LPN/Charge Nurse

The primary purpose of the LPN/Charge Nurse is to direct nursing care to residents and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by the nursing assistants. Such supervision must be in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. Must possess a current Alabama license as a License Practical Nurse and been a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.Two years of professional nursing experience in the long-term care setting is required.Current CPR certification is preferred. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative Duties Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistance in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility. Ensure that all nursing personnel assigned to you comply with the written policies and procedures established by this facility. Periodically review the department's policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, etc. Make recommendations for revisions. Meet with your assigned nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the shift's services, programs, and activities. Ensure that the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflects the day-to-day nursing procedures performed in this facility. Ensure that all nursing service personnel comply with the procedures set forth in the Nursing Service Procedures Manual. Make written and oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of your shift as required. Cooperate with other resident services when coordinating nursing services to ensure that the resident's total regimen of care is maintained. Ensure that all nursing service personnel are in compliance with their respective job descriptions. Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility's QAPI program for the nursing service department. Recognize your role as part of the QAPI efforts of your organization. Support QAPI efforts both verbally and non-verbally (i.e., via actions and attitude), including adjusting performance and practice in accordance with QAPI initiatives and findings. Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned. Look for and share with leadership ideas for improvement in the organization. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as may be requested. Periodically review the resident's written discharge plan. Participate in the updating of the resident's written discharge plan as required. Assist in planning the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan as necessary. Interpret the department's policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies as required. Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required. Complete accident/incident reports as necessary. Write resident charge slips and forward to the Business Office. Maintain the Daily Census Report and submit to the Business Office as required. Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary. Charting and Documentation Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon the resident' admissions, transfer, and/or discharge. Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans, record and sign their orders, progress notes, etc., in accordance with established policies. Receive telephone orders from physicians and record on the Physicians' Order Form. Transcribe physician's orders to resident charts, cardex, medication cards, treatment/care plans, as required. Chart nurses notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident's response to the care. Fill out and complete accident/incident reports. Submit to director as required. Chart all reports of accidents/incidents involving residents. Follow established procedures. Record new/changed diet orders. Forward information to the Dietary Department. Report all discrepancies noted concerning physician's orders, diet change, charting error, etc., to the Nurse Supervisor. Fill out and complete transfer forms in accordance with established procedures. Ensure the appropriate documentation concerning unauthorized discharges is entered in the resident's medical record in accordance with established procedures. Perform routine charting duties as required and in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures. Sign and date all entries made in the resident's medical record. Drug Administration Functions Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician. Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication/treatment. Ensure that prescribed medication for one resident is not administered to another. Ensure that an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment is on hand to meet the nursing needs of the residents. Report needs to the Nurse Supervisor. Order prescribed medication, supplies, and equipment as necessary, and in accordance with established policies. Ensure that narcotic records are accurate for your shift. Notify the Nurse Supervisor of all drug and narcotic discrepancies noted on your shift. Review medication cards for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of the physician's order, and adherence to stop order policies. Notify the attending physician of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage being administered. Dispose of drugs and narcotics as required, and in accordance with established procedures. Personnel Functions Participate in employee performance evaluations, determining your shift's staffing requirements, and making recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor concerning employee dismissals, transfers, etc. Inform the Nurse Supervisor of staffing needs when assigned personnel fail to report to work. Report absentee call-ins to the Nurse Supervisor. Review and evaluate your department's work force and make recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor. Develop work assignments and/or assist in completing and performing such assignments. Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to your unit/shift. Make daily rounds of your unit/shift to ensure that nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards. Report problem areas to the Nurse Supervisor. Ensure that all nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved nursing assistant training program. Ensure that all nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Meet with your shift's nursing personnel, on a regularly scheduled basis, to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or to improve services. Ensure that department personnel, residents, and visitors follow the department's established policies and procedures at all times. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-departmental personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to ensure that nursing services and activities can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift