Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse/License Practical Nurse)

About the Role

Responsible for providing direct nursing care to customers and supervising day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines, regulations, and facility policies to maintain the highest degree of quality care.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN or LPN in Illinois and/or Wisconsin.
• Must possess a current CPR certificate or become certified within two weeks of employment.
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
• Demonstrates interest and/or knowledge in the care of the aged.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English in an understandable manner.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
• Ability to deal tactfully with customers, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies, and the general public.
• Possesses leadership and supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with others.
• Personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess adequate sight/hearing or use prosthetics to function effectively.
• Must function independently with flexibility, personal integrity, and ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be 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 customers exceeding 50 pounds.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and conditions, including HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses.

Responsibilities

• Accept and support directives from appropriate authorities, including different floors, customers, workloads, and multiple tasks.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct nursing activities for a respective unit.
• Ensure all nursing procedures and protocols follow established policies.
• Directly supervise and instruct nursing staff on various topics to promote job knowledge.
• Ensure staff adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and dress code.
• Assist in developing written care plans identifying customer problems/needs.
• Attend and participate in customer care plan conferences.
• Report customer or family concerns/complaints to the Administrator.
• Counsel/discipline nursing personnel as necessary.
• Conduct daily rounds to ensure staff compliance with duties and procedures.
• Create and maintain a warm, calm, and positive environment throughout the department.
• Participate in continuing education programs.
• Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Director of Nursing.
• Place medication and treatment orders following budgetary guidelines.
• Utilize PCC 24-hour summaries for customer care recommendations/concerns.
• Complete accident/incident reports.
• Encourage physicians to review and document treatment plans.
• Chart nurses’ notes descriptively, reflecting care provided and customer responses.
• Complete required assessments upon admission, transfer, and discharge.
• Receive and record physician telephone orders.
• Record and forward new/changed diet orders to the Dietary Department.
• Perform routine charting duties per established policies.
• Manage admission, discharge, and transfer processes.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by physicians.
• Review medication records for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policies.
• Perform professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, wound care, etc.
• Orient new customers/family members to the facility.
• Arrange diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered.
• Notify physicians and families of changes in customer conditions.
• Obtain lab tests (sputum, urine, etc.) as ordered.
• Take and record vital signs (TPR, blood pressure, accuchecks, etc.).
• Contact physicians for assessments, medication orders, incidents, and abnormal lab results.
• Ensure nurses’ notes and monthly summaries align with care plans.
• Attend staff meetings as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.