Treatment Nurse

Skilled Nursing Professionals•McAllen, TX

16h

About The Position

The Treatment Nurse plans, organizes, develops, and directs the facility’s infection control program in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards and regulations, as well as direction from the Administrator and Infection Control Committee. The role also provides dermatologic assessment, skin care treatment, and nursing services to residents, working under established protocols and physician supervision where required. The nurse collaborates with the Director of Nursing Services, physicians, residents and families, and the interdisciplinary Care Planning Team to assess residents, develop care plans, provide treatment and preventive care, and support admission, discharge, rehabilitation, and education. The position works in office areas and throughout nursing service areas, including nurses’ stations and resident rooms. It involves frequent interaction with residents, staff, visitors, and agencies, and may require work beyond normal hours, on weekends and holidays, on-call availability, and emergency call-back. The role is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, hazardous chemicals, and other workplace conditions. Physical requirements include moving throughout the workday, occasional pushing and pulling of carts, lifting up to 25 pounds and infrequently up to 50 pounds, and potentially assisting with resident evacuations. A high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of RN, LVN, or LPN experience in a hospital, long-term care, or related healthcare facility, and an active state license as an RN, LVN, or LPN are required. Certified Wound Nurse training is preferred but not required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience as an RN, LVN, or LPN in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related healthcare facility.
Active RN, LVN, or LPN license valid in the state of employment.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies and personnel, and the general public.
Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, and laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to long-term care.
Leadership and supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
Patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, enthusiasm, and willingness to handle difficult residents.
Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and cope with the mental, emotional, and stress demands of the position.
Adequate sight and hearing, or prosthetics enabling these senses to function adequately for the position’s requirements.
Ability to function independently, demonstrate flexibility and personal integrity, and work effectively.
Must meet facility general health requirements, which may include a medical and physical examination.
Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and sometimes hostile people.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift up to 50 pounds; occasional pushing and pulling of carts.
May need to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Certified Wound Nurse training.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Nursing Services in managing and directing the Nursing Services Department.
Consult with nursing leadership and licensed nursing personnel about residents’ dermatologic disorders.
Work with the Care Planning Team to assess residents and plan and develop skin care treatment.
Initiate consultation or referral requests and respond to requests from residents, physicians, or nursing staff.
Examine residents and their records, identify normal and abnormal findings, and recognize when physician evaluation or direction is needed.
Implement and maintain skin care treatment policies and procedures, and explain them to physicians, residents’ families, and the public as appropriate.
Provide oral and written reports and recommendations to attending physicians, the Medical Director, or the Director of Nursing Services about resident status and care.
Serve on the interdisciplinary Care Plan Team and help develop comprehensive assessments and care plans for assigned residents.
Identify, manage, and treat specified skin disorders and lesions, including abrasions, foot problems, pressure ulcers, skin infections, scaling papular diseases, and benign tumors.
Assess residents using observation, inspection, and palpation, and provide diagnostic services.
Complete and document quarterly physical dermatologic examinations of residents.
Provide therapeutic services and collaborate with the Care Planning Team on care plans.
Provide treatment, within established protocols and under physician supervision, for uncomplicated dermatologic disorders as directed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
Ensure residents with pressure ulcers receive appropriate prevention and treatment, including daily inspection, turning and activity, appropriate nutrition, and a clean, dry bed.
Provide direct physical and psychological nursing care during emergencies, illness, or disability to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress, and support residents’ coping abilities.
Assist with resident admissions and discharges, coordinating with health agencies and family members as needed.
Assist with rehabilitation activities, including range-of-motion exercises, ambulation, emotional support, and monitoring physical therapy results.
Provide preventive health care recommendations, including nutrition and prevention of common skin disorders.
Educate residents and family members about prevention and ways to maintain or improve residents’ general health and psychosocial status.
Participate in in-service training on dermatologic nursing skills and procedures when requested by the Medical Director or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in skin care education for residents and family members when residents are discharged home.
Ensure nursing department employment actions are administered fairly and comply with the facility’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation.