Assistant Director of Nursing

Are you a leader, do you have a passion for helping your team members grow and succeed?  This is the role for you!  

Position Authority and Accountability:

The Assistant Director of Nursing works with the DON to provide and manage the Nursing Department including but not limited to human and material resources. The assistant director of nursing has primary responsibility and accountability for the provision, planning, organization, development and direction of quality nursing services and care to facility residents and families in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to facility policies and procedures and budgetary guidelines. Technical and professional assistance and guidance will be made available by the Administrator, DON, Medical Director, Nurse Consultant.  

Delegation of Authority:

As the Assistant Director of Nursing, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties under the supervision of the DON.

Training/Education/Licensure/Skills or Proficiency Requirements:

• Current, valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse/ Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Iowa is required.
• Functional literacy in written and spoken English.
• Management and supervisory skills.
• First-hand knowledge of long-term care setting and gerontological nursing.
• Knowledge of Federal and State long-term care regulations and laws

General Functions:

• Functions as an in-house supervisor regarding standards of practice, Federal and State regulations and laws, and professional code of ethics governing nursing services.
• Serves as a role model for nursing and other facility personnel by following Code of Ethics and Employee in Good Standing.
• Adheres to and enforces facility policies and procedures including but not limited to infection control, safety, resident rights, and chain of command and authority.
• Directs use of, and assist in establishing appropriate procedures for the economical utilization of nursing equipment, supplies, and space.
• Assumes accountability for information in personnel policies, supervision, and employee handbook.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident, employee, and facility information.
• Presents a neat and professional appearance consistent with expectations of others.
• Reports to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability, punctuality and complies with attendance policies.

Assists Administrator in marketing, public relations, and community awareness activities.

Assists Administrator in planning of the nursing department budget and requirements, operate within established budgetary guidelines.

Monitors and purchases supplies necessary to operate the nursing department within established guidelines. Recommends necessary or needed equipment to Administrator.

Accepts assigned duties, instructions, and/or correction in cooperative manner, voicing concerns or disagreement in a professional manner.

Participates in in-service training and other educational programs and completing assignments, return demonstrations, etc as necessary.

Consistently works with residents, families, staff, consultants, physicians, and ancillary service providers in a cooperative manner.

Performs other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.

Resident Care and Service:

Oversees, directs, and coordinates the development and implementation of nursing department objectives, performance standards of nursing practice for each category of nursing personnel, and nursing policies and procedures, in SNF, RCF and AL-Memory Unit.

Assures appropriate procedures are initiated and followed by nursing staff regarding inquiries and placement of residents, such as gathering of pertinent and necessary information, pre-admission screening, and determination of placement appropriateness to assure the residents needs can reasonably be met. Coordinates resident admissions, transfers and discharges assuring they are conducted as smoothly as possible and in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and policies.

Assures timely and accurate assessment/reassessment of resident’s needs, development, and the implementation of individualized plans of care and evaluation of resident response to the plan of care, in compliance with applicable regulations. Oversees resident care conferences.

Assures residents receive care, treatments, medications, and other nursing services according to established individualized plans of care and physician’s instructions.

Directs the nursing department implementation of the "Residents Bill of Rights"              

Assures the monitoring and controls of medication administration and storage applicable with regulations, laws, and standards of practice.

Assumes accountability for all resident care and documentation of such. Monitors quality of service provided and initiates corrective action as necessary.

Assures adequate policies and procedures are in place to manage emergency situations and other systems breakdowns with minimal impact on resident cares.

Receives, investigates, and resolves concerns from residents/families in accord with positive customer relations principles. Reports same to administrator promptly.                                                       

Assists with resident care and treatment as required or necessary.

Assures that established standards of nursing practice are employed throughout the facility.

Maintains positive relations and open communication with other department heads, consultants, physicians and other health care providers, hospital nursing staff and discharge coordinators, and other related agencies and facilities to ensure that the best possible service can be achieved. Assures cooperation and coordination between nursing personnel and other facility departments to provide quality care in a clean, safe, comfortable environment. 

Evaluates need and recommends to the administrator the number and level of nursing personnel to be employed. Assures that sufficient levels of personnel are scheduled to meet resident needs. Assures that nursing department applicants are interviewed and hired according to facility guidelines.

Assures counseling interviews and disciplinary actions within the department are conducted as needed and documented according to facility guidelines.

Provides regular feedback and written performance appraisals according to applicable rules, regulations and facility procedures and timelines. Recommends promotions, demotions, and terminations.

Communicates with nursing personnel daily at all levels, providing clear, concise information and feedback, specific assignments. Conducts regular staff meetings for purposes of coordinating, planning and implementation of nursing policies and procedures.

Implements educational programs for nursing personnel in accord with applicable regulations, professional standards, and facility policy. Assures adequate new employee training and orientation and on the job training, compliance with Federal and State training requirements ie: OSHA and OBRA.

Administrative Functions:

Assist in the planning, development, organization, implementation, evaluation and direct the nursing service department, as well as its programs and activities, in SNF, RCF, and Assisted Living-Memory Unit..

Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day function of the nursing department.

Maintain an appropriate reference library of nursing materials (i.e.: PDR's, Federal and State regulations, etc.) that will assist the nursing department in meeting the needs of the residents.

Develop, maintain, and periodically update the nursing services procedures manual and nursing objectives and philosophies.

Serve on, participate in, and attend various committees necessary to ensure optimum operation of the nursing department and meet resident needs.

Schedule, attend, and participate in development of Care Plan Committee meetings to maintain care plan time frames.

Review complaints and grievances made by residents or staff. Provide the administrator with written reports of these findings.

Personnel Functions:

Determine the staffing requirements for the nursing department necessary to ensure that resident needs are met.

Recommend the number and level of nursing personnel required.

Ensure that all nursing assistants have competed or are enrolled in an approved certification program.

Ensure that all CNA'S are under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel.

Develop work assignments and schedule and or assist nursing supervisory personnel in completing and performing such tasks.

Delegate to nursing supervisory personnel the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to perform their assigned duties.

Assist supervisory personnel in completing performance evaluations of staff on at least an annual basis and on employee introductory periods.

Make daily rounds to ensure that nursing personnel are performing their work assignments.

Monitor absenteeism.

Monitor and report occupational exposures to infectious materials,