Plans, supervises, implements and evaluates the nursing care of each patient through the use of the nursing process. Acts as the patients advocate. Consults with staff, providers and Manager on nursing problems and interpretation of senior service and system policies to ensure patient needs are met. Leads the unit's admission and discharge processes. Takes call for Senior Services nursing needs on a rotating basis. Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and assists the Manager with daily operations of the department.

EXEMPT

Shares knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition. Reviews Medication Regimen Review and Antipsychotic/Psychotroopic Drug use with the Manager.

Follows the five medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

Performs a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassesses per policy. This includes advanced knowledge of cognitive disorders and management of acute and chronic disease in the geriatric patient population.

Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management and participates on the Pain Management Team.

Develops a comprehensive and patient specific plan of care compliant with all regulations and rules and supportive of the Minimum Data Set process.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.

Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, including family in teaching as appropriate.

Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, Nurse Executive and administrative team.

Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures.

Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.

Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients' needs are met and clinical policy is followed.

Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function well under stressful situations.

Consults other departments as appropriate to provide and collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities. Actively participates in the Senior Services QAPI Committee.

Participates in weekly audits and compliance review for quality measures.

Interacts and communicates professionally with physicians, patient/family, staff, and other departments and involves interdisciplinary team in the formulation of the plan of care.

Maintains performance improvement activities for department.

Documentation meets current standards and policies.

Provides education to staff on performance improvement. Plans and organizes orientation and in-service training for unit staff members, participates in guidance and educational program in collaboration with the Senior Services Educator.

Performs management activities including interviewing, coaching, and providing feedback.

Participates in patient care conferences.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadliness, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Demonstrates ability to perform job specific competencies (refer to skills check list).

Professional Requirements:

Adheres to dress code.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Wears identification while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting regulatory compliance, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.