Charge Nurse RN Weekends

PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB POSITION

The primary purpose of your job position is to administer and supervise the day-to-day nursing activities of the facility during your shift. Such supervision must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As a Charge Nurse you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

A criteria-based performance evaluation will be done using components of this job description and documentation of your daily activities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

• 1.1 Direct the day-to day functions of the Certified Nursing Assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.
• 1.2 Participate in the maintaining, and updating of our written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Department as requested.
• 1.3 Ensure that the Nursing Procedures Manual is followed by nursing employees, and that it reflects the day-today nursing care procedures used by this facility.
• 1.4 Assist in coordinating nursing services with other Resident services to ensure the continuity of the Residents' total regiment of care.
• 1.5 Ensure that all nursing employees are following their respective job descriptions as is possible.
• 1.6 Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., in accordance with policies, rules and regulations in a timely manner.
• 1.7 Participate in the maintenance and implementation of the facility's Quality Assurance Improvement Program for the Nursing Department as requested.
• 1.8 Participate in surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested.
• 1.9 Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Unit Manager as necessary/required, concerning the operations of the Nursing Department.
• 1.10 Periodically review the department's policies and procedure manuals, job descriptions, etc. Make recommendations for revisions.
• 1.11 Participate in planning the department's services, programs and activities.
• 1.12 Interpret the department's policies and procedures to employees, Residents, visitors and government agencies as required.
• 1.13 Admit, transfer and discharge Residents as required.
• 1.14 Complete accident/incident reports as necessary and in a timely manner according to the policy of Saint Simeon's.

2. COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS

• 2.1 Attend various committee meetings of the facility (i.e., Infection Control, Policy Advisory, Pharmaceutical, Quality Assurance Performance Improvement, etc.,) as requested.
• 2.2 Implement recommendations from established committees as instructed by the Department Director.

EMPLOYEE FUNCTIONS

• 3.1 Ensure that a sufficient number of nursing assistants are available for your shift to ensure that routine nursing care is provided to meet the daily nursing care needs of each Resident.
• 3.2 Develop work assignments for Certified Nursing Assistants when appropriate.
• 3.3 Delegate to each Charge Nurse the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to perform their assigned duties.
• 3.4 Make daily rounds of the Nursing Department to ensure that all nursing employees are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards. Report adverse findings to the Unit Manager.
• 3.5 Monitor absenteeism to ensure that an adequate number of nursing care employees are on duty at all times. Report problem areas to the Unit Manager. Record call-ins as appropriate and be responsible to staff the oncoming shifts if call-ins occur.
• 3.6 Review complaints and grievances made or filed by department employees. Make appropriate reports to the Unit Manager as required or as may be necessary.
• 3.7 Ensure that disciplinary reports are recorded fairly and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or martial status.
• 3.8 Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department employees, as well as other departments within the facility to assure that nursing and activities can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the Residents.
• 3.9 Assure that department employees, Residents, and visitors follow the departments established policies and procedures at all times, including dress codes.
• 3.10 Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift.
• 3.11 Meet with your shift on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or the improvement of services.
• 3.12 Review and evaluate your department's work force and make recommendations to the Unit Manager.
• 3.13 Participate in determining your shifts staffing requirements, employee performance evaluations, and making recommendations to the Director concerning employee dismissals, transfers, etc.

NURSING CARE FUNCTIONS

• 4.1 Inform nursing employees of new admissions, their expected time of arrival, room assignment, etc.
• 4.2 Ensure that rooms are ready for new admissions.
• 4.3 Greet newly admitted Residents upon admission. Escort to room as necessary. Complete assessment and admit forms.
• 4.4 Complete nurses' notes to ensure that they are informative and descriptive of the nursing care being provided and that they reflect the Resident's response to the care (i.e., complete problem-oriented charting as described in the Nursing Department policy and procedure manual, as well as weekly and monthly documentation).
• 4.5 Make daily rounds with physician. Encourage attending physicians to record and sign progress notes, physicians' order, etc., on a timely basis and in accordance with current regulations.
• 4.6 Make Resident rounds to observe and evaluate the Residents physical and emotional status.
• 4.7 Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to assure that medications are being administered as ordered and that treatments are provided as scheduled.
• 4.8 Review MAR for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of physician order, and adherence to stop order policies. Assist Unit Manager with end of month MAR reviews.
• 4.9 Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• 4.10 Report problem areas to the Unit Manager. Assist in developing and implementing corrective action as requested.
• 4.11 Keep the Unit Manager informed of the status of Residents and other related matters through written/oral reports.
• 4.12 Ensure that our written procedures for the administration, storage, and control of medications and supplies are being followed by all on your shift.
• 4.13 Meet with Residents, and/or family members, as necessary. Report problem areas to the Unit Manager.
• 4.14 Assist in arranging transportation for discharged Residents as necessary.
• 4.15 Inspect the nursing service treatment areas daily to ensure that they are maintained in a clean and safe manner.
• 4.16 Consult with the Resident's physician in planning Resident care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., as necessary.
• 4.17 Notify the Resident's attending physician and next-of-kin when there is a change in the Resident's condition.
• 4.18 Work with the facility's consultants and implement those changes authorized by the Unit Manager.
• 4.19 Call funeral homes when requested by the family.
• 4.20 Authorize the use of restraints when necessary and in accordance with our facilities policies and procedures.
• 4.21 Make independent decisions concerning nursing care, request consultation as necessary to make good decisions.
• 4.22 Obtain sputum, urine and other lab tests as ordered.
• 4.23 Take temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressures, etc., as necessary.
• 4.24 Admit, transfer and discharge Residents as necessary.
• 4.25 Monitor the seriously ill Residents.
• 4.26 Inform family members of the death of Resident as necessary.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• 5.1 Participate in the development, planning, conducting and scheduling of in-service training classes that provides instructions on "how to do the job", and ensures a well-educated nursing department. This includes providing in-services to the nursing staff on nursing care issues.
• 5.2 Provide leadership that includes the administrative and supervisory principles essential for your Certified Nursing Assistants.
• 5.3 Assist support services in developing, implementing, and conducting in-service training programs that relate to the Nursing Department.
• 5.4 Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license on a current status.

SAFETY AND SANITATION

• 6.1 Assist the Safety Officer in developing safety standards for the Nursing Department as necessary.
• 6.2 Monitor your shift's employees to assure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies.
• 6.3 Ensure that nursing work areas (i.e., nurses' stations, medication rooms, etc.,) are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
• 6.4 Ensure that all Resident care rooms, treatment areas, etc., are maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
• 6.5 Ensure that all nursing employees follow established departmental polices and procedures.
• 6.6 Ensure that nursing employees participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner.
• 6.7 Ensure that nursing employees follow established infection control procedures when isolation precautions become necessary.
• 6.8 Participate in the implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
• 6.9 Ensure that nursing employees follow established hand-washing techniques in the administering of nursing care procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

• 7.1 Recommend to the Unit Manager the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• 7.2 Assure that a stock level of medications, medical supplies, equipment, etc., is maintained on premises at all times to adequately meet the needs of the Resident.
• 7.3 Assist the Director of Environmental Services in maintaining the Nursing Department's equipment and supplies in a safe and operable manner. Report problems in a timely manner.
• 7.4 Participate in the implementation of the procedures for the safe operation of all nursing equipment.
• 7.5 Ensure that only trained and authorized employees operate the department's equipment.
• 7.6 Ensure that all employees operate nursing equipment in a safe manner. Monitor nursing procedures to ensure that nursing supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.

CARE PLAN AND ASSESSMENT FUNCTIONS

• 8.1 Participate in the development of written preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the nursing needs of each Resident as necessary.
• 8.2 Participate in the development of a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each Resident that identifies the problems/needs of the Resident, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care. Assist with the ongoing evaluation of the plan.
• 8.3 Insofar as is practical, encourage the Resident to participate in the development and review of his/her plan of care.
• 8.4 Review care plans periodically for appropriate Resident goals, problems, approaches, and revisions based on nursing needs.
• 8.5 Encourage that all employees involved in providing care to the Resident to be aware of the care plan and that care plans are used in administering daily care to the Resident.
• 8.6 Ensure that nurses' notes reflect that the care plan is being followed.

RESIDENT RIGHTS

• 10.1 Maintain the confidentiality of all Resident care information.
• 10.2 Monitor nursing care to assure that all Residents are treated fairly and with kindness, dignity and respect.
• 10.3 Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing employees knock before entering the Resident's room.
• 10.4 Ensure that all nursing employees are knowledgeable of the Residents' Rights and Responsibilities.
• 10.5 Review complaints and grievances made by the Resident and made a written/oral report to the Director indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint or grievance.

MISCELLANEOUS

• 11.1 Assist the Unit Manager in planning clinical supervision for Certified Nursing Assistants in training.
• 11.2 Assist the Infection Control Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and classifying tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• 11.3 Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee as requested.
• 11.4 Assure that nursing employees follow established procedures in the use and disposal of personal protective equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing areas (i.e., medication rooms, nurses' stations, Resident rooms, etc.).
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with Residents, employees, visitors, government agencies/employees, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset Residents, family members, employees, and visitors.
• Communicates with nursing employees and other department employees.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs.
• Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Maintains a liaison with the Residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the Residents' needs.
• Must be able to work the hours required of the position.
• Must be able to adhere to all policies of Saint Simeon's including absenteeism or tardiness as well as all approved policies.

EDUCATION

• Must possess a current, unencumbered license as a RN in this state.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a long term care facility or other related patient care situation is preferred.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a current, unencumbered license as a RN or LPN/LVN in this state.
• 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 employees, Residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/employees, and the general public.
• Must be a minimum of twenty (20) years of age.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional employees.
• 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.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with Residents, employees, and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to lift or assist in moving more than own body weight.
• Must be willing to perform tasks that may involve exposure to the Resident's blood/body fluids.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of Residents.