GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

• Responsible for the planning, identifying and directing of all phases of resident health care for a 24-hour period for a designated residential unit.

• Responsible for total resident health care, unit management and unit environment.

  RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees day-to-day unit administration and directs resident health care of one or more units.

• Completes MDS and care plans. MDS are entered into computer. Utilize Equip reports and MX Manage reports in completing the MDS.

• Communicates assessment and care plan information to staff. Utilizes CareTracker system to obtain resident information.

• Attends Team Conference.

• Assists with residents’ restorative care and self-help programs encouraging independence.

• Makes rounds with physician on unit.

• Assures that physician orders are current and appropriate and communicates same to unit nursing personnel.

• Plans and delegates assignments to nursing staff.

• Consults with Assistant Director of Nursing to obtain necessary human and material resources.

• Conducts unit meetings with staff.

• Communicates information and changes in facility policy and procedures to nursing staff.

• Assures in depth resident assessments on care plans are developed, reviewed and revised as necessary and according to requirement.

• Provides feedback to staff regarding their performance.

• Evaluates performance of all unit nursing personnel at least annually and completes performance appraisals timely.

• Admits and orients new resident to unit.

• Requests supplies and equipment as needed.

• Oversees direct care activities to assure that practices are consistent with facility policies.

• Monitors residents while in dining room for need of assistance and intakes, and confers with Diet Technician and Dietitian.

• Gives treatment and performs other professional services as required.

• Notifies Director of Nursing, Physician and family of changes in resident’s condition as needed.

• Assists in meeting residents’ spiritual and psychological needs.

• Check appointment schedule and make sure that resident is ready and that consult sheets are done correctly.

• Documents and investigates accidents and incidents.

• Disciplines nursing personnel, as needed, according to facility policy.

• Assures staff adhere to infection control practices.

• Participates on committees as necessary.

• Performs and/or coordinates resident assessment.

• Makes frequent rounds on unit to evaluate resident status and staff performance. Checks skin problems daily and oversees treatment plan and documentation.

• Abides by establishment policies and procedures checking for compliance by all staff on assigned unit.

• Assists with orientation, instruction and supervision of other resident care personnel.

• Responsible for scheduling staff off unit for mandatory in-services.

• Keeps abreast of latest trends in geriatrics and attends in-services.

• Monitors staffing patterns and maintains adequate staffing for the unit.

• Must be available to periodically work more than eight (8) hours per day, or more than forty hours per week.

• Other related duties that may become available or as directed by the supervisor, department head and/or administration.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• Current registration in New York State as a Registered Professional Nurse.

• Three years of nursing experience, with at least one year of experience in long term care nursing preferred.

• Evidence of experience in nursing management and gerontological nursing.

• CPR certification

• Sincere desire to work with the aged and chronically ill.

• Knowledge of medical, social and psychological needs of residents in long term care facility.

• Well groomed, courteous, tactful, patient, kind and pleasant when dealing with residents.

• Level headed in emergency situations.

• Possess an acute sense of responsibility.