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 nursing service personnel's compliance with the manual.
• Report to the Director as necessary regarding the nursing service department's operations.
• Review and update departmental policies and procedures periodically.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services.
• Evaluate nursing assistants' enrollment in or graduation from approved training programs.
• Ensure nursing service personnel adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Participate in facility surveys and quality assurance programs.
• Prepare and present reports to various committees as needed.
• Assist in developing and implementing discharge plans.
• Conduct daily rounds to monitor nursing service personnel's work.
• Monitor absenteeism and report problem areas to the Director.
• Administer and oversee the storage and control of medications and supplies.
• Inspect treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Start IVs, collect specimens, and take vital signs.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Report problem areas to the Director and implement corrective actions.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
• Assist in developing and conducting in-service training classes.
• Participate in safety standards and infection control measures.

Committee Functions

• Attend various committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment).
• Prepare and submit reports of nursing service programs and activities to committees.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee.
• Develop the agenda for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Update discharge plans and make them available to the Care Plan Committee.
• Implement recommendations from established committees.

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, and take vital signs.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Report problem areas to the Director.
• Assist in developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Keep the Director informed of resident status and related matters.
• Monitor seriously ill residents and assist the Charge Nurse.
• Authorize the use of restraints when necessary.
• Ensure proper medication administration and treatment schedules.
• Inspect treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and family members as necessary.
• Report problems to the Director.
• Arrange 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 schedule in-service training programs (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, Safety, Infection Control).
• Supervise 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 for potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Train personnel on appropriate in-service programs for tasks involving exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Ensure availability and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Monitor personnel to ensure compliance with safety regulations.