Staff Nurse

Description

POSITION DETAILS

• Sign On Bonus $5,000 
• Full Time 40 hours
• Day and Evening Shift available 

POSITION SUMMARY

Provided nursing care for residents on the assigned unit following established Sherrill House procedures and acceptable nursing care practices.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment

• Collects data about the health status of residents with consideration of their physical, psychological, and social needs.
• Applies knowledge of normal aging including age-related changes, and changes with illness and accidents.
• Completes written assessments, identifying resident problems and assessing mental status.
• Identifies changes in resident status and initiates appropriate protocols.
• Identifies and assesses emotional needs of residents.
• Assesses the environment of the unit to accommodate sensory needs of residents.
• Validates and supervises collection of data for MDS.

Planning

• Initiates plans of care based on identified resident problems, strengths, and individualized goals.
• Consults with physicians, nurse practitioners, resident care manager, charge nurse and supervisors concerning changes in status.
• Updates plan of care as necessary based on continued assessment of the resident.
• Develops plans of care to promote independence and maximum functioning.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Team Conferences.
• Supervises other team member with the development of plans of care.
• Prioritizes and organizes the delivery of resident care.

Implementation

• Provides direct care to residents.
• Follows established policies and procedures of Nursing Services to ensure safe and uniform nursing practice.
• Documents nursing care using the SOAP format.
• Respects the privacy and dignity of residents.
• Communicates information to other disciplines and staff on the unit.
• Teaches residents about health-related issues.
• Fosters resident decision-making.
• Uses positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills with residents.

Evaluation

• Evaluates effectiveness of interventions to achieve individual goals.
• Documents resident's progress in the monthly summary notes.
• Documents changes in status according to established protocols.

Leadership

• Assumes responsibility for delegating resident care based on skills of staff members.
• Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of Nursing Services and Sherrill House.
• Acts as a resource person to nursing staff for resident care, orientation and ongoing development of staff.
• Supervises nursing care of other nursing personnel on the unit.
• Promotes good working relationships among staff and between disciplines.
• Oversees the environment of the unit to promote resident comfort and safety.
• Assumes other responsibilities as delegated by the Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor.
• Provides leadership in problem-solving clinical and unit issues.
• Contributes suggestions for ways to improve quality of life for residents.
• Provides clinical leadership in emergency situations.
• Establishes positive relationships with families and encourages the involvement of families and visitors.

Professional Development

• Identifies learning needs.
• Participates in continuing education.
• Attends scheduled meetings.

Meets Condition of Employment

• Conforms to standards stated in the Code of Conduct.
• Meets health requirements.
• Complies with OSHA guidelines by using personal protective equipment, practicing Universal Precautions, and following established workplace practices to ensure safety of self and others.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Essential Qualifications:

To perform this job, an individual must possess the skills and experience required to perform each of the primary responsibilities listed in the job description.

The requirements listed below are representative of the required skills, knowledge and experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:

Specific Requirements/Competencies

• Authorization by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to practice as a Registered Nurse.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Educational Requirements: Licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Experience: Two years clinical experience and a degree of knowledge and competency within the field of gerontological nursing.

Computer Skills: Ability to utilize a management information system for the purposes of collecting and analyzing data, maintaining files, providing summary reports and communicating relevant information to department managers, administrative staff and the governing board.