Treatment Nurse (RN or LPN)

Summary of Duties

Provide primary skin care to residents under the medical direction and supervision of the residents’ attending physicians, the Director of Nursing, or the Medical Director of the facility, with emphasis on treatment and therapy of skin disorders. Assist in modifying the treatment regimen to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the resident, in accordance with established medical practices and the requirements of the state and the policies and goals of the Facility.

Essential Job Functions

1. Confer with the Director of Nursing Services/Clinical Services Administrator and/or other licensed nursing personnel regarding dermatologic disorders of residents in the facility.
2. Consult with the Care Planning Team concerning assessment evaluations and assist in planning and developing the skin care treatment to be performed for the resident.
3. Initiate requests for consultation or referral. Respond to requests from the resident, physician, or nursing staff.
4. Examine the resident and his/her records and charts, and discriminate between normal and abnormal findings, in order to recognize when to refer the resident to a physician for evaluation, supervision, or directions.
5. Complete medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies and charting.
6. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the attending physician, Medical Director, or the Director of Nursing Services/Clinical Services Administrator concerning the status and care of the residents.
7. Work with the Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team in developing a comprehensive assessment and care plan for assigned residents.
8. Provide written and/or oral status reports of residents receiving treatment.
9. Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees as they may pertain to the medical activities of the facility and the skin care of residents.
10. Provide direct patient care upon request of supervisor or as required in order to meet the needs of resident.
11. Maintain an effective, friendly working relationship with health professionals, physicians, consultants, and family members involved.
12. Direct the functions of the Certified Nursing Assistants in accordance with the resident care plan, current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long term care facility.
13. Identify, manage, and treat specific skin disorders and primary and secondary lesions, such as skin abrasions, foot problems such as corns and calluses, decubitus ulcers, bacterial, parasitic and viral skin infections, scaling popular diseases, and benign tumors.
14. Provide assessment and diagnostic services to residents. Perform an assessment evaluation using techniques including observation, inspection, and palpation.
15. Complete a quarterly physical dermatologic examination of the resident and record the results with the assessment.
16. Ensure that residents with decubitus ulcers receive appropriate prophylaxis and treatment, such as daily inspection, turning and activity, a well-planned diet, and maintaining a clean, dry bed.
17. Give direct physical and psychological nursing care in emergencies, as well as in the presence of illness or disability in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress, and enhance the resident’s ability to cope.
18. Assist in the admission or discharge of residents.
19. Provide preventive health care services. Make recommendations to the resident concerning nutrition, prevention of common skin disorders, etc.
20. Assist in monitoring the inventory of medications, medical supplies, and equipment to ensure an adequate supply of skin care products are on hand to meet the needs of residents.
21. Perform other duties and responsibilities as directed by supervisor including special projects.

Education and Experience

Must have successfully completed an accredited Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse program and be currently licensed as a nurse by the State of Alabama.

Must have a minimum of one (1) year nursing experience. Training in rehabilitative and skin therapy practices preferred.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Functions

1. Must be able to move about intermittently throughout the workday.
2. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
3. Must be able to reach, bend, and/or stoop intermittently throughout the work day.
4. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
5. Must be able to push, pull, or move a minimum of 100 pounds utilizing proper body mechanics and assistance.
6. Must be able to walk/stand 75% of the day.