Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse/License Practical Nurse)

This position provides direct nursing care to patients in a long-term care setting while supervising day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. You will ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times in accordance with current Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines, regulations, and facility policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients
• Supervise nursing assistants and ensure compliance with established departmental policies and procedures
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct nursing care for assigned units
• Ensure all nursing procedures and protocols are followed in accordance with established policies
• Directly supervise and instruct nursing personnel on topics to promote job knowledge
• Counsel and discipline nursing personnel as requested or as necessary
• Make daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel are performing required duties and appropriate procedures are being followed
• Make physical rounds to all patients daily and make rounds with physicians as necessary
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department
• Develop written plans of care for each patient that identify problems and needs
• Attend and actively participate in patient care plan conferences as directed
• Report all concerns and complaints made by patients or their families to the Administrator
• Prepare and administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician
• Review medication records for completeness, accuracy in transcription of physician orders, and adherence to stop order policies
• Administer professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings and bandages, colostomy and drainage bag care, and care of the dead and dying as required
• Complete required assessments upon patient admission, transfer, and discharge
• Receive telephone orders from physicians and record on the Physicians' Order Form and P.O.S.
• Record new or changed diet orders and forward information to the Dietary Department
• Chart nurses' notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided and the patient's response to care
• Perform routine charting duties in accordance with established Charting and Documentation Policies and Procedures
• Ensure nurses' notes and monthly summaries reflect the care plan and that it is being followed
• Obtain sputum, urine, and other lab tests as ordered
• Take and record vital signs, blood pressures, accuchecks, and other measurements as necessary
• Contact the patient's physician regarding nursing assessment of condition changes, medication orders or changes, incidents, abnormal lab and X-ray results, and other pertinent care and well-being matters
• Notify the patient's attending physician and family when there is a change in the patient's condition
• Arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by the physician
• Participate in the orientation of new patients and family members to the facility
• Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Director of Nursing
• Place orders for medications and treatments following established budgetary guidelines
• Utilize PCC 24-hour summary concerning recommendations and concerns related to patient care needs
• Fill out complete accident and incident reports
• Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans and record and sign their orders and progress notes in accordance with established policies
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs
• Attend staff meetings as directed
• Accept assignments as directed by appropriate authority, which may require different floors, patients, workloads, and multiple tasks
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN or LPN in the State of Illinois and/or Wisconsin
• Current CPR certificate or ability to become certified within two weeks of employment
• Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Ability to deal tactfully with patients, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies and personnel, and the general public
• Leadership and supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel
• Good general health and emotional stability
• Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people
• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday
• Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position
• Sight and hearing senses (or use of prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately) sufficient to meet the requirements of this position
• Ability to function independently with flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, family members, personnel, and support agencies
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, and patients in excess of fifty pounds throughout the day

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of care of the aged
• Personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful demeanor

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position
• Must possess adequate sight and hearing (or use prosthetics enabling adequate function) to fully meet position requirements
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, and patients in excess of fifty pounds throughout the day
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and conditions, including exposure to HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses