RN-H

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 that govern 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 and ensure its relevance.
• Maintain compliance with nursing service personnel's job descriptions.
• Participate in the quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Prepare and participate in facility surveys conducted by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update resident discharge plans as needed.
• Plan the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan.
• Meet with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs, and activities.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• 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, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.
• Ensure compliance with privacy and security policies regarding resident information.
• Report unauthorized attempts to access facility information systems.

Committee Functions

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

Personnel Functions

• Ensure a sufficient number of licensed practical and/or registered nurses are available.
• Ensure a sufficient number of certified nursing assistants are available.
• Delegate administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability to Charge Nurses.
• Enroll nursing assistant trainees in approved training programs.
• Supervise nursing assistants to ensure they are under direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments.
• Monitor absenteeism and report problem areas to the Director.
• Maintain compliance with departmental policies and procedures, including dress codes.
• Review and address complaints and grievances from department personnel.
• Create and maintain a positive work environment.
• Assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and improving services.
• Administer fair and unbiased disciplinary actions.
• Report occupational exposures and suspected incidents of fraud.
• Ensure proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions and prepare rooms for them.
• Greet newly admitted residents and escort them to their rooms.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians in planning care.
• Notify the Director when physician visits are delayed.
• 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 passes and treatment schedules.
• Inspect treatment areas for cleanliness and safety.
• Check on residents who cannot call for help.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and contact funeral homes as needed.

Staff Development

• Develop and conduct in-service training classes.
• Plan and schedule annual facility in-service training programs.
• Conduct clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs to stay current in the profession.

Safety and Sanitation

• Develop safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Evaluate and classify routine and job-related tasks for potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Train personnel on appropriate in-service programs for tasks involving exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment.
• Monitor personnel to ensure compliance with safety regulations.