RN Weekend Desk

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 may also be required to assist 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.
• Ensure the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflects day-to-day procedures.
• Ensure compliance with procedures in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Provide written and oral reports to the Director concerning nursing service operations.
• Periodically review department policies, procedure manuals, and job descriptions; recommend revisions.
• Assist in coordinating nursing services with other resident services for continuity of care.
• Ensure nursing service personnel comply with their job descriptions.
• Participate in the facility’s quality assurance program for nursing services.
• Participate in facility surveys by authorized government agencies as requested.
• 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.
• Safeguard resident and facility information by not disclosing user IDs, passwords, or protected health information.
• Report unauthorized access attempts or violations of confidentiality policies.

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 as directed.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.
• Participate in developing agendas for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Review and update discharge plans for the Care Plan Committee.
• Implement recommendations from established committees as instructed.

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 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 departmental personnel comply with policies, including dress codes.
• Review and address complaints and grievances from department personnel.
• Maintain good working relationships with inter-department personnel.
• Foster a warm, positive, and calm environment for residents and staff.
• Meet regularly with your shift to address and correct problem areas.
• Review and evaluate department staffing needs and make recommendations to the Director.
• Participate in employee performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Administer disciplinary action fairly and without bias.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous materials.
• Report suspected fraud to the Administrator.
• Ensure unattended workstations are logged off or password-protected.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, room assignments, and arrival times.
• 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 informative and descriptive content reflecting resident care.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary (e.g., start IVs, obtain specimens, take vitals).
• Monitor seriously ill residents and assist the Charge Nurse as needed.
• Authorize restraint use in accordance with facility policies.
• Ensure RNs and LPNs comply with medication administration and storage procedures.
• Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules for accuracy.
• Review medication cards for completeness and adherence to physician orders.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Frequently check on residents unable to call for help.
• Meet with residents and family members as necessary.
• Arrange transportation for discharged residents as needed.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and assist with funeral home arrangements.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing 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 in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend continuing education programs to maintain licensure and stay current in the profession.

Safety and Sanitation

• Assist the Safety Officer in developing safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Assist in identifying and classifying tasks with potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Ensure personnel receive training for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure proper use and disposal of PPE.
• Monitor personnel for compliance with safety regulations.
• Ensure nursing service work areas are maintained according to policies.