Director of Nursing

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management Function Requirements:

Ø Knowledge of compliance with Department of Public Health Guidelines. Ø Assumes responsibility for the development of nursing service objectives, performance standards of nursing practice for each category of nursing personnel. Ø Assumes accountability for the development, organization and implementation of approved policies and procedures. Ø Directs, evaluates and supervises all resident care and initiates corrective action as necessary. Ø Conducts daily resident rounds, initiates corrective action as necessary, reports problems to the Administrator. Ø Directs implementation of "Resident Bill of Rights". Ø Monitors nursing service educational programs to meet the needs of the staff and residents. Ø Conducts staff meetings with all shifts for purposes of planning, coordinating and implementing nursing service policies and procedures. Ø Demonstrates consistent ability to manage nursing service problems, emergency situations, and initiate "life saving" measures within the scope of nursing practice. Ø Assumes responsibility for nursing service compliance to federal, state, JCAHO standards and local regulations. Ø Consistently operates nursing service within budget guidelines established. Ø Acts as an intergral member of the Continuous Quality Improvement team, develops quality indicators and reports monthly. Ø Directs allocation of nursing service equipment and supplies within the facility and establishes guidelines for efficient economical utilization of supplies and equipment. Ø Insures availability of equipment for nursing personnel. Ø Assesses equipment and supply needs and makes recommendations to the Administrator. Ø Directs and supervises scheduling of employees within established guidelines for allocation of nursing service personnel on duty. Ø Recommends the number and level of personnel to be employed to the Administrator. Ø Conducts interviews, hires nursing service employees, conducts counseling interviews and initiates disciplinary actions as necessary. Ø Prepares written employee performance evaluations and initiates recommendations for salary increases, promotions, or terminations. Ø Consistently makes level of care determinations, based on physician's recommendations and plan of care, to assure a favorable "waiver of liability" status for the facility. Ø Communicates daily with nursing personnel providing clear, concise information as well as specific assignments. Ø Assumes responsibility in the absence of the Administrator. Ø Participates with administration, social services and rehab services in the selection process for potential admissions. Ø Participates in the development of a written staffing plan. Ø Participates in the development and maintenance of job descriptions for all nursing service personnel.

Patient Care Requirements:

Ø Takes inquiries for resident placement as assigned by the Administrator and initiates procedures for proper placement of residents and level of care determinations. Ø Accepts responsibility for safety of residents under his/her supervision. Ø Follows all Resident's Rights policies at all times. Ø Listens to residents', families', or physicians' concerns and initiates corrective action and/or reports concerns to the Administrator. Ø Directs and organizes required documentation for Medicare and individual reimbursement systems. Ø Makes management reports and special assignments and adheres to established time schedules. Ø Reviews the total clinical record for accuracy and completeness periodically. Ø Assures that each patient/resident's interdisciplinary plan of care, including discharge plan is maintained and implemented. Ø Oversees and coordinates nursing services with other professional disciplines, i.e., O.T., P.T., Speech, etc. by assisting and/or supervising in the development of individualized patient care plans, stressing rehabilitative and restorative activities and instruction. Ø Participates with other professional staff in developing and implementing policies for patient/ resident care.