Assistant Director of Nursing

Commonwealth Senior Living at Haddam•Haddam, CT

About The Position

The Assistant Resident Care Director (ARCD) assists the Resident Care Director (RCD) in planning, implementing, and evaluating the Resident Care department to ensure high-quality care and experiences for residents. The ARCD uses the nursing process to perform nursing functions in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and applicable federal and state regulatory and licensing requirements. Under the RCD’s direction, the ARCD provides direct resident care consistent with Commonwealth Senior Living’s philosophies, standards, and practices. The ARCD serves as a Culture Ambassador by modeling the company’s core values and leading by example. The role also helps ensure that team members demonstrate those values: caring about people, doing the right thing, being passionate and celebrating success, speaking up, taking ownership and adding value, and being respectful. This position includes direct resident care and supervision of direct-care associates. It supports resident assessments and individualized care planning, medication and treatment administration, staffing and scheduling, regulatory compliance, infection control, communication with residents and families, and coordination with other departments. The position may involve driving a company vehicle and has physical demands including extended periods on one’s feet and potentially lifting more than 50 pounds. It is considered a medium risk for exposure to COVID because it provides direct care to potential COVID-positive residents.

Requirements

Graduate of a state-approved school of practical nursing or hold a current active state certification in medication administration.
At least one year of successful nursing experience is preferred.
Work experience should include medication administration and experience in geriatric, psychiatric, or rehabilitation nursing.
Current CPR and first aid certification.
Demonstrated leadership skills and sound nursing judgment.
Ability to show compassion toward cognitively impaired older adults and genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of older adults and their families.
Willingness to become trained and/or certified in state assessments and service plans as required by regulatory licensing requirements.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services, including on-call responsibilities.
Proficiency with basic office equipment, including a personal computer.
Acceptable driving record.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including mobility, extended periods of walking and standing, bending, lifting, pulling, stooping, pushing medication carts, and assisting high-risk residents; lifting greater than 50 pounds may be required.

Responsibilities

Maintain liaison with residents, families, and support departments to plan adequately for resident care needs.
Ensure resident services are provided and federal and state policies governing resident care are monitored and followed.
Perform duties in competency areas including resident care, supervision, infection control, resident rights, safety, and sanitation.
Deliver direct resident care and supervise direct-care associates in a manner that supports resident safety and comfort.
Report care provided and changes in residents’ conditions to the Resident Care Director promptly; participate in routine resident-care activities as needed.
Assist with or manage departmental scheduling under the RCD’s direction to ensure adequate staffing in accordance with company standards, policies, procedures, budgets, regulations, and state law.
Recommend changes to resident-care staffing plans to support reasonable hours, acceptable working conditions, and appropriate coverage within the resident-care budget.
Complete assigned resident-care assessments and individualized care plans in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
Understand and support residents’ individualized care plans, and contribute information and observations about residents’ needs and preferences to care planning.
Conduct routine resident-care rounds to check that residents’ needs are being met according to their individualized care plans.
Consult with other departments as appropriate to support an interdisciplinary approach to resident needs.
Assist residents with lifts, moves, and transport using proper body mechanics or lifting devices.
Administer and document medications and treatments according to physician orders, and accurately document resident care according to company policy.
Complete routine and regulatory audits for resident care and/or medication management as assigned by the RCD.
Respond promptly and courteously to inquiries from residents, visitors, and personnel, consistent with established time limits and policies.
Communicate and interact effectively and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors to promote a homelike environment.
Understand and uphold residents’ rights, including the right to be free from restraints and abuse.
Notify physicians of changes in residents’ conditions and follow through until appropriate action is taken.
Follow up on resident concerns reported in shift reports or raised by residents or families.
Promptly report incidents or evidence of resident abuse or violations of residents’ rights to the charge nurse or administrative associate.
Follow safety and infection-control procedures, including handwashing, use of disposable gloves when indicated, and proper disposal of soiled materials.
Provide care that protects residents’ skin integrity, including changing incontinent residents, turning and repositioning immobile residents, and applying moisturizers to fragile skin and other areas.
Perform tasks assigned by the RCD, such as checking vital signs, weighing residents, applying creams or ointments, and collecting specimens.
Attend required or needed meetings, conferences, and training sessions for Commonwealth Senior Living and/or professional licensure.
Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
Help maintain a safe working environment by preventing accidents, preserving equipment, and following safe work practices.
Drive a company vehicle when needed; the position is designated as requiring a driver.
Perform other duties as assigned.