Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt could be 1090 Contracted Employee REPORTS TO: Center Director PURPOSE: The Nurse is responsible for implementing four (4) of the six (6) core services (Personal Care, Nursing support, Nutrition, and Emergency Care), and having a significant supportive role in implementing two (2) other core services (Social Services and Therapeutic Activities). Based on assessing the needs of the consumers, the number of services provided, the type of nursing services provided, the range of services, and the frequency of services length of time spent in the OADLC will depend on the needs of the consumers attending the program.

JOB GOAL: Based on the caseload and needs of the consumers, the Nurse will develop a case management plan to include recommended Centers shall carry out the following standard nursing functions at least quarterly:

PERFORM ACTIVITIES: The nurse must at a minimum perform the following activities every quarter:

• Review of the client’s health status, including dietary needs.

• Review medication procedures, as necessary.

• Review of policies and procedures for personal care.

• Train and educate staff regarding the needs of clients in centers, including infection control. Nursing duties can be expanded depending on the characteristics and assessed medical needs of the consumers and the assessed characteristics of the caseload. The additional responsibilities and activities of the nurse may include the following:

• Provision or supervision of modified and therapeutic diets and supplemental feedings.

• Provision or supervision of observation, monitoring, and intervention for unstable medical episodes.

• Preparation of the client for self-administration of medications.

• Provision of restorative or rehabilitative nursing.

• Provision of maintenance of respiratory aids, colostomy and ileostomy, urinary drainage devices, dressings, skin care, foot and nail care, and routine care of incontinent clients.

• Response to emergencies.

• Administration of parenteral treatments.

• Provision of other skilled nursing care that can be safely done in the older adult daily living center.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: The duties and responsibilities of the nurse may include some supervisorial duties, depending on the consumers enrolled in the ATF program. The nurse will have consulting and leadership responsibilities in providing administrative oversight, and patient care management. That includes:

1) Leadership and Team Management: The nurse will guide the direct service providers (DSPs)including monitor staff performance and ensuring smooth collaboration within the team. The nurse also acts as a mentor and provides support and guidance to less experienced staff, ensuring they can provide the best patient care.

2) Administrative Responsibilities: Beyond patient care, the nurse may manage budgets, allocate resources, and maintain financial records of the programs medical component. They oversee staffing, ensuring that patients requiring higher levels of care are adequately monitored as long as the intermediate care can safely be provided in the ATF setting.

3) Enforcing Policies and Procedures: The nurse will also ensure compliance with safety standards and health care protocols. Working with the Center Director and Compliance Officer, the nurse will update policies and procedures to maintain a high level of care while ensuring the safety of staff and patients.

4) Training and Development: Supervisors also are in charge of hiring new nurses and conducting training sessions. They ensure that all staff are up to date on the latest procedures and practices in the healthcare industry to promote professional development and continuous learning among the team.

EDUCATION: LPN requirements include the following:

• Earning a high school diploma or GED

• Completing a vocational training course

• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) The Registered Nurse's educational background includes the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing

• Valid Pennsylvania or compact RN.

EXPERIENCE: The Registered Nurse is responsible for carrying out prescribed medical treatments and therapies as determined by physicians and other supervising positions within the consumer's medical team.

• Administers all nursing-related processes and procedures to ensure quality nursing care which promotes, maintains, and restores the well-being of all consumers.

• Ensure daily staff assignments are implemented in accordance with clients' care plans.

• Accurately carries out physicians' orders in accordance with established nursing policies and procedures; administers medications, treatments, and therapies.

• Collaborate with physicians while making rounds to validate the accurate interpretation and processing of diagnostic and therapeutic orders.

• Assesses, plans, monitors, and evaluates the delivery of care and activity by utilizing shift reports, medical records, direct observation, and feedback from others in providing inmate care.

• Assesses at-risk consumers, and determines any changes required in the treatment regime.

• Performs health assessments on newly enrolled consumers.

• Documents all information required in accordance with state, facility, and nursing policies and guidelines, accurately and promptly.

• Starts, monitors, and maintains IV's.

• Responds to emergencies according to scope of practice.

• Ensures strict compliance with all regulations associated with pharmacy and the dispensing of medication.

• Performs other related duties as required or requested. OTHER DUTIES:

• Attending ISPs when on duty.

• Writing, implementing, evaluating, and completing all the required documentation for medication programs in the assigned caseload.

• Maintaining a cooperative relationship with staff from all disciplines serving the facility’s population to maximize communication and ensure the most comprehensive and meaningful habilitation program for each consumer.

• Maintains open communication by relaying information and exchanging ideas in a constructive, courteous, and effective manner.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern institutional health care.

• Established policies and procedures regarding infection control. Skills: • Preparing and administering medications.

• Performing treatments.

• IV Therapy.

• Performing blood draws.

ABILITY TO: Interact with consumers.

• Function independently and make informed decisions by exercising sound professional judgment.

• Be accountable for the quality of care and treatment provided to consumers.

• Assess, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure high-quality care.

• Communicate effectively with center administration and medical management, clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

• Adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment.

• Work shifts at a facility operating at least eight (8) hours daily for five (5) days a week.

• Maintain a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. RESIDENCY: Not required to live in Allegheny County