Registered Nurse

Type

Full-time, Part-time

Hours

3rd Shift

Contact Information

Contact: Shauna Zamora
Phone: 502-254-0009
Email: shauna.zamora@valhallapa.com
Website: valhallapa.com

Description

Job Description: Registered Nurse (RN) Prepared by: Human Resources (9-2018)

Position Title Registered Nurse (RN)

Department Nursing

Reports to: Director of Nursing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Purpose

The primary responsibility of your job position is to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities of the facility during your tour of duty. Such supervision must be accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern the facility and may be required by the Director of Nursing (DON)and or/Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) when applicable, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Essential Duties

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Administrative Functions

%u2022 Assist the Director of Nursing Services in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.

%u2022 Participate in developing, maintaining, and updating written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing service department.

%u2022 Ensure that reference material (i.e., PDR%u2019S, regulations, professional standards of practice, etc.) maintained at the nurses%u2019 stations is current. Recommend written material that will assist the nursing service department in meeting the day-to-day needs of the resident.

%u2022 Ensure that the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflects the day-to-day nursing procedures performed in this facility.

%u2022 Ensure that all nursing service personnel comply with the procedures set forth in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.

%u2022 Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.

%u2022 Periodically review the department%u2019s policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, etc. Make recommendations for revisions to the Director.

%u2022 Assist in developing methods for coordinating nursing services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents%u2019 total regimen of care.

%u2022 Ensure that all nursing service personnel are in compliance with their respective job descriptions.

%u2022 Participate in the development, maintenance and implementation of the facility%u2019s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.

%u2022 Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.

%u2022 Periodically review the resident%u2019s written discharge plan. Participate in the updating of the resident%u2019s written discharge plan as required.

%u2022 Assist the Director in planning the nursing services portion of the resident%u2019s discharge plan as necessary.

%u2022 Meet with the nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the department%u2019s services, programs, and activities.

%u2022 Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.

%u2022 Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.

%u2022 Interpret the department%u2019s policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies as required.

%u2022 Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as

necessary.

%u2022 Agree not to disclose assigned user ID code and password for accessing resident/facility information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.

%u2022 Agree not to disclose resident%u2019s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.

%u2022 Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility%u2019s information system.

Committee Functions

%u2022 Attend various committee meetings of the facility (i.e., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assessment, etc.) as required.

%u2022 Assist in preparing written and/or oral reports of the nursing service programs and activities to submit to such committee(s) as directed.

%u2022 Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.

%u2022 Participate in developing the agenda for the Care Plan Committee meetings as necessary.

%u2022 Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of the discharge plans and make such plans available to the Care Plan Committee as required or as may be necessary.

%u2022 Implement recommendations from established committees as instructed by the Director.

Personnel Functions

%u2022 Ensure that a sufficient number of licensed practical and/or registered nurses are available for your tour of duty to ensure that quality care is maintained.

%u2022 Ensure that a sufficient number of certified nursing assistants are available for your tour of duty to ensure that routine nursing care is provided to meet the daily nursing care needs of each resident.

%u2022 Develop work assignments, and/or assist in completing and performing such tasks.

%u2022 Delegate to each Charge Nurse the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to perform his/her assigned duties.

%u2022 Ensure that all nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved nursing assistant training program.

%u2022 Ensure that all nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.

%u2022 Make daily rounds of the nursing service department to ensure that all nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards. Report findings to the Director.

%u2022 Monitor absenteeism to ensure that an adequate number of nursing care personnel are on duty at all times. Report problem areas to the Director.

%u2022 Ensure that established policies and procedures, including dress codes, are followed by all departmental personnel.

%u2022 Review complaints and grievances made or filed by department personnel. Make appropriate reports to the Director as required or as may be necessary.

%u2022 Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to ensure that nursing services and activities can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents.

%u2022 Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift.

%u2022 Meet with your shift on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and/or to assist in the improvement of services.

%u2022 Review and evaluate your department%u2019s work force and make recommendations to the Director.

%u2022 Participate in employee performance evaluations, determining your shift%u2019s staffing requirements, and making recommendations to the Director concerning employee dismissals, transfers, etc.

%u2022 Ensure that departmental disciplinary action is administered fairly and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or marital status.

%u2022 Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility%u2019s policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.

%u2022 Report known or suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator.

%u2022 Ensure that departmental computer workstations left unattended are properly logged off or the password protected automatic screen-saver activates within established facility policy guidelines.

Nursing Care Functions

%u2022 Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions, their expected time of arrival, room assignment, etc.

%u2022 Ensure that rooms are ready for new admissions.

%u2022 Greet newly admitted residents upon admission. Escort them to their rooms as necessary

%u2022 Make rounds with physicians as necessary.

%u2022 Encourage attending physicians to record and sign progress notes, physicians%u2019 orders, etc., on a timely basis and in accordance with current regulations.

%u2022 Inform the Director when physician visits are not made in a timely manner.

%u2022 Consult with the resident, his/her family, and the resident%u2019s physician in planning the resident%u2019s care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., as necessary.

%u2022 Notify the resident%u2019s attending physician and next-of-kin when there is a change in the resident%u2019s condition.

%u2022 Visit residents on a daily basis in order to observe and evaluate each resident%u2019s physical and emotional status.

%u2022 Ensure that direct nursing care be provided by a licensed nurse, a certified nursing assistant, and/or a nurse aide trainee qualified to perform the procedure.

%u2022 Review nurses%u2019 notes to ensure that they are informative and descriptive of the nursing care being provided, that they reflect the resident%u2019s response to the care, and that such care is provided in accordance with the resident%u2019s wishes.

%u2022 Provide direct nursing care as necessary.

%u2022 Start IVs, obtain sputum, urine and other specimens for lab tests as ordered.

%u2022 Take TPRs, blood pressures, etc., as necessary.

%u2022 Admit, transfer and discharge residents as necessary.

%u2022 Report problem areas to the Director. Assist in developing and implementing corrective action.

%u2022 Keep the Director informed of the status of residents and other related matters through written/oral reports.

%u2022 Assist the Charge Nurse in monitoring seriously ill residents.

%u2022 Authorize the use of restraints when necessary and in accordance with our facilities policies and procedures.

%u2022 Ensure that all RNs and LPNs on your shift comply with written procedures for the administration, storage, and control of medications and supplies.

%u2022 Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to ensure that medications are being administered as ordered and that treatments are provided as scheduled.

%u2022 Review medication cards for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of physician orders, and adherence to stop order policies.

%u2022 Inspect the nursing service treatment areas daily to ensure that they are maintained in a clean and safe manner.

%u2022 Ensure that residents who are unable to call for help are checked frequently.

%u2022 Meet with residents, and/or family members, as necessary. Report problems to the Director.

%u2022 Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents as necessary.

%u2022 Inform family members of the death of the resident.

%u2022 Call funeral homes when requested by the family.

Staff Development

%u2022 Participate in developing, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes that provide instructions on %u201Chow to do the job,%u201D and ensure a well-educated nursing service department.

%u2022 Assist the In-service Director/Educator in developing annual facility in-service training programs (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, Safety, Infection Control, etc.).

%u2022 Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.

%u2022 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.

Safety and Sanitation

%u2022 Assist the Safety Officer in developing safety standards for the nursing service department as necessary.

%u2022 Assist the Director and/or Infection Control Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and classifying routine and jobrelated functions to ensure that tasks in which there is potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.

%u2022 Ensure that all personnel performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids participate in appropriate in-service training programs prior to performing such tasks.

%u2022 Ensure that an adequate supply of personal protective equipment is on hand and readily available to personnel who perform procedures that involve exposure to blood or body fluids.

%u2022 Ensure that personnel follow established procedures for the use and disposal of personal protective equipment.

%u2022 Monitor your shift%u2019s personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies.

%u2022 Ensure that all nursing service personnel comply with established departmental policies and procedures.

%u2022 Ensure that nursing service work areas (i.e., nurses%u2019 stations, medicine preparation rooms, etc.) are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.

%u2022 Ensure that all resident care rooms, treatment areas, etc., are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.

%u2022 Ensure that nursing service personnel follow established handwashing and hand hygiene procedures.

%u2022 Ensure that nursing service personnel participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner.

%u2022 Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the infection control program for monitoring communicable and/or infectious diseases among the residents and personnel.

%u2022 Ensure that nursing service personnel follow established infection control procedures when isolation precautions become necessary.

%u2022 Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.

%u2022 Ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving residents.

%u2022 Report missing/illegible labels and MSDSs to the safety officer or other designated person.

Equipment and Supply Functions

%u2022 Recommend to the Director the equipment and supply needs of the department.

%u2022 Ensure that an adequate stock level of medications, medical supplies, equipment, etc., is maintained on premises at all times to meet the needs of the resident.

%u2022 Assist the Maintenance Director in developing a preventive maintenance program for maintaining the nursing service department%u2019s equipment and supplies in a safe and operable manner.

%u2022 Participate in the development and implementation of the procedures for the safe operation of all nursing service equipment.

%u2022 Ensure that only trained and authorized personnel operate the nursing service department%u2019s equipment.

%u2022 Ensure that all personnel operate nursing service equipment in a safe manner.

%u2022 Monitor nursing procedures to ensure that nursing service supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.

%u2022 Ensure that appropriate MSDSs are on file for hazardous chemicals used in the nursing service department.

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

%u2022 Participate in the development of written preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the nursing needs of each resident as necessary.

%u2022 Participate in the development of a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care.

%u2022 Encourage the resident to participate in the development and review of his/her care plan.

%u2022 Review resident care plans for appropriate resident goals, problems, approaches, and revisions based on nursing needs.

%u2022 Ensure that all personnel involved in providing care to the resident are aware of the resident%u2019s care plan. Ensure that nursing personnel refer to the resident%u2019s care plan prior to administering daily care to the resident.

%u2022 Review nurses%u2019 notes to determine if the care plan is being followed.

%u2022 Assist the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling, and revising the MDS, including the implementation of RAPs and Triggers.

%u2022 Review resident%u2019s medical and nursing treatments to ensure that they are provided in accordance with the resident%u2019s care plan and wishes.

Budget and Planning Functions

%u2022 Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations, and recommend to the Director adjustments in nursing services that ensure the continued ability to provide quality care.

%u2022 Recommend to the Director the equipment needs of the nursing service department.

%u2022 Report suspected or known incidence of fraud relative to false billings, cost reports, kickbacks, etc.

Supervisory Requirements

Assist with the overall supervision of and management of the nursing staff. As RN, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience Must posess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree an accredited college or university.

Must have training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices. 2 years or more experience preferably in a long-term care facility.

Language Skills Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.

Mathematical Skills Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability Must possess

%u2022 the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action with the ability to solve practical problems.

%u2022 the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

%u2022 leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

%u2022 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 demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.

Be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.

Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.

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%u2019s condition.

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Must posess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN in this state. Current CPR certification.

Knowledge and experience with PCC preferred.

Must maintain all required continuing education/licensing.

Must remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing at all times.

Physical Demands

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.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses%u2019 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.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.

Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.

Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.). Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents%u2019 needs.

Updated on October 25, 2019