Employment

The Head Nurse of the Long-Term Care (LTC) units will serve as the nurse manager to ensure quality resident care that complies with nursing standards and state and federal nursing home regulations. Works with the Director of Nursing (DON) to supervise, train, and educate nursing staff; acts as a role model for the facility standards of care; has an excellent understanding of state and federal regulations; maintains strict compliance with facility policies and procedures and assures staff compliance; identifies issues and works with the DON to rectify them.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Supervises assigned nursing staff.
2. Writes and administers performance evaluations for nursing staff that are assigned to him/her.
3. Provides disciplinary action to staff as needed, in collaboration with the DON.
4. Identifies problems and collaborates with the Director of Nursing and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to develop solutions.
5. Works closely with the social work team on resident care issues, including admission screening, admissions, discharge planning, and psychosocial issues.
6. Attend care conferences as scheduled with residents and the treatment team.
7. Conducts unit staff meetings along with the DON.
8. Maintains an excellent understanding of infection control practices and monitors staff for compliance. Serves as the designated infection control officer which includes monitoring and tracking infections and being the liaison to the physicians in regard to resident infections. Maintains an active line list of infections on the LTC units and monitors infection control compliance with the staff. Is the steward for infection control compliance in accordance to McGeer’s standard.
9. Provides oversight and monitors wounds and other medical issues of the residents on the units along with the nurses.
10. Participate in quality assurance monitoring and auditing and participate in monthly and quarterly QAPI meetings.  Participates in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement projects, both internally and as required by CMS.
11. Schedules and conducts monthly rounding with psychiatrist.
12. Participates in the Federal and State survey process, including participating in survey preparation meetings and actions.  Ensures facility practices and nursing staff are compliant with state and federal regulations and facility policies.
13. Collaborates with the DON and other supervisory staff in the nursing department for the educational needs of the nursing staff.
14. Ensures relative observations are completed by the nursing staff for the completion of the MDS, and monitors for events that may need capturing in the MDS period such as a change of condition.  Works in collaboration with the MDS coordinator.
15. Will be required to work in the floor nurse role periodically.
16. Writes, monitors, and updates nursing care plans.
17. Oversee the immunization program on the long-term care units for staff and patients in collaboration with the facility Infection Preventionist.
18. Monitors staffing levels to stay in line with budgeted operations and resident needs in collaboration with the DON.
19. Monitors quality of resident care and works with the medical staff and MA to ensure this occurs.
20. Investigates resident and staff complaints with the DON.
21. Investigates accidents, incidents, and injuries. Compiles and writes investigative summary reports.
22. Maintains on-call ability for issues regarding nursing care in conjunction with DON. On call for LTC would be 24/7 unless on vacation time or off ill. Hours would flex if calls were extensive.
23. Works with the pharmacy and consultant pharmacist in regard to resident medication regimen reviews (MRR), audits, medication prior authorizations, and other issues regarding resident medications including cost management.
24. Reviews, revises, and provide input on policies upon request by DON or administrator.
25. Maintains and applies current skills and knowledge through continuing education and in-service programs.
26. Models mission, vision, values of the Department in all interactions with employees, patients/residents and the public.
27. Responsible to know and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in a safe and prescribed manner.
28. Must be familiar with and exemplify the Wood County Core Values and serve with courtesy and respect in accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct.
29. In the absence of the Director of Nursing, would take on other administrative duties as assigned until him/her return.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

1. Provides Unit coverage in absence of other personnel.
2. Inspects Unit for maintenance needs, violation concerns and safety hazards.
3. Inform guardians and family members regarding patient status when needed in collaboration with the nursing staff.
4. Orders supplies, materials, medications, etc.
5. Instruct staff and conduct in-services.
6. Oversee new staff orientation.
7. Any other duties as may be assigned.