Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing

Reports to: CEO

Location: Heartland Care Center

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Nursing for a Skilled Care and Assisted Living facility directs all nursing care, treatments, procedures, and other services in order that each resident's needs and choices, where practicable, are met in accordance with physician's orders and current accepted standards. Utilizes substantial specialized judgment and skill in providing nursing care, observation, and counsel to residents and families.

In collaboration with facility Administration, this position allocates department resources in an efficient and economic manner to enable each resident to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Collaborates with other departments, medical professionals, consultants, and organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups, to develop, support and coordinate resident care, related administrative functions, and to represent the interests of the facility.

Education:

* Required: ADN-RN
* Preferred: BSN or MSN degree

License/Registration/Certification:

* Required: Current RN licensure in the State of Iowa
* Required: Current BLS certification
* Required: Current and valid Iowa Driver's License

Experience:

* Preferred: 2+ years as a Director Nursing or similar work experience
* Preferred: 5+ years of general nursing experience, with 2 years on long term care
* Preferred: Management/Supervisory experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

* Knowledge of state regulations for both acute and skilled nursing centers.
* Ability to lead and supervise professional and administrative staff and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
* Ability to communicate effectively with residents and their family members, and at all levels of the organization.
* Ability to react decisively and quickly in emergency situations.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills..
* Highly developed problem-solving skills.
* Ability to develop and follow an operating budget for the department.
* Ability to adapt to flexible work schedules and frequent interruptions.
* Ability to prioritize to meet deadlines on daily work and special projects.
* Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the nursing staff.
* Makes rounds to ensure the nursing department is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
* Develops, implements, and updates department policy and procedures when necessary or as directed.
* Provides consistent and sufficient staffing for resident needs as well as regulatory requirements.
* Participates in Federal, State and Local agency annual surveys.
* Assists with new admissions, re-admissions and assists with the transfer of residents to different rooms

within the facility.
* Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
* Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.
* Answers and responds to call lights promptly and courteously when working in resident care

areas.
* Reviews with appropriate department heads any deficiencies noted by government agencies during inspections.
* Assures that established infection control and standard precaution practices are always maintained.
* Operates the Nursing Department within budgetary guidelines and limitations.
* Assists in completion of annual performance reviews of all nursing staff. Provides guidance and education to staff regarding their performance.
* Ensures training and educating staff members.
* Follows established safety precautions when performing tasks and using equipment and supplies.
* Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, and supply issues to the appropriate persons.