REGISTERED NURSE

POSITION:
The primary function of the Registered Nurse is to insure effective and efficient nursing care is provided as prescribed by the physician and as required by the facilitys policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBLE TO:
This position is responsible to the Director of Nursing.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Accurately prepare, administer and document medications, tests upon which the administration of medications are dependent, and perform treatments according to the physicians orders and as directed by the facilitys policies and procedures
• Record time spent performing individual treatments in accordance with ancillary services policy on the medication/treatment record
• Assess the residents response to medication regime with prompt notification to the physician of any adverse effects
• Notify the physician of refusal of medication/treatments and/or non-compliance with treatment plan
• Inform resident and family member of mediation/treatment plan and new orders with explanation of the type, purpose and potential side effects of the medication/treatment
• Insure proper storage and security of drugs and biologicals in accordance with the facilitys policies and procedures
• Insure drug ordering and receiving policies and procedures are followed in accordance with the facilitys policies and procedures
• Insure correct disposal of sharps
• Keep medication cart and room neat, clean and medication correctly stored
• Keep medication refrigerator clean, at correct temperature and items stored labeled and dated
• Assist the Charge Nurse as required which includes but is not limited to assessment of residents on change of condition, notification of physician and families, admissions, discharges or transfers, weekly progress note documentation, MDS assessment and care plans
• Assist in orientation and training of new nursing personnel, as required
• Practice, implement and supervise Infection Control and Universal Precaution policies and procedures
• Practice, implement and supervise safety policies and procedures
• Participate in Quality Assurance Program
• React appropriately to emergencies and disaster situations
• Assist in teaching of resident, families, and personnel on specific procedures
• Assist with physician rounds and orders, as required
• Assist with monitoring and supervising of dining program and meal service as assigned
• Respond to audit reports with prompt corrective action
• Attend in-service education and staff meetings as required

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
• Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
• Ability to read, speak and understand English, follow directions and complete assigned responsibilities
• Support facility administration, philosophy of care, and the policies and procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all facility staff members
• Interest and awareness of changes and advancement in geriatric nursing and regulations
• Ability to demonstrate, supervise direct nursing care to improve standards of nursing
• Maintain a neat, clean, well-groomed, professional appearance
• Dependability
• Maintain an acceptable standard of nursing practice and professional decorum
• Knowledge of County, State, and Federal laws and regulations, as applicable, governing long term care nursing facilities
• Knowledge and implementation of the facilitys policies and procedures
• Be courteous, considerate and cooperative when communicating with all facility staff, residents and public
• Promote and maintain good public relations on behalf of the facility
• Able to carry out the essential functions of this job (with or without reasonable accommodation) without posing specific, current risk of substantial harm to health and safety of self and others
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending and reaching.
• 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 meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Must be able to stand for and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Requires infrequent lifting of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carts.
• Infrequent transporting of residents.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population. Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Graduate of accredited school of nursing
License:
Current, active license as a Registered Nurse

Work Experience:

Experience in long term geriatric nursing care and/or training in supervision preferred

Language Skills:

• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.

Mathematical Skills:

• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.

Communication Skills:

• Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.