Description

The primary purpose of this job position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of our Nursing Services Department in accordance with current Federal, State and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator and the Medical Director, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As Director of Nursing Services, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. You are charged with carrying out the resident care policies established by this facility.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the Nursing Services Department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility. Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures that govern day-to-date functions of the Nursing Services Department. Develop, maintain, and periodically update the Nursing Services Procedures Manual, and nursing service objectives and philosophies. Assist the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee in developing and implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies. Develop methods for coordination of nursing services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents' total regimen of care. Develop, maintain, and periodically update written job descriptions for each level of nursing personnel. Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary. Maintain a reference library of written nursing material (i.e., PDR's, Federal and State Regulations, etc.) that will assist the nursing service department in meeting the day-to-day needs of the resident. Develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for the Nursing Service Department. Assist the Administrator and Discharge Planning Coordinator in developing, implementing and periodically updating the written procedures for the Discharge Planning Program. Participate in survey (inspections) made by authorized government agencies. Develop and implement a nursing service organization structure. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the Nursing Services Department. COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS Serve on, participate in and attend various committee meetings of the Facility, (i.e., Safety, Department Head, Budget, Quality Assessment and Assurance, etc.) as required, and as appointed by the Administrator. Provide written and/or oral reports of the nursing services programs and activities as required, or as may be directed by such committee (s). Assist the Pharmaceutical Services Committee to Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures for the administration, storage, and control of medications and supplies. Attend, and participate in the Care Plan Committee meetings as necessary. Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of the Discharge Plans. Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees as they may pertain to nursing services. NURSING CARE FUNCTIONS 2 Participate in the interviewing and selection of residents for admission to the facility, including the ICF/MR pre/annual screenings. 3 Provide the Administrator with information relative to the nursing needs of the resident and the nursing services department's ability to meet those needs. 3 Ensure that rooms are ready for new admissions. 2 Greet newly admitted resident upon admission. 3 Review nurses' notes to ensure that they are informative and descriptive of the nursing care being provided and that they reflect the resident's response to the care. 2 Ensure that RN staff is available to make rounds with physician as necessary. 3 Encourage attending physicians to record and sign progress notes, physicians' orders, etc. on a timely basis and in accordance with current regulations. 2 Schedule daily rounds to observe residents and to determine if nursing needs are being met. 2 Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to assure that medications are being administered as ordered and that treatments are provided as scheduled. 1 Provide direct nursing care as necessary. 2 Authorize the use of restraints when necessary and in accordance with established policies, procedures and Federal/State regulations. WORKING CONDITIONS Works in well-lighted and ventilated office area(s), as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses' station, resident rooms, etc.). Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and 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. Is willing to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate. Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license on a current status. Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments etc., to adequately plan for the residents' needs. Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE Should have, as a minimum, one (1) year experience as a supervisor in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related health care facility. Should have, as a minimum, six (6) months training experience in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in this state. Must be able to write the English language in a legible and understandable manner. 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 long-term care. Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel. Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and 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. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner. 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 assure that the requirements of the position can be fully met. Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility. Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.