RN - Registered Nurse

Position Eligible for $4000 Special CompensationThe primary purpose of your job position is to provide direct nursing care to the residents, and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Such supervision must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing Services or Nurse Supervisor to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN or LPN/LVN in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Ensures that all nursing service personnel comply with the procedures set forth in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Performs administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
• Charts nurses’ notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident’s response to the care.
• Prepares and administers medications as ordered by the physician.
• Requisitions and arranges for diagnostic and therapeutic services, as ordered by the physician, and in accordance with our established procedures.
• Notifies the resident’s attending physician and next-of-kin when there is a change in the resident’s condition.
• Administers professional services such as; catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy, and drainage bags, taking blood, giving massages and range of motion exercises, care for the dead/dying, etc., as required.
• Monitors seriously ill residents as necessary.
• Ensures that personnel providing direct care to residents are providing such care in accordance with the resident’s care plan and wishes.
• Assists the Director of Nursing and/or Infection Control Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks in which there is potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university, or be a graduate of an approved LPN/LVN program.
• On-the-job training provided.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.