Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse/License Practical Nurse)

Alden Gardens of Waterford•Aurora, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Nurse provides direct nursing care to customers and supervises the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must comply with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, regulations, and facility policies to maintain the highest degree of quality care. The role includes planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing nursing services for a unit; supporting customer care planning; overseeing nursing procedures and documentation; administering medications, treatments, and professional nursing services as ordered; and coordinating with physicians, families, facility personnel, and other departments. The nurse also helps maintain a safe, calm, and welcoming environment and participates in customer admissions, transfers, discharges, and staff education.

Requirements

Current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN or LPN in Illinois and/or Wisconsin.
Current CPR certificate, or ability to become certified within two weeks of employment.
Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
Ability to read, write, and speak English in an understandable manner.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to deal tactfully with customers, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies and personnel, and the general public.
Leadership and supervisory ability, and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
Personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful demeanor.
Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Adequate sight and hearing, with or without prosthetics, to perform the position’s requirements.
Ability to function independently and work effectively with customers, family members, personnel, and support agencies.
Good general health and emotional stability; ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and sometimes hostile people.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, and customers weighing more than 50 pounds as required.
Ability to work with possible exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and conditions, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

Nice To Haves

Interest in and/or knowledge of care of the aged.

Responsibilities

Supervise and instruct nursing staff and ensure they follow facility policies, procedures, and dress code.
Plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct nursing activities for the assigned unit.
Help develop written plans of care and participate in customer care plan conferences as directed.
Make daily rounds of nursing personnel and customers to verify duties and procedures are being followed.
Report customer or family concerns and complaints to the Administrator; counsel or discipline nursing personnel when requested or necessary.
Maintain a warm, calm, and positive environment in the department.
Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Director of Nursing and place medication and treatment orders as necessary within budget guidelines.
Use the PCC 24-hour summary to address recommendations and concerns related to customer care.
Complete accident and incident reports and required assessments at admission, transfer, and discharge.
Maintain informative and accurate nursing notes, charting, medication records, and other documentation.
Receive and record physician telephone orders; record new or changed diet orders and forward them to the Dietary Department.
Prepare and administer medications and treatments as ordered, when appropriate.
Provide professional nursing services as required, including catheterization, tube feedings, suction, dressing changes, colostomy and drainage-bag care, and care of the dead or dying.
Arrange physician-ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services and obtain ordered laboratory specimens.
Notify attending physicians and families about changes in customers’ conditions; contact physicians regarding assessments, medication orders, incidents, abnormal test results, and other relevant care matters.
Take and record vital signs, blood pressures, blood glucose checks, and other measurements as necessary.
Encourage physicians to review treatment plans and document and sign orders and progress notes according to policy.
Orient new customers and family members to the facility.
Attend continuing education programs, staff meetings, and other directed activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.