General Summary: An RN Charge nurse is responsible for the overall nursing care/service on his/her shift, including the accurate and timely administration of medications, treatments, and documentation and emergency calls, as indicated.

Essential Functions:

• Administration of medication:
• Controlled drugs are counted: Chart in accordance with State law and home policy.
• Administer drugs and treatment to resident as directed by physician and note resident reactions.
• Report medications and treatment as directed by physician.
• Coordinate pharmaceutical orders, inventory, and order medications as needed.
• See that all incoming drugs are properly labeled, stored, and dispensed. See that all internal and external drugs are stored separately.
• Keep medication room clean, in order, and free of any expired medications.
• See that residents who prefer to keep their medications in the room will be counseled with and monitored to determine capability of handling and security of medication at least once monthly. A written record of counseling shall be kept in their records.
• Responsible for total resident care:
• Notify family, physician, and Director of Nursing of change in resident's condition.
• Notify Administrator and Director of Nursing of changes in resident's condition, accidents, incidents, necessary repairs, staff problems, family or resident complaints.
• Receive report from off-going charge nurse for residents.
• Give report to oncoming charge nurse for residents.
• Responsible for motivation, evaluation, and rehabilitation of residents, which involves ensuring rehab exercise is carried out.
• Responsible for admission of new residents; obtain physical orders and notify other departments of admission. Familiarize new resident with new surroundings and home routines. Make sure new resident and family feel welcome and wanted. Be mindful of family's needs and treat them with the same love and attention as you would for the resident.
• Provide nursing care in accordance with acceptable infection control standards.
• Initiate emergency measures according to campus policy. This may include doing CPR as needed, etc.
• Rounds twice a shift to assure proper care is rendered in a safe and clean environment.
• Assists in developing comprehensive care plans.
• Interfaces with other disciplines to assure continuity of care and services. Gloves will be used for wound care and when dealing with blood and body fluids. Observe all safety and infection control procedures and policies. Use of rubber gloves, non-permeable gowns and face shields as required.
• Assures proper functioning of equipment and adequate supplies.
• Ensure that all resident rights are protected.
• Check and assess each resident, call physician, dentist, etc. when needed.
• Provide reasonable and prudent nursing care.
• Supervise resident care by Nurse Aides.
• Supervise resident's care given by CNAs and instruct on procedures as needed. This may include assisting CNAs with bed positioning, transferring residents, and routine care as needed.
• Charge Nurse shall supervise CNAs in all their duties, job performance and time utilization, and shall have authority to issue directions to CNAs.
• Responsible for job assignment of CNAs.
• Responsible to follow through on any problem the CNA reports to you, whether it concerns a resident or another employee. When problems arise that you cannot handle, you will inform your supervisor and elevate the issue through the proper chain of command.
• Maintain accurate records
• Responsible for clinical records, reports, required forms, assigned documentation and maintenance of records/reports.
• Be alert and report hazards and conditions which may result in accident or injury. Follow safety policies in performing nursing care. Complete required paperwork.
• When accident or injury to resident, visitor, or staff occurs, render care and prepare appropriate accident reports as necessary.
• Participate in all assigned meetings and in-services.
• Documentation to meet, state, federal and campus policies and standards.
• Observe all safety and infection control procedures and policies. Gloves will be used for wound care and when dealing with blood and body fluids. Use of rubber gloves, non-permeable gowns and face shields as required.
• Keeps all resident information confidential in accordance with Emerald Health Care policies H.I.P.A.A. regulations.

Educational Requirements:

• Maintains current, valid Oklahoma RN License
• Six months nursing experience in long term care setting preferred
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English, communicate effectively and perform simple arithmetic. Ability to document care given.
• RN may be required to complete admission and quarterly assessments not permitted to be completed by Nurse Practice Act.

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Stooping
• Bending
• Stretching
• Squatting
• May be exposed to blood and body fluids which may contain HIV and/or HBV. Must be able to transport residents via wheelchair, Geri chair or shower chair; pushing up to 150 pounds unassisted
• Must be able to transfer, lift, turn and position a resident weighing up to 125 pounds unassisted, or with the assistance of one for a resident weighing over 125 pounds
• Must be able to stoop, bend, stretch, squat, stand and walk for up to 90% of the work day
• May be subjected to offensive odors and combative behavior. Must be able to reach up to a level of six feet
• Must be able to push a dietary cart up to 40 pounds unassisted
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
• There is exposure to bodily functions and infectious waste, diseases, odors, viruses and other situations associated with healthcare.