FLOATING DIRECTOR OF NURSING

Purpose:

To assure quality nursing care for patients by directing, coordinating and supervising all nursing personnel. To assume responsibilities as Director of all Nursing Services in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as Facility policies and procedures. To represent Facility in a professional manner to patients, families, staff, physicians, and the general public.

Essential Job Functions and Requirements:

Position is a traveling position. Employee typically works 40 hours per week, but must be willing to work other shifts and/or weekends to assure coverage or in emergencies. Supervisory skills are required.

* Assist the Quality Assurance Nurse Consultants with improvement initiatives such as implementation of electronic health records, new facility on-boarding, and Director of Nursing training.
* When needed, serves as the Director of Nursing in assigned facilities and implements job duties as listed below.
* Directs, coordinates, and supervises all Nursing Services in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act.
* Sets the tone and atmosphere for the Nursing Services Department.
* Visits patients per established schedule to assure maximum quality care.
* Communicates daily with nursing staff to ascertain nursing needs and/or problems with patients and/or staffing.
* Assists with any patient emergency as needed.
* Assigns duties to professional nurses and non-professional nursing personnel and supervises and evaluates work performance.
* Prepares a work schedule for all nursing personnel in the assigned unit. The work schedule, when possible, will be posted one week before the present schedule expires. Preparation of the work schedule will assure that the required numbers of professional and non-professional nursing personnel are on duty for each shift.
* Implements the work schedule to include vacation and holidays due to the employees on the unit.
* Submits to Central Office the original time sheet with absentee slips/changes appropriate to absentees during the 14-day schedule period. Employee will be excused or unexcused and marked appropriately on the absentee slip/master schedule.
* Periodically make rounds to insure maximum care and to asses need for additional or modified services.
* Supervises the accuracy and maintenance of all nursing records and medical treatments. This also includes non-professional records.
* Assures open communication between staff, Charge Nurses and other nursing staff, as well as between other department staff.
* Meets with Supervisors/Charge Nurses on at least a weekly basis to discuss unit needs and possible solutions as well as to receive suggestions on matters pertaining to unit operations.
* Reviews nursing policies and procedures periodically and makes recommendations for changes/additions as necessary to Administrator and office.
* Reviews policies and procedures for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for the Nursing Services Department, and assures staff compliance.
* Serves on Safety Committee and adheres to safety practices of Facility. Monitors nursing staff for adherence to safety practices.
* Notifies Administrator of staffing needs in Nursing Department.
* Takes part in interviews for nursing staff and makes recommendations to Administrator for hiring.
* Monitors the orientation and training of nursing employees per Facility policy.
* Maintains employee records regarding requested shifts, assignments and seniority.
* Assists in maintaining and updating job descriptions for nursing department as needed.
* Handles disciplinary problems involving nursing personnel as needed, following established procedures. Documents all disciplinary problems and action and sends to Administrator for review and then to be placed in employee file.
* Recommends and/or conducts specific areas of in-service or continuing education which the nursing staff might require.
* Ensures blood samples or other lab requests are drawn as ordered per Facility policy using appropriate techniques, as needed.
* Works directly with other departments to implement needs of patients in the Facility.
* Participates in Department Directors meeting, noting concerns, suggestions for improvement, etc. from Nursing Department.
* Works as Charge Nurse if needed for Coverage.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Essential Qualifications and Requisites:

* Must be a high school graduate.
* Must have a valid drivers' license.
* Must be willing to travel to assign locations which may include overnight stays.
* Must be a Registered Nurse, graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.
* Must have a current, valid license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing and submit proof of license renewal every other year.
* Must be willing to be on call for Facility as needed.
* Must provide quality-nursing care to patients, follow doctors orders, and have a genuine interest in geriatric nursing.
* Must be able to supervise nursing staff assuring that work assignments are completed appropriately and timely.
* Must be dependable, flexible, and able to work and cooperate well with all nursing personnel, other departments and have understanding, patience, and tact in working with patients, families, doctors, and others.
* Must have ability to make decisions regarding nursing problems, realizing that errors and incompetence may have serious consequences for patients and/or staff.
* Must be able to work well under pressure, problem solve, and perform various jobs.
* Must read, know, and follow personnel, department and Facility policies and procedures and adhere to local, state, and federal requirements.
* Must wear appropriate attire and demonstrate professionalism at all times. Must have neat appearance and good personal hygiene.

Essential Physical Requirements:

* Vision: Must be able to see and read doctor's orders, patients' medical records, forms, reports, etc,, as well as be able to see patients to monitor condition, skin color, etc. Must be able to read reports, schedules and other periodicals.
* Hearing: Must be able to hear patients, families, staff, doctors, intercom, fire alarm, and nursing equipment.
* Speech: Must be able to speak English. Must be able to communicate with patients, families, doctors, staff, and visitors.
* Other: Must be able to follow oral and/or written instructions and mentally competent to perform nursing duties. Must be able to maneuver medication carts, treatment carts, and other nursing equipment. Must be able to lift/push/pull 50 lbs. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Essential Safety Requirements:

* Must be knowledgeable of Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens and follow policies and procedures.
* Must wear personal protective equipment as required.
* (PPE will be provided and available for employees)
* Must follow cleaning procedures for spills, etc.

* Must be knowledgeable of Fire and Disaster Plan and follow policies and procedures.
* Must be knowledgeable of proper body mechanics and follow policies and procedures.

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