ADON Assistant Director of Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY

The  Assistant Director of Nursing  is responsible for assisting the Director of Nursing in planning, organizing, developing, and directing the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Services Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards governing the facility to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides direct nursing care to assigned patients / residents on a designated unit (sub-acute or dementia care) on a shift basis :

a. Identifies patient / resident care needs and provides direct nursing care according to the individual plan of care and as directed by immediate supervisor;

b. Establishes and maintains a positive rapport with patients / residents, family members, visitors, etc., in providing direct nursing care;

c. Completes all activities of daily living; e.g., bathing, feeding, grooming, dressing, toileting, etc., in accordance with established policies, procedures, and prescribed timeframes;

d. Properly answers call bells in a timely fashion for assigned patients / residents and any others on the unit;

e. Promptly reports any suspected or actual patient / resident neglect to immediate supervisor;

f. Promptly responds to emergency patient / resident situations, notifying immediate supervisor as required;

g. Functions as an effective member of the patient / resident care team by completing and documenting assignments in a timely, accurate, and caring manner. Effectively collaborates with other care team members to create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positivity throughout the unit;

h. Under the direction of the Charge Nurse, utilizes appropriate individualized behavior monitoring techniques with patients / residents in accordance with the interdisciplinary plan of care;

i. Maintains and encourages the independence of patient / residents based on their individual abilities. Works with Therapists to contribute to the progress of each patient / resident in ADLs and mobility;

j. Properly completes required documentation on daily flow sheets;

k. Dependent upon specific unit assignment, may :

Accompany patients / residents to physicians’ offices for consultations, remain with and assist patient / resident during visit, and speak with physician on behalf of patient / resident;

Coordinate daily plan of care with care team leader and document files;

Coordinate rest periods and activities for patients / residents around their daily appointments and therapy sessions;

Assist with bowel and bladder retaining for those patients / residents who are incontinent;

Welcome and assist with new admissions, obtain vital signs, weight, height, complete inventory sheet, and appropriately label patient / resident belongings and equipment;

Maintain special precautions for certain diagnoses; e.g., hip precautions for patients / residents with hip replacements, etc.

2. Strictly adheres to safety and infection control rules, regulations, policies, and procedures :

a. Follows universal precaution procedures at all times;

b. Utilizes equipment in patient / resident care procedures properly and safely with minimal risk to self and others and in compliance with operating instructions;

c. Identifies potential safety hazards and promptly reports hazards to the appropriate department in a timely fashion either verbally or in writing;

d. Adheres to established policy and procedures regarding patient / resident neglect;

e. Follows established emergency procedures to include fire, disaster, and evacuation plans and procedures.

3. Actively participates in performance improvement activities and special projects, as required or as assigned. May serve as a participant on various internal committees.

General Responsibilities :

1. Performs all tasks and duties in an efficient and safe manner.

2. Performs other related duties as assigned or as necessary. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by departmental and organizational needs.

3. Represents facility in a manner that conveys professionalism, confidentiality, courtesy, fairness, personal integrity, and respect for others.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a Registered Nurse in good standing and meet all applicable federal and state licensure requirements
• Must be able to supervise and instruct others
• Previous experience in hospital, long-term care facility, or other healthcare related facility
• Must be knowledgeable of general, rehabilitative, and restorative nursing and medical practices and procedures and laws, regulations and guidelines governing long-term care
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills required
• Must be able to supervise and instruct others
• Must have a positive attitude towards the elderly
• Ability to speak and understand English