LVN Charge Nurse

PACS•Arlington Heights, IL

17h

About The Position

The LVN Charge Nurse provides direct nursing care to residents and supervises the day-to-day work of nursing assistants. The role ensures nursing activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements and facility policies, and supports the delivery of quality resident care. The position carries delegated administrative authority and accountability for assigned duties and works with nursing staff, residents, families, physicians, other departments, and government agencies as needed. The role oversees shift operations, staffing coordination, personnel guidance, documentation, medication administration, resident assessments and care plans, safety and infection control, equipment and supplies, and staff development. The LVN Charge Nurse also participates in quality assurance activities, facility inspections, discharge planning, and continuing education. Work takes place in office areas and throughout nursing service areas, including drug rooms, nurses’ stations, and resident rooms. The position involves frequent interruptions, movement during the workday, interaction with residents and others in varied circumstances, possible work beyond normal hours or temporary duties in other positions, and callback during emergencies. The employee may encounter infectious materials, hazardous chemicals, physical hazards, and emotionally difficult situations.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved LPN/LVN program or possess a nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
Current, active, unencumbered license to practice as an LPN/LVN in the state.
Current CPR certification.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, including technical procedures and policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to communicate resident condition information and present information effectively to managers and employees.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to residents’ age-related needs.
Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, and of laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to nursing care facilities.
Leadership and supervisory ability, including the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, policies, and procedures.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant, work effectively with others, and deal tactfully with residents, personnel, families, visitors, and government representatives.
Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, or hostile individuals.
Ability to move intermittently during the workday and to push, pull, move, or lift at least 25 pounds to a height of five feet and carry or move it at least 50 feet.
Ability to see and hear adequately, or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately for the job.
Must meet facility general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.
Must maintain required continuing education and licensing and remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with PCC preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise nursing assistants and other assigned nursing personnel, ensuring compliance with facility policies, procedures, job descriptions, and applicable regulations.
Coordinate shift services, programs, activities, staffing, work assignments, nursing reports, and communication with the Nurse Supervisor and other departments.
Participate in quality assurance, facility surveys, discharge planning, resident admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Complete and maintain resident records, charts, orders, reports, census information, and other required documentation.
Prepare and administer prescribed medications and treatments; monitor medication supplies and narcotic records, and report discrepancies.
Provide and oversee resident nursing care, monitor residents’ conditions, implement care plans, perform treatments and procedures, and notify physicians or family members of significant events or changes as appropriate.
Guide and evaluate nursing personnel, participate in performance evaluations, support orientation and in-service training, and report staffing or personnel concerns.
Promote safety, sanitation, infection control, emergency preparedness, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment and nursing equipment.
Review resident care plans and notes, identify needed revisions, and coordinate with the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator on MDS and related processes.
Recommend and monitor unit equipment, medication, and supply needs and encourage efficient, safe use.
Report suspected fraud, unauthorized information access, privacy violations, accidents, incidents, occupational exposures, and hazardous conditions according to facility procedures.
Attend required in-service and continuing education programs and maintain required licensure and certifications.