LPN / RN staff nurse 11-7

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not  intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

SUMMARY :   The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to the residents and to supervise the  daytoday nursing activities performed by the Nursing Assistants in accordance with the Nurse Practice  Act; current federal, state and local standards; guidelines and regulations that govern the center; and as  may be  required by  the Director of Nursing Services  or Assistant Director of Nursing / Unit Manager  to  ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Direct  the  daytoday  functions  of  the  Nursing  Assistants  in  accordance  with  current  rules,  regulations, and guidelines that govern the longterm care center.

Ensure that all nursing personnel assigned to you comply with the written policies and procedures  established by the center.

Ensure  that all  nursing  service  personnel  comply with  the  procedures  set  forth in  the Nursing  Service Procedure Manual.

Make  written  and  oral  reports / recommendations  concerning  the  activities  of  your  shift  as  required.

Cooperate with  other  resident  services when  coordinating  nursing  services  to ensure  that  the  residents’ total regimen of care is maintained.

Participate in center surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as may be  requested.

Assist in planning the nursing services portion of the residents’ discharge plans as required.

Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.

Complete accident / incident reports as necessary.

Complete  and  file  required  record  keeping  forms  upon  the  residents’  admissions,  transfers,  and / or discharges.

Receive telephone orders from physicians and transcribe as required by center policy.

Chart nurses’ notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to  the residents, as well as the residents’ responses to the care.

Perform  routine  and  required  documentation / charting  duties  in  accordance  with  established  policies and procedures.

Sign and date all entries.

Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician in accordance with federal, state,  and local regulations and as required by center policy.

Order  prescribed  medications,  supplies,  and  equipment  as  necessary  and  in  accordance  with  established policies.

Ensure that narcotics are handled in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and as  required by center policy and that narcotic records are accurate for your shift.

Participate  in  associate  performance  evaluations  and  making  recommendations  to  the  Nurse  Supervisor concerning associate dismissals, transfers, etc.

Develop work assignments.

Make daily rounds of your unit / shift to ensure that nursing service personnel are performing their  work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards.

Meet with the nursing personnel on your shift on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying  and / or to improve services.

Understand and implement the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures.  Instigate an Associate  Memorandum involving all stages of disciplinary action up to and including discharge.  Ensure  that departmental disciplinary action is administered fairly and without regard to race, color,  creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or marital status.

Make rounds with physicians as necessary.

Consult with the residents’ physicians in providing the residents’ care, treatment, rehabilitation,  etc. as necessary.

Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards.

Notify the residents’ attending physicians and nextofkin when there is a change in the residents’  conditions or if the residents are involved in an incident or accident.

Administer  professional  services such as catheterizations,  tube  feedings,  suction, applying and  changing dressings / bandages, packs, colostomy and drainage bags, etc. as required.

Ensure that personnel providing direct care to residents are providing such care in accordance  with the residents’ care plans and wishes.

Attend and participate in all center inservice programs as required.

Maintain  professional  competence  through  participation  in  continuing  education  programs,  seminars, and training programs.

Monitor assigned personnel to ensure established safety regulations are followed in the use of  equipment and supplies.

Ensure that established departmental policies and procedures are followed by self and assigned  personnel.

Ensure  work  area,  unit,  resident  care  rooms,  treatment  areas,  etc.,  are  maintained  in  a  confidential, safe and sanitary manner.

Ensure self and assigned personnel follow established infection control procedures.

Review care plans to ensure that appropriate care is being rendered.

Ensure nursing documentation reflects that the care plan is being followed when administering  nursing care or treatment.

Ensure  assigned  Licensed   Certified  Nursing  Assistants  (CNAs)  are  aware of and carry out resident care plans.

Assist the Resident Assessment / Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling, and revising the  MDS, including the implementation of CAAs and triggers.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Must hold a current and valid LPN / RN license in the state employed.

Completion of postsecondary education and be able to read, write, and follow oral and written  directions.

Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance as required.

Must be able to work weekend and overtime as required.

Must meet all local health regulations and pass postemployment exam, if required.

Related experience at a level necessary to accomplish this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT :

Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, bending, lifting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing, and pulling.

Willing to work beyond normal working hours and during disastrous circumstances, as needed.

Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents, families, and outside agencies and to work cooperatively with other associates.

Ability to present to groups.

Ability to remain calm under stress.

Ability to communicate with local staff, remote staff, and outside agencies.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

Understand, comply with, and promote rules regarding residents’ rights.

Maintain an orderly, confidential, and safe work environment.

Adhere to all Company and departmental policies and procedures.

Practice universal precautions at all times.

Perform other duties as assigned.