RN

Essential Duties

• Aid the Director of Nursing Services in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for the nursing service department.
• Maintain up-to-date reference materials at nurses' stations.
• Recommend written material to assist the nursing service department.
• Maintain the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Evaluate and recommend revisions to the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services.
• Ensure compliance with job descriptions for nursing service personnel.
• Participate in facility surveys and update resident discharge plans.
• Plan the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan.
• Meet with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services and activities.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as needed.
• Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
• Interpret departmental policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms and evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with privacy and security policies regarding resident information.
• Report unauthorized attempts to access facility information systems.

Committee Functions

• Attend various facility committees (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment).
• Prepare written and/or oral reports of nursing service programs and activities for committee review.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee.
• Develop the agenda for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as necessary.
• Implement recommendations from established committees.

Personnel Functions

• Ensure sufficient nursing and support staff are available.
• Enroll nursing assistants in approved training programs.
• Supervise nursing assistants and ensure they are supervised by licensed nurses.
• Make daily rounds to monitor nursing staff performance.
• Monitor absenteeism and report problem areas to the Director.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Handle complaints and grievances from department personnel.
• Develop and maintain a positive work environment.
• Assist in employee performance evaluations and staffing decisions.
• Administer disciplinary actions fairly.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions and prepare rooms.
• Greet newly admitted residents and escort them to their rooms.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Inform the Director about delayed physician visits.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians to plan care.
• Notify the attending physician and next-of-kin of resident condition changes.
• Visit residents daily to assess their physical and emotional status.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by licensed nurses, CNAs, or trainees.
• Review nurses' notes for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Administer IVs, collect specimens, take vital signs, and authorize restraints.
• Monitor medication administration and treatment schedules.
• Inspect treatment areas for cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents unable to call for help.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and contact funeral homes.

Staff Development

• Develop and conduct in-service training classes.
• Plan and implement annual facility in-service training programs.
• Supervise clinical training 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 tasks involving potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Train personnel on appropriate procedures for handling personal protective equipment.
• Monitor personnel to ensure compliance with safety regulations.