Charge Nurse (RN) or (LPN)

Supervise nursing activities of his/her nursing station on each shift; organize and assign jobs to be accomplished on each shift based upon resident population, staff qualifications, and physical structure; make rounds to observe and evaluate physical, emotional, and social needs of residents; prepare and administer medications; chart as required; give treatments; consult with physicians; communicate with Director of Nursing, MDS Coordinators and staff.

The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties and responsibilities in accordance with current existing federal and state regulations and established company policies and procedures and charge nurse may be either an LPN or an RN.

• Recognize significant changes in conditions of residents during his/her shift or unit.
  
• Delegate to, supervise, provide direct resident-care personnel on the shift or unit.
  
• Prepare and administer or supervise preparation and administration of medications and prescribed treatment.
  
• Supervise serving of prescribed diets and fluid intake.
  
• Chart medications and treatments according to procedure. Observe, report, and record resident reaction to drugs, tests, treatments and therapy measures.
  
• Ensure rehabilitative nursing procedures are performed.
  
• Direct and maintain charts on his/her shift.
  
• Verify inventory of drugs covered by controlled Substances Act of 1970.
  
• Participate in staff meetings and in-service programs.
  
• Consult with supervisor and director of nursing when necessary.
  
• Assisting personnel according to nursing services policy and facility.
  
• Provide guidance to personnel, evaluate performance, and discuss progress and needs for improvement, including delegation and supervision of CNAs.
  
• Review time schedules and notify Director of Nursing if adequate personnel are not on duty. Responsible for covering ‘call-ins� for the next shift.
  
• Assist in interpreting goals and objectives of facility to nursing service personnel.
  
• Assist with orientation and educational programs for nursing personnel.
  
• Supervise nurse assistants/nurse aides in performing duties by checking their work closely to be sure assignments have been completed.
  
• Administer parenteral, intramuscular, and sub-cutaneous injections.
  
• Ensure individual Resident Assessment and comprehensive Care Plan is followed.
  
• Transcribe physician�s orders.
  
• Assist in writing and updating Resident Assessment and Comprehensive Care Plans as resident�s condition changes, assisted by nursing director, activities director, and food service supervisor.
  
• Recommend changes regarding number of staff and work performed.
  
• Personally receive or place calls to physician.
  
• Order medications.
  
• Be sensitive to resident families and respond in an appropriate professional manner.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.
  
• Report incidents of suspected resident abuse immediately.
  
• Treatment book updates.
  
• Family, physician and consultant notification of order changes.
  
• Completion of incident reports (resident and employee).
  
• Transfer and appointment paperwork and coordination.
  
• Secure doors and windows if severe weather is imminent.
  
• Monitor all labs for abnormals and notify the appropriate individuals.
  
• Participate in infection control: Document:
  

+ When the last dose of an antibiotic is given;

+ The effect on the infection; and

+ Vital signs if symptoms are resolved.

• Continuing Education: As required to retain license and registration.
  
• Education: Must be a graduate of a state approved school of vocational/practical or professional nursing.
  
• Experience: Six months as a staff nurse in a long-term care facility preferred. On-site training.
  
• Job knowledge: Nursing policies and procedures; administration of medication, possible side effects, and treatment as prescribed; federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to resident care; comprehensive knowledge of nursing practices; physical, psychological, social, and medical needs of residents; organizational structure and duties of employees under supervision of charge nurse.
  
• Professional Memberships: Recommended and encouraged.
  
• Other: Competence in supervision, leadership, caring attitude, observant, maintain good working relationship, judgment, and emotional stability.
  

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