JOB SUMMARY

Directs nursing care for the patients, and supervises the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Such supervision should be in accordance with current federal, state, and local and regulations governing our nursing center, and as may be directed by the Administrator, the Medical Director, and/or the Director of Nursing Services to provide the appropriate care for our patients.

ESSENTIAL SKILL/KNOWLEDGE FUNCTIONS

• Operation of oxygen equipment including turning off and on, changing cylinder heads, cleaning/replacing humidifier and other as necessary.
• Operations of suction machine (oral) including cleaning, selection of appropriate suction catheter and storage.
• Operations and use of manual respirator.
• Location and use of emergency equipment supplies (box and/or crash cart etc.).
• Operation of whirlpool.
• Operation of scales.
• Operation of glucose monitoring devices, calibration and cleaning etc.
• Use of electronic thermometers (oral/rectal and ear).
• Delivery of medications (setting up, rotating, charting, ordering, giving to patients, etc.).
• Ordering and use of stock drugs.
• Administration and documentation of insulin.
• Use and delivery of PRN medications.
• Use and delivery of topical treatment application (eye, ear, nose, etc.).
• Use, delivery and documentation of narcotic medication.
• Receiving drugs from pharmacy in accordance with established procedures.
• Application of sterile dressings.
• Operation and proper use of pressure reduction surfaces.
• Use of oral airway.
• Knowledge of isolation procedures (where to implement etc.).
• Knowledge of location and proper use of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns and aprons etc.).
• Delivery of enemas (S&S and fleets).
• Insertion, irrigation and routine care of male/female catheters.
• Delivery of tube feedings (insertion, flushing, proper amounts etc.).
• Knowledge of procedures and ability to determine Advance Directive status for patients.
• Collection of lab specimens and interpreting results.
• IV implementation and administration.
• Seizure precautions and administration of IV medication during a seizure.
• Admits, discharges and transfers patients as requested.
• Documentation and billing of supplies used.
• Sends patients to the hospital as necessary.
• Knowledge of procedures to follow if unable to reach physician.
• Makes nursing assistant work assignments.
• Makes compliance rounds and reporting any pertinent issues.
• Maintains effective lines of communication with attending physicians.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services to coordinate the care planning/MDS process and committee meetings as necessary.
• Participates in patient screening and selection process as requested.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services in follow-up on consultant recommendations, i.e., pharmacy, dietary, etc.
• Provides demonstration/education as necessary for nursing assistants to perform job.
• Completes documentation procedures on patients (appropriate use of forms, timelines, and Medicare documentation etc.).

ESSENTIAL DEPARTMENT MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS

• Takes and records temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate.
• Charts information regarding patient progress, aliments, medication, symptoms, and observations.
• Administers medications.
• Discusses with supervising nursing staff the progress of patients and how to proceed with care.
• May be required to assist physician in patient rounds.
• Stocks and prepares medication carts for rounds.
• May be required to provide various treatments as recommended by the physician.
• May be required to transfer or assist in transferring patients from bed to wheelchair.
• May be required to perform physical assessments of patients under RNs direction.
• Uses the telephone to communicate with physicians, arranges for transportation for doctor appointments and contacts families.
• May be required to draw blood and obtain fluids to submit for lab work.
• May be required to assist in passing out trays to patients and assist in feeding.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services to plan, develop, organize and direct the day to day functions of the nursing assistants (personnel and administrative, etc.).
• Demonstrates appropriate/effective supervisory skills that include fair and uniformly applied corrective actions administered without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap or marital status.
• Provides to the Director of Nursing Services appropriate reports/documentation to support departmental updates, corrective actions and other as necessary.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services to maintain appropriate supply and equipment levels in accordance with established departmental budget.
• Participates in nursing center inspections and any subsequently required reports.
• Assists as requested, in the interviewing, screening and selection of associates in accordance with established staffing budgets.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services to maintain appropriate personnel file documentation including reference checks, screenings, corrective actions, evaluations, skills verifications and others as requested.
• Reviews and responds to complaints/grievances (associates and/or patient or family) that concern your department as requested by the Director of Nursing Services.
• Maintains efforts to establish effective inter-departmental communication to provide positive working relationships.
• Assists the Director of Nursing Services to monitor Nursing Assistants for compliance with established procedural guidelines and protocols.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current licensure standards and the survey process.
• Provides hands on assistance in department functions as necessary.

ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

• Participates in Nursing Center surveys (Licensure / JCAHO) and any subsequently required reports.
• Conducts performance improvement/quality assurance activities as required/requested.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs to keep abreast on changes in your field as well as to maintain current license/certification, as required.
• Attends and participates in mandatory in-services.
• Honor patients rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints.
• Complies with Corporate Compliance Program.
• Reports job-related functions/tasks that involve occupational hazards including exposure to blood and body fluids and others as necessary.
• Follows established safety regulations, to include fire protection/prevention, smoking regulations, infection control, etc.
• Performs other related duties as necessary and as directed by supervisor.
• Complies with all Privacy and Security programs.

ESSENTIAL GENERAL FUNCTIONS

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• Professional Appearance
• Communicates well with patients and family members providing warm and friendly greeting and an approachable attitude to family/visitors/patients and responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor and answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university or is a graduate of an approved LPN program required as evidenced by primary source of verification.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Current LPN License in the State of Georgia as evidenced by primary source of verification. American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS/CPR required.

PRIMARY ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS

Primary Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 10 lbs.: Rarely required when lifting patient medical files weighing approximately 5 to 10 pounds.
• Lift 11 to 25 lbs.: Rarely may occur during course of work when stocking medical supplies or stocking medical cart.
• Lift 26 to 40 lbs.: Not required.
• Lift over 40 lbs.: Frequently lifting 40 pounds when assisting in patient transfer. (Occasionally may utilize the Hoyer lift when dealing with large or awkward-sized patients).
• Carry up to 10 lbs.: Rarely required when carrying patient medical files weighing approximately 5 to 10 pounds.
• Carry 11 to 25 lbs.: Rarely may occur during course of work when stocking medical supplies or stocking medical cart.
• Carry 26 to 40 lbs.: Not required.
• Carry over 40 lbs.: Not required.
• Reach above shoulder height: 4 feet
• Reach at shoulder height: Constantly required when administering medication, taking vital signs and providing care for the elderly.
• Reach below shoulder height: Occasionally may occur when administering medication to patients who are bedridden.
• Push/Pull: 20 feet.
• Hand Manipulation:
• Grasping: Frequently grasping pen/pencil when documenting information into medical charts.
• Handling: Constantly handling pen/pencil when documenting information into medical charts.
• Torquing: Not required.
• Fingering: If center implements the use of a computer, may occasionally be required to use computer. Occasionally required to use a telephone.
• Controls & Equipment: Blood pressure gauge, thermometer, stethoscope hydroxulator, Hoyer lift (hydraulic system), splints, trap, wheelchair, exercise wheel, parallel bars, transfer belt, walkers, canes, free weights, Restor bikes, suction machine, IV pumps, tube feeding equipment, TENS unit, specialty beds. May need to move Clinitron bed (300 pounds).

Other Physical Considerations:

• Twisting: Occasionally may occur when providing medical care to bedridden patients, or assisting in transfer.
• Bending: Frequently required when providing medical care to bedridden patients, or assisting in transfer.
• Crawling: Not required.
• Squatting: Occasionally required.
• Kneeling: Not required.
• Crouching: Not required.
• Balancing: Not required.

During an 8-hour day, Associate is required to:

Consecutive Hours Total Hours

Sit 2 4

Stand 2 2

Walk 2 2

Work Surface: Varies from carpeting, linoleum and tile.

Cognitive and Sensory Requirements:

• Talking: Necessary for communicating with patients and other aides.
• Hearing: Necessary for taking instructions from others and while performing physical assessments.
• Sight: Necessary for doing job correctly and effectively.
• Tasting & Smelling: Smelling is required for accurate maintenance and detection of wounds, urinary tract problems, etc.

SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES

Tasks assigned to position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious disease, air contaminants and hazardous chemicals. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, associates and visitors.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

In this position, the associate must be able to tolerate a high pace that is typical for a nursing center. Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly. Although associate is able to sit when charting medical information, must be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking.

Drug-Free Workplace