LPN Charge Nurse

Premier Estates of Muscatine

Job Summary:

The primary purpose of the Charge Nurse is to provide direct nursing care to the residents, and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Such supervision must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing Services to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.

• Meet with assigned nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the shifts' services, programs, and activities.

• Periodically review the residents written discharge plan. Participate in the updating of the residents written discharge plan as required.

• Assist in planning the nursing services portion of the resident's discharge plan as necessary.

• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.

• Complete and file required record keeping forms/charts upon the resident's admission, 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 that 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.

• Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician.

• Inform nursing personnel of new missions, their expected time of arrival, room assignment etc.

• Ensure that rooms are ready for new admissions.

Education and Experience:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an LPN in this state.

• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.

• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.