Director of Nursing

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall supervision, provision, and quality of nursing care in the Health Center and residential apartments. The Director is responsible for the selection, training, discipline, and supervision for all nursing related Health Center personnel. The Director is responsible for the procurement of appropriate supplies and equipment and operating within the departmental budget.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the development, organization, and operation of nursing services and assistance-in-living services for the Health Center and residential apartments.
• Responsible for the coordination of nursing services for apartment and Health Center residents including the procurement of outside sources such as: Home Health Care Services, private duty, hospice, rehabilitation services, psychological, etc. necessary to ensure that residents’ needs are met. Communicates and meets with outside consultants, when necessary, to assess and make recommendations for resident care needs.
• Responsible for the coordination and direction of the total planning for nursing services including recommendation through a staffing plan of the number and levels of licensed nurses and certified nurse aides to be employed.
• Recruits and selects, with the Executive Director’s approval, nursing services personnel.
• Develops and maintains a schedule of daily rounds and assignments of duties for all nursing staff to assure 24 hour coverage sufficient to meet federal and state regulatory requirements and Facility standards of care.
• Participates in the coordination of resident care services through departmental staff meetings. Attends and prepares necessary information for the Quarterly Assurance Meetings and annual policy review.
• Develops and participates in a new staff orientation program for his/her employees, including private duty and agency staff.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintains high visibility with residents in the Health Center and apartment residents. Makes frequent tours of resident rooms to ensure quality of care on all shifts and the general safety of the Health Center environment.
• Evaluates all admissions for appropriate level of care and/or for Medicare coverage/denial. Ensure maintenance of the Medicare log, signatures for certifications/recertification, and Medicare documentation.
• Orders all nursing supplies, office supplies, and equipment for the Health Center. Submits quarterly inventory to accounting department.
• Attends Health Center and apartment resident social functions, as appropriate.
• Routinely inspects medical records for accuracy.
• Develops and maintains a statement of philosophy and standards of care that outlines the quality of nursing and medical care that the Facility provides.
• Develops and maintains written nursing standards of practice to be ratified by the governing body. Such standards shall include, but not be limited to: defining routine care to be provided by licensed nurses and certified nurse aides and determination of when more care is needed.
• Develops and maintains nursing service policies and procedures to implement the standards of care. This shall include the coordination and integration of nursing services with other resident care services.
• Participates in planning an annual budget for department. Ensures monthly expenditures for department remain within budgeted allowances. Reviews monthly operating statement for accuracy and explain variances to budget.
• Performs specific work duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
• Coordinates required and supplemental in‑service education programs appropriate for all job categories of Facility staff to increase knowledge of competence in job skills for the benefit of staff and residents, in cooperation with the Medical Director and Executive Director. Utilizes vendors, consultants and the medical community as appropriate.
• Maintains clinical skills through nursing education related to geriatrics.
• Ensures that significant clinical developments of residents are reported to their physicians, the Medical Director, the Executive Director, and State, as necessary.
• Reviews the nursing requirements of each resident admitted to the Health Center and assist the attending physician in planning care.
• Completes written probationary and annual evaluations of all nursing staff.
• Appoints, with the Executive Director’s approval, a nurse to act in his/her behalf during temporary absences. Designates a nurse in charge each shift.
• Establishes procedures to ensure that nursing personnel, including private duty nursing staff, have valid and current licenses as required by federal and state regulations.

• Must have effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Work as a team and assist all other department members when needed.
• Be able to work cooperatively with other healthcare professionals and other departments within the system.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in writing, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Must communicate with internal and external contacts in a professional manner.
• Have the ability to maintain a professional relationship with physicians, patients, visitors, and staff by demonstrating appropriate interpersonal skills and demeanor.
• Possesses knowledge of and implements infection control and universal precaution practices.

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Maintains a current license with the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Have at least two years experience in geriatric nursing and/or Bachelor’s in Nursing.
• Have a current card for the successful completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR – Healthcare Provider).
• Have a minimum of two years nursing administration experience, preferably in a long-term care setting.

The Director of Nursing will have personal contact with all levels of Carillon staff, residents, other healthcare professionals, and government agencies.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS

The Director of Nursing must be able to lift up to and over 50 lbs., move, and transfer resident as needed (10%). The position requires bending (10%), stooping (10%), crouching (10%), walking (30%), pushing (10%), pulling (10%), and the ability to climb at least 8 flights of stairs. Have the ability to move throughout the facility promptly, especially in emergency situations. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. frequently, and 50 lbs. occasionally. Must be able to walk or stand for up to 80% of the workday. May occasionally be subject to physically or mentally violent residents. Some disagreeable odors, blood borne, and air borne pathogens present. All five senses must be intact or correctable to acceptable levels and be mentally alert. Have the ability to tolerate moderate to high stress levels and work closely with others.

EQUIPMENT USED

The Director of Nursing will use the following equipment: various medical equipment utilized in the care of patients, computer and various computer programs, copy machine, fax machine, and telephone usage.

OSHA TASK CATEGORY I

Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

COMPLIANCE

Responsible for abiding by all Carillon policies and procedures to include the Code of Ethics and the principles and standards set forth for conducting the business and affairs of Carillon, Inc.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA )

The Director of Nursing will be responsible for abiding by all Carillon policies and procedures relating to HIPAA.