LTC Registered Nurse

Position: Registered Nurse

Department: Nursing

Supervisors: Director of Nursing

Work Area: Bethel Lutheran Home

Work Hours: Rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays

General Description

The LTC Nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for the delivery of resident care of residents in the Long Term Care area. The nurse demonstrates ability to make clinical judgments in an effective and efficient manner with supervision. The nurse demonstrates critical thinking and performance ability in the coordination of resident care. Consistently performs according to nursing standards and is accountable in managing resident care and assisting others in the management of resident care.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.

1. Utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate resident care in the Long Term Care area of Bethel Lutheran Home. Performs regular resident assessments to identify specific needs.
2. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills in the nursing process necessary for those residents requiring the expertise of a professional registered nurse.
   1. Demonstrates ability to perform geriatric assessments and treatments.
   2. Demonstrates knowledge of criteria to identify victims of abuse and neglect and knowledge of how to report alleged abuse.
   3. Demonstrates the ability to assess geriatric safety issues.
   4. Must demonstrate geriatric nursing care competencies.
   5. Demonstrates ability to interpret resident data in reference to geriatric population.
   6. Must demonstrate geriatric nursing care competencies.
3. Assesses signs and symptoms indicating physiologic and psychological changes in the resident’s condition.
4. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data and information from health care members and documents actual and/or potential nursing diagnoses.
5. Documents the plan of care using identified nursing diagnoses, expected resident outcomes, and selected nursing interventions.
6. Identifies and prioritizes actions based upon resident care requirements.
7. Monitors consistency between resident plan of care and directions from medical staff.
8. Performs interventions according to identified priorities, plan of care, and Bethel Lutheran Home policies and resident outcome standard.
9. Provides a safe, comfortable and therapeutic resident environment.
10. Initiates and evaluates resident and/or family education.
11. Revises the plan of care according to evaluation, changes in medical plan of care, and effective/ineffective nursing interventions.
12. Documents resident’s response to nursing and other interventions.
13. Uses clinical judgement in evaluation activities to meet resident care needs of an assigned unit including establishing priorities.
14. Monitors safety and effectiveness of the environment and equipment.
15. Participates in activities to facilitate good interpersonal communications within Bethel Lutheran Home.
16. Supports professional practice by observing the following: Uses knowledge and practices in accordance with 1) the Nurse Practice Act; 2) Standards of Nursing Practice; 3) Standards of Resident Care; 4) CMS, State and Local laws; and 5) Resident’s Bill of Rights.

Education and Training Requirements

1. Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing with a valid SD State licensure as an RN or LPN.
2. American Heart Association Basic Life Support required.

Work Experience Requirements

1. One year prior professional nursing experience preferred.
2. Must have the ability to demonstrate self-confidence and positive attitude toward self and others. Maintains commitment and enthusiasm to goal achievement.
3. Excellent team player and communication skills required.

Essential Functions – Physical and Mental Requirements

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

1. Ability to lift heavy objects using proper lifting techniques and with assistance as necessary.
2. Ability to transfer and move residents who vary with ability to assist weighing 200+ lbs. using proper lifting techniques and with assistance as necessary.
3. Ability to push and pull equipment weighing in excess of 40lbs. using proper techniques and with assistance as necessary.
4. Manual dexterity, coordination, and skillful use of hands when working with resident and equipment, which may include pushing buttons, adjusting dials, turning on/off switches, buckling, holding and positioning limbs/body parts etc.
5. Visual and hearing senses must be adequate to provide resident care/services.
6. Moderate concentration/intensity, which includes prolonged mental effort with limited opportunity for breaks.
7. Normal memory, taking into consideration the amount and type of information.
8. Moderate level of complexity for decision making.
9. Must be able to work alone in a restricted area performing repetitive work for extended periods of time. Must be able to concentrate on work tasks amidst distractions, and foot traffic.
10. Must exert self-control in violent or hostile situations, such as when verbally or physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner.

Competencies

To perform this job successfully, the employee will demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of the position.

1. All employees are required to follow and uphold Bethel Lutheran Home’s Mission, Vision, and Values, Behavioral Standards, Bethel Lutheran Home’s Policies and Procedures, The Code of Conduct, and The Code of Ethics and Compliance Plan.
2. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason.
3. Delegation – Delegates work assignments; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.
4. Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences. Promotes a harassment-free environment.
5. Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgement; Support and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate individuals in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
6. Motivation – Sets and achieves goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
7. Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
8. Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Work Environment

1. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Bethel Lutheran Home has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.