LPN/RN 7A-7P or 7P-7A (FULL TIME)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

REGISTERED NURSE (RN) / LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) – CART NURSE

Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), or designee
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Shift: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Position Type: Full-Time OR PRN

Position Summary

The Cart Nurse is responsible for providing safe, effective, and compassionate nursing care to residents in accordance with established nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, physician orders, and applicable federal and state regulations. The Cart Nurse is primarily responsible for medication administration, treatments, monitoring residents' conditions, documenting care, and communicating changes in resident status to the appropriate healthcare professionals.

The Cart Nurse works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to promote resident safety, maintain quality of care, and ensure compliance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Medication Administration

• Administer medications accurately and safely in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Complete medication passes within established time frames while prioritizing resident safety and clinical needs.
• Verify medication orders, medication labels, resident identification, and medication administration records before administration.
• Monitor residents for therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and medication-related concerns.
• Document medication administration, refusals, omissions, and applicable follow-up in the electronic or paper medication administration record (MAR).
• Report medication errors, adverse reactions, discrepancies, and other medication-related concerns immediately in accordance with facility policy.
• Maintain medication carts in a clean, organized, secure, and properly stocked condition.
• Follow all controlled-substance security, documentation, and reconciliation procedures.

2. Resident Assessment and Monitoring

• Observe and monitor residents for changes in physical, mental, and emotional condition.
• Obtain and document vital signs, blood glucose readings, and other ordered assessments as appropriate.
• Recognize changes in condition and promptly notify the DON, provider, and other appropriate personnel.
• Implement appropriate nursing interventions within the nurse's scope of practice.
• Follow established protocols for emergencies, falls, infections, and other changes in resident condition.
• Monitor residents with acute or ongoing clinical concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up.

3. Treatments and Nursing Procedures

• Perform ordered treatments and nursing procedures within the nurse's scope of practice and demonstrated competency.
• Complete treatment documentation accurately and timely.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness and report concerns or changes in resident condition.
• Ensure treatment supplies and equipment are maintained and available.
• Follow infection prevention and control standards during all nursing procedures.

4. Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of medications, treatments, assessments, and nursing interventions.
• Document resident refusals, notifications, incidents, and follow-up actions according to facility policy.
• Complete required shift documentation, including applicable narcotic counts, medication reconciliation, and handoff reports.
• Protect resident privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and facility policy.
• Maintain compliance with applicable CMS regulations, state nursing practice requirements, and facility policies.

5. Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with the DON, ADON, charge nurses, CNAs, providers, residents, and families as appropriate.
• Report changes in resident condition, safety concerns, medication issues, and incidents promptly.
• Participate in shift-to-shift communication and ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with CNAs and other nursing personnel to address resident needs and maintain quality care.
• Respond professionally to resident and family questions and concerns within the nurse's role and responsibilities.
• Escalate unresolved clinical or operational concerns through the appropriate chain of command.

6. Resident Rights and Safety

• Protect and promote resident rights, dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Maintain a safe environment and promptly report hazards, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or suspected mistreatment.
• Follow fall prevention, infection prevention, and other resident safety protocols.
• Respond promptly to resident call lights and requests for assistance, coordinating with assigned nursing assistants as needed.
• Follow emergency response procedures and participate in required drills and training.

7. Shift Responsibilities

• Arrive on time, prepared to begin assigned duties at the scheduled shift start.
• Receive and provide appropriate shift report to ensure continuity of resident care.
• Complete assigned medication passes and treatments and prioritize urgent clinical needs.
• Maintain accountability for assigned medication carts, treatment responsibilities, and documentation.
• Complete narcotic counts and other required shift-end procedures with the oncoming nurse.
• Communicate incomplete tasks, pending orders, new concerns, and follow-up needs to the incoming nurse.
• Remain on duty until properly relieved in accordance with facility policy.

Requirements:

Qualifications

Registered Nurse (RN):

• Current, unrestricted RN license in the State of Alabama.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current CPR/BLS certification as required by facility policy.
• Previous long-term care or skilled nursing facility experience preferred.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

• Current, unrestricted LPN license in the State of Alabama.
• Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.
• Current CPR/BLS certification as required by facility policy.
• Previous long-term care or skilled nursing facility experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of medication administration principles and nursing standards of practice.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to changes in resident condition.
• Strong clinical judgment, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced long-term care environment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with electronic medical records preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform other physical activities associated with nursing care.
• Ability to assist with resident care and repositioning within the nurse's role and facility safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift or move equipment and supplies as required, with appropriate assistance and safe-lifting techniques.
• Ability to respond promptly to resident emergencies and urgent clinical situations.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a skilled nursing and long-term care environment.
• Shifts include 12-hour day or night schedules, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• Position may involve exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and other occupational hazards.
• Compliance with infection prevention, personal protective equipment, and workplace safety requirements is mandatory.

Performance Expectations

The Cart Nurse is expected to:

• Demonstrate consistent, safe, and timely medication administration.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Communicate changes in resident condition and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Follow facility policies, clinical protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a professional, respectful, and resident-centered approach.
• Demonstrate accountability, dependability, teamwork, and a commitment to quality care.

FULL TIME BENEFITS

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance 

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Opportunities for Advancement