Description:POSITION PURPOSE: The Registered Nurse functions as Charge Nurse under the general direction of the DNS to independently plan and direct patient care services. The RN manages the day-to-day operation of the Skilled and Intermediate Units for an assigned shift.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:Functions within the scope of practice for a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon.Provides leadership and positive direction in accordance with, and in support of, established philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures.While functioning as a shift charge nurse, initiates employee counseling and/or disciplinary action as indicated by infraction.A) Administer warning for policy infraction.B) Administer suspension from work of current shift.Is familiar with the current condition of each patient through:A) Assessment of physical, psychological and social aspects of the patient.B) Review of written records.C) Verbal communications with the patient, family and other care-givers.Initiates emergency measures as necessary.Reports changes in patient condition to Physician, RN Care Manager, family as appropriate, and to other care-givers and is responsible for associated documentation.Provides for accurate and succinct nursing documentation notes.Administer IV Therapy in accordance with policy.Assigns daily duties to Nursing Personnel on assigned shift according to resident needs, unit needs, individual needs and available staff.Assures timely acquisition of patient observations made by other staff members.Provide direct patient care as needed -A) Treatments per Physician orders.B) Ostomy and catheter careC) Tube feedings and medication administration.D) Accu checks and insulin injections.Maintains a safe, clean and comfortable environment for residents.Maintains and updates own clinical skills and learns new skills as necessary to perform unfamiliar assignments.Monitors care routinely to assure appropriate care is being rendered.Maintains harmonious shift/intershift and departmental/interdepartmental working relationships.Maintains the confidential nature of the work environment.When functioning as Shift Charge Nurse, adjusts daily Nursing Department staffing in both the current shift as well as up-coming shifts by calling in or dropping personnel as needed.Collaborates with the DNS in aide evaluation.Able and willing to work beyond the normal working hours and in other positions, temporarily, if necessary.Represents the interests and concerns of co-workers to DNS.NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include the following:Participates in committees as assigned. Provides input to DNS regarding program proposals and policy/procedure review.Facilitates the participation of staff members in committee work and in the planning process.Available to be "on call", when assigned, in the absence of DNS.UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS:Exposure to Blood/Body fluids is possible.Requirements:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Current Oregon License as a Registered Nurse.Current CPR training.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Able to ambulate, stoop, bend, squat and move a maximum of 60 pounds during routine care for residents for an 8 hour shift.Visual and Auditory activity within normal limits with or without prosthetics.Frequent walking and transport of residents.Push and pull wheelchairs and other equipment.Must function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.Ability to maintain a calm and harmonious work environment.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
