RN Long Term Care

Job Summary

Coordinates and delivers, on an age and developmentally appropriate basis, direct clinical care per nursing process for adult and geriatric residents/patients. Delivers resident/patient care according to the Scope of Service for the Living Center. Assumes weekend charge nurse responsibilities as follows: acts as a clinical and administrative role model and resource for the Living Center. Contact person for the physicians and other department managers. Manages the care of the residents/patients. Adheres to and practices the SJH Corporate Compliance Program and participates in Performance Improvement activities.

Essential Functions

Resident Care
• Obtains data from resident and/or family using observational, interviewing, interpretation and critical thinking skills for valid assessment of condition upon admission and daily. Data to include: condition of the skin, mobility, sensory impairments, cardiovascular status, respiratory status, nutritional status, reaction to medication, psychosocial and mental status.
• Utilizes resident data for problem identification, particularly rehabilitation and restoration of all functions where possible and good supportive care to prevent further deterioration when not possible.
• Initiates appropriate nursing interventions that are population specific/developmentally appropriate and allows for resident choice whenever possible.
• Identifies changes in resident status and responds appropriately using safe nursing judgment in the notification of a physician and follows chain of command.
• Assures all pertinent resident data is communicated through oral and written means appropriately using the change of condition log.
• Uses SBAR when communicating resident information.

Resident Safety and Plan of Care
• Formulates a plan of care that is resident centered and is based on the 10 Eden principles.
• Attends care conferences as schedule allows.
• Responsible for following resident care plan guidelines as outlined by the Care Coordinators.
• Identifies risk factors and provides for resident safety.
• Implements measures to prevent injury and provide a safe environment.
• Keeps department and hallways clean and orderly.
• Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of medication action, side effects and protocols for use.
• Gives medications safely and accurately according to policy and procedure.
• Completes event reports for all adverse drug reactions.
• Consistently implements the current National Patient Safety Goals.
• Uses two patient identifiers
• Provides clear and concise reports when "handing off" to another provider
• Completes medication reconciliation on admission and at discharge
• Implements correct hand washing according to the CDC guidelines
• Implements interventions to reduce falls and pressure ulcers

Resident and Family Education
• Addresses resident and family's spiritual needs utilizing a holistic, resident centered approach.
• Incorporates teaching/education into all aspects of resident care and nursing practice.
• Provides clear information to assist the resident and family to make informed decisions.
• Notifies families appropriately regarding resident's needs and/or change in condition.
• Documents all resident and family education and pertinent communications.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education

Required: ASN

Preferred: BSN

Minimum Work Experience

Required: Good communication and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated leadership and decision making skills. Basic computer skills.

Required Licenses: Current RN license with the authority to practice in the State of Wyoming and current BLS required at time of hire.

Functional Demands

Working Conditions

Long term care clinical setting, frequent stressful situations, irregular hours, and care of patients/residents with complicated medical/psychosocial conditions. May be required to take call shifts and must be able to work shifts. Must be on-site at the SJH campus living center to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Physical Requirements

75% of the shift spent standing and walking, Intermittent sitting and computer use. Physically active, including heavy lifting and moving of residents, equipment and supplies. Must possess sight/hearing abilities to perform job requirements. Must possess the ability to push, pull, bend and reach. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Director of Nursing LC

Internal and External Contacts: All hospital departments, residents, physicians, families and/or friends of residents and community agencies.

Leadership Capabilities

1. Patient Focus
• Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patient
• Gets firsthand patient feedback and uses it for improvements
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients and gains their trust and respect

2. Attention to Detail
• Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are not errors
• Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies
• Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access

3. Quality Decision Making
• Considers many factors and sources when making decisions
• Is correct and accurate with most of his/her solutions and suggestions when judged over time
• Is sought out by others for advice and solutions
• Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important
• Quickly zeros in on the critical and few and puts the trivial many aside
• Handles risks and uncertainty with composure

4. Interpersonal Skills (Nursing)
• Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities
• Builds appropriate rapport
• Finds common ground and gains cooperation
• Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions and decisions