Registered Nurse (RN)

General Purpose

The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing direct nursing care to residents in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and standards of professional nursing practice. The RN plays a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of residents by delivering high-quality, resident-centered care in a skilled nursing setting. This position includes supervising licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), participating in care planning, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team to promote optimal outcomes for residents.

Responsibilities

Clinical Care
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care based on residents' individual needs and conditions.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, following the "five rights" of medication administration.
• Monitor residents' conditions and promptly report changes to physicians, nurse practitioners, and appropriate care team members.
• Perform clinical procedures such as wound care, catheter care, IV therapy (if certified), and other skilled nursing interventions as required.
• Respond to emergencies and changes in resident condition in a timely and professional manner.

Resident Monitoring & Documentation
• Complete nursing documentation accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner, including assessments, progress notes, and care summaries.
• Maintain and update individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Ensure accurate and complete medication administration records (MARs) and treatment administration records (TARs).
• Document incidents, changes in condition, and physician notifications according to facility policy.

Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise LPNs and CNAs, providing clinical guidance, support, and direction.
• Delegate tasks appropriately based on staff competency, scope of practice, and resident acuity.
• Monitor assigned staff performance to ensure compliance with nursing standards and facility policies.
• Participate in orientation, training, and performance feedback for nursing staff as assigned.

Resident & Family Communication
• Communicate resident care plans, progress, and changes in condition to residents, families, and responsible parties as appropriate.
• Respond promptly and compassionately to resident and family concerns.
• Support residents' emotional, physical, and psychosocial needs while promoting dignity and respect.

Compliance & Safety
• Follow infection prevention and control practices, safety protocols, and resident rights policies at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and facility standards.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements governing nursing practice.
• Participate in audits, quality assurance and performance improvement activities, and emergency preparedness drills.

Qualifications
• Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment (required).
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (ADN required; BSN preferred).
• Prior nursing experience in a skilled nursing, long-term care, or acute care setting preferred.
• Experience supervising or mentoring nursing staff preferred but not required.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with electronic medical records.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist with moving residents and equipment (up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance).
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess resident conditions and read medical documentation.
• Manual dexterity required to administer medications, perform treatments, and operate medical equipment.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Direct or indirect exposure to residents with medical conditions or communicable illnesses.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection-control protocols.
• Work performed in a healthcare or long-term care environment.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.