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 will work under the direction of 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

Administrative Functions

• 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.
• Recommend materials to assist the nursing service department in meeting resident needs.
• Maintain and update the Nursing Service Procedures Manual to reflect current procedures.
• Ensure compliance with procedures outlined in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Provide written and oral reports to the Director concerning nursing service operations.
• Review and recommend revisions to department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure 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 conducted by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update residents’ written discharge plans as required.
• Plan the nursing services portion of residents’ discharge plans.
• Meet with nursing staff and support personnel to plan department services and activities.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, and charting.
• Protect resident and facility information by not disclosing assigned user IDs, passwords, or protected health information.
• Report unauthorized attempts to access facility information systems.

Committee Functions

• Attend facility committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment).
• Prepare reports on nursing service programs and activities for committees.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.
• Participate in developing agendas for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Review discharge plans and make them available to the Care Plan Committee.
• Implement recommendations from established committees as instructed by the Director.

Personnel Functions

• Ensure sufficient licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and/or registered nurses (RNs) are available for your shift.
• Ensure sufficient certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are available to meet residents’ daily care needs.
• Develop work assignments and assist in completing tasks as needed.
• Delegate administrative authority to Charge Nurses for their assigned duties.
• Ensure all nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved training program.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform duties according to standards.
• Monitor absenteeism to maintain adequate staffing levels.
• Ensure compliance with established policies, including dress codes.
• Review and address complaints and grievances from department personnel.
• Maintain good working relationships with inter-department personnel.
• Foster a positive, calm environment for residents and staff.
• Hold regular meetings with your shift to address and correct problem areas.
• Review and evaluate department work force and make recommendations to the Director.
• Participate in employee performance evaluations and staffing decisions.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without bias.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous materials.
• Report suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator.
• Ensure unattended workstations are logged off or password-protected.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing staff of new admissions, including arrival times and room assignments.
• Prepare rooms for new admissions and greet residents upon arrival.
• Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
• Encourage physicians to record and sign progress notes and orders in a timely manner.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians to plan care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Notify attending 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 licensed nurses, CNAs, or qualified trainees.
• Review nurses’ notes for accuracy and completeness in documenting care and resident responses.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary (e.g., starting IVs, obtaining specimens, taking vitals).
• Monitor seriously ill residents and assist the Charge Nurse as needed.
• Authorize the use of restraints in accordance with facility policies.
• Ensure compliance with procedures for administering, storing, and controlling medications.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules for accuracy.
• Review medication cards for completeness and adherence to physician orders.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily to maintain cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents unable to call for help frequently.
• Meet with residents and family members as needed and report problems to the Director.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and assist with funeral home arrangements as requested.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing, planning, and scheduling in-service training classes.
• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in developing annual training programs (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, Safety, Infection Control).
• Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend 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 receive training on tasks involving potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper use and disposal.
• Monitor staff compliance with safety regulations for equipment and supplies.
• Ensure nursing service work areas are maintained according to established policies.