Registered Nurse (RN) Sub-Acute

JOB DESCRIPTION

Registered Nurse

Nursing Department

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt


Reports to: Director of Nursing

Overview of Job

The Registered Nurse (RN) supervises and coordinates the efforts of nursing staff and provides total nursing care for residents. In addition to the essential functions outlined herein, this position is considered to be a direct resident care role and therefore the incumbent shall meet and fulfill all applicable requirements as outlined in California Code of Regulation Title 22: Social Security, Division 5: Health Facilities, as well as the Health and Safety Code for the State of California.

Supervision:


As a supervisor, RNs have the authority, in the interest of the employer, to assign and responsibly direct nursing department employees. RNs are expected to exercise authority through the use of the company's policies and procedures in the interest of the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages area of responsibility with the goal of achieving and maintaining the highest quality of care possible.
• Monitors employees to assure overtime is not being utilized without prior approval.
• Contact physicians, as necessary, to ensure physician interventions are timely and appropriate.
• Supervises nursing unit, which includes scheduling and directing the nursing staff to the extent permitted by state practice act.
• Monitors employee meals and 10-minute breaks to assure compliance.
• Monitors food carts to assure meals are served in a timely manner.
• Coordinates the effective use of personnel, supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Monitors nursing care for residents throughout the shift.
• Recommends the purchase of materials or equipment for the improvement of nursing services.
• Monitors the noise level on the unit to ensure it is kept at a minimal level.
• Participates in the nurse on-call system.
• Reviews staffing patterns and the census of nursing units and reassigns personnel, when necessary, to ensure staffing meets resident needs and budgetary controls.
• Obtains medications, supplies, and medical records needed to provide safe, efficient, and therapeutic care to residents on a continuing basis.
• Ensures monthly order recapitulation is completed and accurate for the unit/area assigned.
• Monitors the skills of new staff members and guides and observes staff that may need additional assistance with procedures.
• Participates in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote the recruitment, retention, development, and continuing education of nursing staff members.
• Completes capitulation summary for assigned discharged residents within five days of discharge.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, direct, and evaluate assigned staff members, LVNs, and CNAs.
• Assign nursing care to team members in accordance with the resident's needs and the team member's specific capabilities and qualifications.
• Evaluate data and compare various courses of action when assigning team members.
• Conduct or participate in performance evaluations of CNA's under supervision.
• Supervises nursing unit/assignment, which includes the assignment of work and directing the nursing staff to the extent permitted by the Nurse Practice Act.
• Meets with assigned unit personnel throughout the shift to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or the improvement of services. Provides shift reports to applicable unit personnel at the beginning and end of the work shift to ensure completion of assignments and continuity of care.
• Coordinates the nursing care of residents when scheduled for therapy or procedures by other departments.
• Interviews applicants and recommends hires.
• Assures that nursing personnel follow established nursing procedures and company policies.
• Assumes the responsibility of correcting, coaching, and counseling underperforming personnel.
• Participates in counseling, disciplinary action, and termination of staff to the extent permitted by the Nursing Practice Act.
• Initiates investigations of accidents and unusual occurrences and makes the necessary written report to the Director of Nursing Services (DNS).
• Investigates complaints and grievances and makes the necessary oral and/or written reports to the DNS.
• Keeps the DNS informed about the status of residents, staff, and related matters.
• Promotes interpersonal relationships and develops staff morale.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in residents.
• Assumes the authority, responsibility, and the oversight of directing services on the assigned unit/shift.
• Assumes accountability for the performance of tasks by LVNs and CNAs under RN supervision.

Documentation Function:

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical records, including nursing assessments, care plans, and progress notes.
• Documents interventions, observations, and resident responses to treatment.
• Conducts chart audit weekly for all patients assigned to the unit (all assessments, MAR's, flow sheets, and treatment sheets).
• Ensures the appropriate and timely documentation of resident care activities.

Education Support

• Provides education and support to residents and their families regarding health conditions, medications, and self-care.
• Assists in implementing therapeutic activities and programs.
• Recommends plans for staff training and development using quality assurance indicators, incident report investigations, and direct observation.

Staff Development:

• Assist the Staff Development Director, as needed, in the development, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes that provide instructions on "how to do the job" and ensure a well-educated nursing service department.
• Ensure that these programs meet the continuing education requirements which allow licensed personnel (e.g., RNs, LVNs, CNAs, etc.) to keep their license on an active status.
• Assist in the orientation of newly assigned personnel, as well as supervises and instructs other nursing personnel, as assigned.

Safety and Sanitation:

• Develops safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Adheres to all relevant healthcare regulations and facility policies.
• Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
• Monitor nursing service personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies i.e. ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when moving or lifting a resident.
• Ensures a safe and clean environment for residents and staff.

Resident's Rights:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with kindness, dignity, and respect. Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the resident's room.
• Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of the residents' responsibilities and rights including the right to refuse treatment.

Working Conditions:

• Works throughout the nursing service area (i.e. drug rooms, nurses' stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

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 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 ensure 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, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical exam
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at time, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 3 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 10 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: Associates or Bachelor's degree in Nursing


License: Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment

Specific Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Others must be able to understand your speech.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• 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.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must have knowledge of training techniques for clinical staff.
• Must demonstrate competence of nursing skills within the applicable Nurse Practice Act and associated expectations for quality care delivery.
• Must possess the ability to direct and motivate the workforce, including building, leading, and managing the team.

Environmental Conditions:

Facility environment includes varying temperatures, varying workstations and varying interactions with long-term care residents and facility staff. The noise level is usually moderate. May include possible, but not probable, exposure to bloodborne pathogens.