Director of Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY

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Ensures that the resident care and clinical department is operated efficiently and in compliance with all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements; provides the highest possible standard of care through effective use of the nursing process; responsible for selection, orientation, and education of the resident care staff; is ready and able to take global responsibility for the community in the absence of the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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• Responsible for the development and maintenance of wellness objectives, standards of wellness practice, and wellness policies and procedure manuals.
• Manages and supervises the inventory of Medication, dispensing of said medications and the Medication Administration Records for all residents. Ensures that each employee assigned to dispense medications is trained and qualified as stated by the regulations of the State.
• Responsible for infection control policy and procedures, updating and maintaining manual when indicated and keeping sufficient infection control supplies on hand in an easily accessible place.
• Assist the Community Administrator or Executive Director in planning, decision\-making, and budgeting for wellness care services.
• Has administrative authority, responsibility and accountability for the functions, activities, and development of all wellness personnel.
• Coordinate with the Food Service Director to ensure that all residents receive diets prescribed by the physician.
• Recommend the number and categories of wellness personnel needed and select, train, supervise, evaluate, counsel, and discharge wellness staff in accordance with established company policies and standards.
• Responsible for maintaining documentation which reflects wellness care provided, individual’s response to care, and disposition of each case.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures that govern the day\-to\-day functions of the community, in conjunction with the wellness team.
• Arrange for a competent, qualified staff member to assume the duties and responsibilities during any absence of the Director of Nursing.
• Participate in the interviewing and selection of residents for admission, as well as on an ongoing basis, to ensure the community meets appropriate placement needs of residents.
• Maintain open, effective, and ongoing communication with the community’s medical staff and medical community.
• Ensure a safe and sanitary environment for residents, employees, and visitors.
• Keep the Executive Director informed regarding work performance of resident care staff and any unusual incident or problem regarding residents, employees, or community.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Provides direct nursing care and assumes floor nurse responsibilities as needed to ensure adequate staffing coverage and continuity of resident care.
• Assume full responsibility for the operation and management of the community in the temporary absence of the Executive Director or Assistant Director.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

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To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and, in a manner, consistent with Remember Me Senior Care culture and values. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

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• Graduated from an accredited nursing program.
• One (1\) year nursing experience in assisted living, home health or long\-term care industries.
• Must demonstrate competence in assessment skills, injections/medication administration, follow up and triage.
• A minimum of three (3\) years of experience in a health care community and at least one (1\) year of successful administrative or supervisory experience.
• Experience in geriatrics, emergency care, and first\-aid.
• Proven management experience and ability to manage team members.
• Obtain valid Continuing Education credits as required by the state of this community.
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Preferred training in the special needs of the cognitively impaired resident i.e., Alzheimer and Dementia training.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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• Maintains current unrestricted state license as a Licensed Professional Nurse or a Professional Registered Nurse per state regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

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The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

Check Any

That Apply

Working Conditions

Check Any

That Apply

Standing

Requires interaction with co\-workers, residents or vendors

Walking

Sitting

Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage

Use hands and fingers to handle or feel

On\-Call on an as needed basis

Reach with hands and arms

Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections

Climb or balance

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or

crawl

Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents

Talk or hear

Taste or smell

Exposure to latex

Ability to lift:

Possible exposure to blood\-borne

pathogens

Up to 5 pounds

Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards

Up to 10 pounds

Up to 25 pounds

Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment

Up to 50 pounds

Up to 100 pounds

Requires travel:

More than 100 pounds

Occasionally

Vision

Frequently

Professional office environment but may have some exposure to small therapy pets. Attend business\-related functions. Occasional travel to long\-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, etc. as assigned. Must be able to work well under pressure, to resolve conflicts, to prioritize tasks, and follow through with ideas. Excellent verbal and written skills, interpersonal and mediation skills, ability to evaluate workers’ performance, strong working knowledge of employment laws and company regulations. Must be able to work evenings and weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule. Knowledge and implementation of universal safety and infection control precautions is critical.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Works in well\-lit/ventilated areas. Subject to falls, burns from equipment, infectious diseases, substances, odors, etc., throughout the workday. Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents/patients, family members, personnel, visitors, etc.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS

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• + Be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

+ Be caring and compassionate in dealing with the residents as well as staff.

+ Know how to use a wide variety of medical equipment that is necessary tools of performing the job.

+ Be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the community.

+ Possess the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, employees, and outside contacts.

+ Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

+ Possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the public.

+ Possess leadership ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professionals.

+ Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

+ Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily when necessary.