Staff Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)

About the Role

Responsible for providing direct nursing care to residents and supervising the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must align with current Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines, regulations, and facility policies to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Qualifications

• Current, unencumbered license to practice as a RN or LPN in the State of Illinois and/or Wisconsin.
• Current CPR certificate or certification within two weeks of employment.
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
• Demonstrates interest and/or knowledge in care of the aged.
• Able to read, write, and speak English in an understandable manner.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with residents, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies, and the general public.
• Leadership and supervisory ability; willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful.

Physical Requirements

• Able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately to meet position requirements.
• Able to function independently, with flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, family members, personnel, and support agencies.
• Good general health and emotional stability.
• Able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile individuals.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, and residents in excess of fifty (50) pounds throughout the day.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, including exposure to HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses.

Responsibilities

• Accept and support assignments as directed, which may include different floors, residents, workloads, and multiple tasks.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct nursing staff for a respective unit.
• Ensure all nursing procedures and protocols are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Supervise and instruct nursing staff on various topics to promote job knowledge.
• Ensure staff follow established departmental policies and procedures, including appropriate dress code.
• Assist in developing a written plan of care for each resident that identifies their problems/needs.
• Attend and actively participate in resident care plan conferences as directed.
• Report all concerns or complaints made by the resident or their family to the Administrator.
• Counsel or discipline nursing personnel as necessary.
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform required duties and follow appropriate procedures.
• Make physical rounds to all residents daily and with physicians as necessary.
• Maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
• Recommend equipment and supply needs of the department to the Director of Nursing.
• Place orders for medications and treatments following established budgetary guidelines.
• Utilize PCC 24-hour summary concerning recommendations/concerns related to resident care needs.
• Complete accident/incident reports.
• Encourage physicians to review treatment plans, record and sign orders, progress notes, etc.
• Chart nurses’ notes in an informative and descriptive manner reflecting care provided and resident response.
• Complete required assessments upon resident admission, transfer, and/or discharge.
• Receive and record telephone orders from physicians.
• Record new/changed diet orders and forward information to the Dietary Department.
• Perform routine charting duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Complete admission, discharge, and transfer processes.
• Prepare and administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician.
• Review medication records for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policies.
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, suction, dressings/bandages, colostomy care, etc.
• Participate in the orientation of new residents/family members.
• Arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by the physician.
• Notify the resident’s attending physician and family of changes in the resident’s condition.
• Obtain sputum, urine, and other lab tests as ordered.
• Take and record vital signs (TPRs), blood pressures, accuchecks, etc., as necessary.
• Contact the resident’s physician for nursing assessments, medication orders, incident reports, abnormal lab/X-ray results, and other pertinent care-related matters.
• Ensure nurses’ notes and monthly summaries reflect the care plan and its implementation.
• Attend staff meetings as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement / Pension Plan
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance