GENERAL DESCRIPTION: + Responsible for the planning, identifying and directing of all phases of resident health care for a 24-hour period for a designated residential unit. + Responsible for total resident health care, unit management and unit environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: + Oversees day-to-day unit administration and directs resident health care of one or more units. + Completes MDS and care plans. MDS are entered into computer. Utilize Equip reports and MX Manage reports in completing the MDS. + Communicates assessment and care plan information to staff. Utilizes CareTracker system to obtain resident information. + Attends Team Conference. + Assists with residents’ restorative care and self-help programs encouraging independence. + Makes rounds with physician on unit. + Assures that physician orders are current and appropriate and communicates same to unit nursing personnel. + Plans and delegates assignments to nursing staff. + Consults with Assistant Director of Nursing to obtain necessary human and material resources. + Conducts unit meetings with staff. + Communicates information and changes in facility policy and procedures to nursing staff. + Assures in depth resident assessments on care plans are developed, reviewed and revised as necessary and according to requirement. + Provides feedback to staff regarding their performance. + Evaluates performance of all unit nursing personnel at least annually and completes performance appraisals timely. + Admits and orients new resident to unit. + Requests supplies and equipment as needed. + Oversees direct care activities to assure that practices are consistent with facility policies. + Monitors residents while in dining room for need of assistance and intakes, and confers with Diet Technician and Dietitian. + Gives treatment and performs other professional services as required. + Notifies Director of Nursing, Physician and family of changes in resident’s condition as needed. + Assists in meeting residents’ spiritual and psychological needs. + Check appointment schedule and make sure that resident is ready and that consult sheets are done correctly. + Documents and investigates accidents and incidents. + Disciplines nursing personnel, as needed, according to facility policy. + Assures staff adhere to infection control practices. + Participates on committees as necessary. + Performs and/or coordinates resident assessment. + Makes frequent rounds on unit to evaluate resident status and staff performance. Checks skin problems daily and oversees treatment plan and documentation. + Abides by establishment policies and procedures checking for compliance by all staff on assigned unit. + Assists with orientation, instruction and supervision of other resident care personnel. + Responsible for scheduling staff off unit for mandatory in-services. + Keeps abreast of latest trends in geriatrics and attends in-services. + Monitors staffing patterns and maintains adequate staffing for the unit. + Must be available to periodically work more than eight (8) hours per day, or more than forty hours per week. + Other related duties that may become available or as directed by the supervisor, department head and/or administration. QUALIFICATIONS: + Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. + Current registration in New York State as a Registered Professional Nurse. + Three years of nursing experience, with at least one year of experience in long term care nursing preferred. + Evidence of experience in nursing management and gerontological nursing. + CPR certification + Sincere desire to work with the aged and chronically ill. + Knowledge of medical, social and psychological needs of residents in long term care facility. + Well groomed, courteous, tactful, patient, kind and pleasant when dealing with residents. + Level headed in emergency situations. + Possess an acute sense of responsibility.