Charge Nurse

*** Sign-on bonus $2000 ***

Benefits: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance, Aflac Insurance, Simple IRA Retirement Plan

Schedule: Full Time Hours

Shift: 8 hours

Required Qualifications

• A Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university or a graduate of an approved LPN/LVN program.
• Prior experience in long-term care preferred but not required.
• Current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in practicing state.
• Current CPR certification.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs the daily activities of the certified nursing assistants in accordance with current federal, state and local regulations and guidelines and established facility policies and procedures.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are complied with by nursing personnel assigned.
• Participates in the admission, discharge and transfers of residents as required.
• Observes for changes in residents' status, notifying the physician and resident's family or representative and documenting accordingly.
• Transcribes physician orders to medical record and carries out orders as written.
• Prepares and administers medications as per physicians' orders and observes for adverse effects.
• Performs wound treatments as per physicians' orders, observes for changes and documents accordingly.
• Schedules follow up appointments for residents and transportation needs as indicated.
• Provides nursing leadership to nursing personnel assigned to the unit.
• Provides direct care skills such as colostomy changes, tube feedings, wound care, suctioning, IV administration, etc. in accordance with current policies and procedures.
• Performs rounds to ensure resident needs are being met and personnel are performing their assigned duties.
• Collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team as needed to ensure residents' needs are holistically met.
• Informs appropriate departments of concerns or complaints and files grievances as necessary.
• Reports any incidents or unusual occurrences to the supervisor, unit manager, assistant director or nursing or director of nursing and participates in the investigative process as needed.
• Participates in end of life care as required.
• Ensures that there is adequate stock of medications, supplies, equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of needs.
• Initiates, reviews and updates care plans as required.
• Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.
• Participates in the survey process when inspection surveys arise.

Additional Tasks

• Treats all residents with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all residents' rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
• Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel. Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.
• Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator. Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations.
• Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.
• Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings. Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility's emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/ Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.
• Must be able to relay information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.
• Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
• May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, tobacco smoke, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.
• Must possess leadership, supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicates with medical and nursing staff, and other departments.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions.
• Works at nursing station and throughout the facility.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• May work beyond normal working hours and on weekends, holidays when necessary.