Asst. Director of Nurses

Summary Description:

Assists the Director of Nursing in the overall management of the Nursing Department.

Prefer: Registered Nurse

*Pay varies based on License held and experience*

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Assists in ensuring quality nursing care to all patients/residents. Supports and practices the philosophy, nursing objectives and policies and procedures of the Department of Nursing.

2. Assists the Director of Nursing to ensure that the nursing department is adequately staffed to provide care to patients/residents.

3. Assists the Director of Nursing to ensure that the provision of in-service/staff development programs that contribute to meeting nursing objectives and policies and procedures, comply with state and federal regulations.

4. Provides clinical expertise to facilitate and support the nursing process in patient/resident interventions.

5. Assists in ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for patients/residents, employees and visitors.

6. Acts as Director of Nursing in the absence of same as described in the Director of Nursing position description.

7. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing and/or the Administrator.

8. Assists in ensuring quality nursing care to all patients/residents. Supports and practices the philosophy, nursing objectives and policies and procedures of the Department of Nursing.

A. Includes the philosophy, objectives and policies and procedures of the nursing department in the orientation and education of nursing service personnel.

B. Participates in the implementation of the patient/resident care planning process to comply with patient/resident needs and regulatory agency requirements.

C. Makes regular rounds on nursing units, on all shifts, to assess performance of nursing staff and monitor the quality of care provided to patients/residents.

D. Assists with ensuring nursing department compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.

E. Participates in internal audits of nursing practice and in the plan of correction when deficits are identified.

F. Participates in ensuring all facets of the nursing budget are within established parameters.

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G. Participates in the quality assessment and improvement process and activities, ex. Audit of MD orders monthly.

9. Assists the DON to ensure that the nursing department is adequately staffed to provide quality care to patients/residents by assisting with:

A. Establishing and facilitating effective employer/employee relations.

B. Recruiting and selecting nursing service personnel based on facility need as directed by the Director of Nursing.

C. Ensuring forms and processes related to hiring are completed for new employees.

D. Ensuring staffing of the nursing department is at a level congruent with patient/resident needs, budgeted positions and employee request.

E. Scheduling nursing manpower to support individual and group activities for patients/residents out of the facility.

F. Participating in orientation sessions for nursing service personnel.

G. The evaluation of performance for all levels of nursing service personnel.

H. Participating in "on-call" schedule for nursing supervisory personnel to ensure 24/7 nursing support for staff nurses.

10. Assists the DON to ensure the provision of in-service/staff development programs that contribute to meeting nursing objectives and policies and procedures comply with state and federal regulations. Note: if full time Staff Development Coordinator is available, then the ADON assists in the DON absence.

A. Ensures that all nursing assistants complete or have completed the certified training program.

B. Ensures staff development programs address the needs of patients/residents and nursing staff.

C. Evaluates process of staff development programs to determine success of program and future needs.

11. Provides clinical expertise to facilitate and support the nursing process in patient/resident interventions compliant with the States Nurse Practice Act for RN, LPN or LVN.

A. Makes nursing rounds in a manner that identifies specific patient/resident problems and monitors plan of action implemented by nursing

B. Assesses technical skills of nursing personnel by observation of various nursing procedures as directed by Director of Nursing.

C. Assesses nursing judgments made in specific situations to determine staff competence and to identify staff knowledge and performance deficits as directed by Director of Nursing.

D. Acts as clinical expert or facilitator in specific patient/resident situations.

E. Identifies clinical program areas for Director of Nursing and assists with development of plan of correction.

F. Acts as clinical expert in facilitating the patient/resident care planning process.

G. Assists in the development of a daily patient/resident care assignment that meets patient/resident and facility needs.

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12. Assists in ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for patients, residents, employees and visitors.

A. Participates in ensuring a safe environment for patients/residents, staff and families.

B. Investigates all nursing department employee accidents in accordance with procedures outlined in the facility's safety policies and procedures.

C. Monitors and reviews patient/resident incidents to identify possible legal issues and to identify patterns that might require preventive intervention.

D. May implement infection control policies and procedures as outlined in the company program (the SDC may also do this). Ensures that all nursing staff are educated and utilize infection control practices that protect staff, patients/residents and families.

13. May act as Director of Nursing in the absence of same as described in the Director of Nursing position description.

A. Understands the expectations of the Director of Nursing and related delegated authority.

B. Assumes full responsibility for the Department of Nursing when functioning in this role.

14. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing.

A. Serves as a member of facility committees as assigned by the Director of Nursing.

B. Participates in the development, implementation and revision of facility policies, standards and procedures.

Other Duties:

1. As this job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, the employee will be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Responsibilities:

1. Supports the Facility.

2. Is knowledgeable of patient/resident rights and promotes an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.

3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:

A. Safety, including precautions and safe work practices, established fire /safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.

B. Confidentiality and privacy of all data, including patient/resident, employee and operations data.

C.

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Compliance with all regulatory requirements.

D. Compliance with and enforcement of current law and policy to provide a work environment free from harassment and all illegal and discriminatory behavior.

4. Supports and participates in common teamwork:

A. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment.

B. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations.

C. Reports complaints, problems and concerns regarding co-workers, management or residents in accordance with company policy.

D. Promotes positive public relations with patients, residents, family members and guests.

E. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned.

5. Agrees to comply with the Code of Conduct.

Employment Standards:

Education: Licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Experience: A minimum of three to five years of nursing experience; one to five years of long - term care experience, preferred.

License/Other: Must possess current RN license in state(s) in which practicing based on state regulation by facility. Must have a reliable source of transportation.

Working Conditions:

Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility. Must be able to move about intermittently during working hours including standing, lifting, bending, stooping, twisting, pushing and pulling. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language. Must be able to transfer residents and assist in emergency evacuations. Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies /personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances. Must be able to relate and work with the disabled, ill, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility. May be involved in community/civic health matters/projects. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses. Must be able to effectively communicate with the management staff, medical staff, nursing staff, and other unit supervisors.

Maintains a liaison with residents, their families, support staff, etc. to assure that the residents' needs are continually met.