Clinical Nurse Specialist

Position Summary

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide primary skin care to residents under the medical direction and supervision of the residents' attending physicians, the Director of Nursing Services, or the Medical Director of the facility, with an emphasis on treatment and therapy of skin disorders. You will also assist in modifying the treatment regimen to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the resident, in accordance with established medical practices and the requirements of this state and the policies and goals of this facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Make written and oral reports / recommendations to the attending physician, Medical Director, or the DON concerning the status and care of the residents.
• Agree not to disclose resident's protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator
• Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility's information system.
• Work with the Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team in developing a comprehensive assessment and care plan for assigned residents
• Serve on, participate in, and attend various other committees of the facility (e.g., Policy Advisory) as required, and as appointed by the Administrator.
• Provide written and / or oral status reports of residents that you are treating.
• Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees as they may pertain to the medical activities of the facility and the skin care of residents
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve department objectives and maintain good employee, interdepartmental, and public relations.
• Maintain an effective, friendly working relationship with health professionals, physicians, consultants, and family members involved.
• Meet with and solicit advice from the Medical Director, Director of Nursing Services, and nursing staff concerning the dermatologic care of residents.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.
• Identify, manage, and treat specific skin disorders and primary and secondary lesions, such as skin abrasions, foot problems such as corns and callouses, decubitus ulcers, bacterial, parasitic and viral skin infections, scaling popular diseases, and benign tumors.
• Provide assessment and diagnostic services to residents. Perform an assessment evaluation using techniques including observation, inspection, and palpation.
• Complete a quarterly physical dermatologic examination on of the resident and record the results with the assessment.
• Provide therapeutic services. Confer with the Care Planning Team in the development of the care plan.
• Provide, within established protocols and under the supervision of the physician, treatment for uncomplicated dermatologic disorders as directed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
• Ensure that residents with decubitus ulcers receive appropriate prophylaxis and treatment, such as daily inspection, turning and activity, a well-planned diet, and maintaining a clean, dry bed.
• Give direct physical and psychological nursing care in emergencies, as well as in the presence of illness or disability in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress, and enhance the resident's ability to cope.
• Assist in the admission or discharge of residents.
• Work with other health agencies and family members in the physical and emotional transitions of admission, care, and discharge of residents as necessary
• Assist in resident rehabilitation activities. Where required, perform range of motion, assist in ambulation, provide emotional support. Monitor the results of physical therapy activities.
• Participate as requested by the Medical Director or Director of Nursing Services in the planning and conducting of in-service training classes concerning dermatologic nursing skills and procedures used within the facility
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license on a current status.
• Assist in monitoring the inventory of medications, medical supplies, and equipment to ensure an adequate supply of skin care products are on hand to meet the needs of residents.
• Be familiar with and use as appropriate all items of personal protective equipment offered by the facility, including, but not limited to, masks, gowns, gloves, and back brace to be worn when lifting.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.
• Report any complaints or grievances made by residents regarding nursing or medical care to the Director of Nursing Services. Maintain a written record of any resident's complaints or grievances communicated to you with a notation of actions taken
• Ensure that nursing staff personnel honor the resident's refusal of treatment request. Ensure that such requests are in accordance with the facility's policies governing advance directives.
• Report and investigate all allegations of resident abuse and / or misappropriation of resident property.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education & Experience