LPN Charge Nurse

JOB TITLE: Charge Nurse (LPN/LVN)

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

REPORTS TO: Director of Nursing Services or Designee

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Responsible for the independent supervision of the delivery of care to a group of residents on a nursing unit. Assess resident needs, develop individual care plans, administer nursing care, evaluate nursing care, and supervise Care Specialists (CNAs) and Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in the delivery of nursing care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

RESIDENT ASSESSMENT

Duties: Adhere to state rules and regulations concerning delivery of care and assure that effective quality nursing care is delivered which is outcome focused through utilization of the nursing process. Effectively interview the resident/responsible party to obtain information required for developing and implementing a plan of care. Demonstrate ability to perform physical assessment through observation, inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. If applicable, is involved in and accurately complete the RAI process. Identify needs and provide input for discharge planning and follow-up throughout length of stay.

IMPLEMENTS PLAN OF CARE

Duties: Implement plan of care consistently, effectively and cost efficiently with focus on resident centered outcomes. Identify rationale and anticipated outcomes for each nursing intervention. Assume responsibility for care interventions consistent with skill level and professional standards of care. Utilize time efficiently to assure completion of duties and responsibilities in allotted time frame. Utilize professional and sound judgment in delivery of care, which is cost efficient but does not jeopardize safe, effective care delivery. Follow Beverly policies and procedures to ensure a safe, caring, comfortable, and clean environment. Utilize all appropriate, available resources for resident/family/responsible party counseling and discharge planning. Keep physician and/or other health care professionals (Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, podiatrist, dentist, etc.) informed of resident's condition; and notify physician and/or other health care professionals immediately of significant changes of condition. Work in collaboration with physician and/or other health care professionals by sharing information relevant to changing plan of care. Question and seek clarification of unclear orders.

DELIVERS RESIDENT CARE

Duties: Deliver and maintain optimum resident care and comfort by demonstrating knowledge and skills of current nursing practices. Transcribe physician and/or other health care professionals= orders appropriately and accurately. Ask for clarification of questionable orders from the ordering physician and/or other health care professionals. Perform only those activities, which are within the scope of acceptable LPN/LVN practice. Notify physician and/or other health care professionals if orders are not carried out and document event appropriately. Follow company, facility and departmental policies and procedures, and appropriately utilize nursing judgment. Ensure accurate documentation of all medical records and reporting forms. Promptly respond to call lights and other resident needs.

SUPERVISION

Duties: Supervise Care Specialists, CMA's and other personnel. May supervise other LPNs/LVNs. Coach, counsel and assign Care Specialists & CMA's to provide quality resident care. Independently evaluate the job skills and work performance of the Care Specialists & CMA's through the formal performance evaluation process. Appropriately discipline Care Specialists & CMA's for violations of work rules, policies or poor performance, including the recommendation of suspensions and terminations. Recognize Care Specialists & CMA's for exceptional care and job performance on a regular basis and as part of their formal performance evaluation. Assign Care Specialists & CMA's specific duties for resident care and direct their work. Assign hours, breaks and meal periods to Care Specialists &C MA's. Ensure proper staffing by calling in replacement associates for Care Specialists & CMA's not reporting for work and by transferring or reassigning Care Specialists to ensure adequate staffing levels. Revise work schedules of Care Specialists & CMA's as necessary. Train and/or assist in the orientation of new associates. Attempt to effectively resolve Care Specialist & CMA's problems, complaints and grievances. Incorporate Care Specialists & CMA's in a work team to meet resident needs. Attend and participate in supervisory meetings. Support and follow through with management team goals. Perform other management duties as assigned.

INFECTION CONTROL

Duties: Demonstrate working knowledge of infection control practices.

RESIDENTS' RIGHTS AND POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Duties: Understand, comply with and promote all rules and regulations regarding residents' rights; promote positive relationships with residents, visitors, and regulators, to include presenting a professional appearance.

ETHICS & COMPLIANCE

Duties: Conforms to expected ethical and legal standards including matters related to resident abuse and neglect, by personally complying with laws, regulations and Beverly's Code of Conduct and Business Ethics Policy.

When in doubt about whether a particular activity is proper, refrains from the activity and obtains guidance from the Director of Operations, Beverly's Corporate Compliance Office or the Company's Legal Department. Recognizes and reports to management or through the Beverly Hotline View phone number on clarksoncommunitycarecenter.employ.onshift.com), potential legal or ethical violations including resident abuse or neglect.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Duties: Participate in Quality Improvement activities as assigned.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

MEDICATION AIDE DIRECTION & MONITORING

Duties: Provide direction and monitoring of medications for recipients who are receiving medications by medication aides. Determine competency of medication aides to provide additional activities. Make appropriate assignments to medication aides based on recipient safety and competency of medication aides.

OTHER DUTIES

Duties: Other duties as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must hold and maintain a current license to practice as a Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse in Nebraska.

• Recent clinical experience, education, or specialty skills specific to geriatrics.
• Demonstrates understanding that state and Federal rules and regulations govern the practices within the facility.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of infection control principles and practices.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively and positively with staff, residents and family members.

• Basic computer knowledge and ability with an aptitude to learn company software.

Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.

Must meet all local health regulation and pass post-employment physical exam if required. This requirement also includes drug screening, criminal background investigation and reference inquiry.

Must be capable of performing the essential job functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.