performing work assignments according to acceptable standards.
• Report problem areas to the Director.
• Ensure policies and procedures, including dress codes, are followed by all departmental personnel.
• Review and evaluate departmental work force and make recommendations to the Director.
• Participate in employee performance evaluations and make recommendations for dismissals, transfers, etc.
• Ensure fair and impartial disciplinary actions are taken.
• Report occupational exposures and suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator.
• Ensure computer workstations are logged off or protected by a screen saver.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions and prepare rooms accordingly.
• Greet newly admitted residents and escort them to their rooms.
• Make rounds with physicians 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 licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, or nurse aides.
• Review nurses' notes to ensure they are accurate and reflective of care provided.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Administer IVs, collect specimens, take vital signs, and authorize the use of restraints.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules.
• Inspect treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents who cannot call for help.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of the resident's death and contact funeral homes as needed.

Committee Functions

• Attend various committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment).
• Prepare and present reports to committees.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee.
• Implement recommendations from established committees.

Staff Development

• Develop, plan, conduct, and schedule in-service training classes.
• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in developing 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.
• Monitor personnel to ensure they follow established safety regulations.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Inspect nursing service work areas for cleanliness and safety.