Primary Purpose of this Position

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to the residents while supervising the nursing activities for the assigned shift.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Ensure the facility meets the minimum staffing levels for nurses and nurse aides; complete required posting of nursing staff data as required.
• Ensure that each resident who experiences a significant change in status is assessed using the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process.
• Ensure that all resident rooms, common areas, treatment areas and nurse’s stations are maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
• Assist to develop a dementia care program involving an interdisciplinary approach with a holistic focus on the needs of the resident living with dementia.
• Verify resident census accuracy and report new admissions, discharges, leaves of absence and bed-holds per facility policies; document census as established for billing and clinical purposes.
• Assist with safe and orderly resident transfers and discharges in accordance with facility policies.
• Coordinate pre-certifications and recertifications in accordance with facility policies for Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance payers.
• Interpret the department’s policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors and government agencies as required.
• Participate in developing, maintaining and updating written facility policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing services department.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested.
• Audit nursing documentation in the clinical record for appropriate and relevant entries.
• Attend and contribute in facility “triple check” process for reviewing coding for accuracy.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
• Periodically review the department’s policies and procedures manuals, job descriptions, etc., and make recommendations for revisions to the Director of Nursing.
• Coordinate the completion of resident billable charge sheets in accordance with billing policies.

Charting and Documentation Functions

• Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon the resident’s admission, transfer and/or discharge; provide notifications to the ombudsman and responsible party per requirements.
• Document reports of accidents/incidents involving residents; follow established procedures.
• Perform routine charting duties as required and in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures.

Medication Administration Functions

• Review the controlled substance and drug disposal records for accuracy and notify the Director of Nursing and pharmacy of discrepancies.
• Monitor medication administration process and provide appropriate feedback or changes to prevent medication errors.
• Ensure that the medication carts and medication rooms are clean, sanitary and well stocked.
• Assess residents for appropriate self-administration of medication in coordination with the IDT.
• Reconcile medication delivery from pharmacy by verifying the medications, quantity and accuracy.
• Collaborate with the IDT to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications for all residents.
• Administer medications in accordance with physician orders, regulations and facility policies.
• Support the objectives of the infection prevention and control program including antibiotic stewardship.
• Work with the IDT to review unnecessary medications and coordinate gradual dose reductions as appropriate.
• Reconcile resident medications (pre/post-discharge) as part of the discharge process.
• Order prescribed medications, supplies and equipment as necessary and in accordance with established facility policies.

Personnel Functions

• Meet with assigned nursing staff as well as support personnel in planning the shifts’ services, programs and activities and to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and/or improving delivery of person-centered care and services.
• Assist the Director of Nursing in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
• Direct the day-to-day functions of the CNAs in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
• Coordinate with the scheduler to ensure a Registered Nurse (RN) is on duty at least 8 hours a day/7 days a week and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is on duty 24 hours a day.

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, a nursing degree from an accredited college or university, or be a graduate of an approved Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program.

Experience

Must have, as a minimum, one (1) year of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing care facility, or other related health care facility.

Specific Requirements

• Must possess a current unencumbered active license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) or LPN/LVN in the state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• 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 be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures as well as laws, regulations and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• 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 or safety of other individuals in the workplace.