Nurse- RN/LPN 7am to 7pm-No Mandating

Charge Nurse

In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve, the Charge Nurse plays a critical role in providing superior customer service and nursing services to all Residents on the assigned unit as well as in the facility as a whole. The Charge Nurse assists the Director of Nursing, Unit Managers, and/or the Assistant Director of Nursing in the planning, development, and overall operation of the assigned unit, which ensures Residents receive quality care 24 hours a day.

Job Description

• Assess Residents' conditions to implement intervention and develop Care Plans. Accurately record residents' observations in PCC and follow through on Care Plans. Assure facility medical records policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Make regular rounds of Residents independently and with a physician; observe and evaluate residents' symptoms, progress, and reactions to treatments and medications and implement interventions as necessary.
• Provide preventative, supportive, maintenance, and rehabilitative care directed to the physiologic and psychosocial needs and well-being of Residents.
• Provide care to Residents by performing a variety of treatments, including changing dressings, cleansing and/or irrigating wounds and incisions, performing Foley Catheter irrigations, IV therapy, and administering tube feedings, chest tubes, and peritoneal dialysis.
• Request and assure supplies and medical equipment are available to perform care and treatments as required by the Residents.
• Schedule appointments, physicians, therapy, and consults.
• Monitor and assist CNAs/STNAs with personal Residents care duties such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with ambulation, and other routine accommodative services for Residents' comfort and well-being.
• Receive report from outgoing Charge Nurse and make rounds to see each Resident daily and as needed.
• Administer medications to Residents according to the Public Health Code, Nursing Department Policies, standards, procedures, and as prescribed by the physician; notify appropriate clinical and/or nursing personnel of medication contraindications.
• Advise Residents and/or responsible persons regarding changes in medications, treatment plans, and Resident condition.
• Manage and document emergency care of Residents, coordinating communications to physicians, responsible persons, DON and Administrator, hospital personnel, emergency transport, and other appropriate personnel.
• Perform comprehensive and focused nursing assessments in conjunction with changes in condition and scheduled programs.
• Assist with new admissions, re-admissions, and assist with the transfer of Residents to different rooms within the assigned unit. Request and assure supplies and equipment are available to perform care and treatment as required by the patient prior to or at the time of admission.
• Assure completion of weekly, periodic, and discharge summaries.
• Perform quality improvement activities as assigned by the Director of Nursing, Unit Manager, and/or ADON.
• Monitor rate of accident/incidents occurrences and infection rate on the unit and develop suggestions for corrective action.
• Report Residents' and staff complaints and all unusual occurrences to the Director of Nursing or Administrator and any allegation of abuse/misappropriation or neglect to the Administrator immediately.
• Participate in periodic regulatory surveys by the State of Michigan and participate in the preparation of the Plan of Correction response to an inspection survey.
• Complete and report Resident injury to the Unit Manager.
• Know and support facility philosophy, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate with department heads on an as-needed basis to problem solve and plan for more effective patient care.
• Inform Director of Nursing or Unit Manager/ADON when staffing requirements are not met.
• Present a professional appearance and serve as unit role model.
• Maintain own professional requirements for continuing education and staff development by participating in work-related seminars, etc.
• Promote compliance with accident prevention procedures, safety rules, and safe work practices to prevent employee injury and illness and control worker's compensation costs.
• Ensure equipment is used in a safe manner and report any maintenance concerns to the Director of Maintenance. Report all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, and supply issues to the appropriate persons.
• Adhere to the Nurse Practice Act.
• Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of Residents and interact with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect, and promotes a caring environment.
• Must answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Residents' care areas.
• Communicate and interact effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attend in-service education programs and continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Understand Infection Control and follow the Company's Infection Control guidelines, such as hand washing principles, understanding isolation and standard precautions, recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, demonstrating understanding of the process for identifying and handling infectious waste and cross-contamination, maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with OSHA standards in the workplace.
• Promote and protect Resident rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions, treating Residents with dignity and respect, protecting Residents' personal belongings, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards, and supporting independent expression, choice, and decision-making consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Requirements

• Must possess a current state license as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• CPR certification required.
• One year of professional nursing experience in the long-term care setting is desired (not required).
• Knowledge of applicable state nursing regulations preferred.

Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the practice of nursing in a long-term care setting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Basic computer knowledge is required.