Treatment Nurse

Ensign Services•McAllen, TX

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, and as directed by the Administrator and Infection Control Committee. The role also provides dermatologic and skin-care assessment, treatment, and education for residents, working under established protocols and physician supervision where required. The nurse collaborates with nursing leadership, physicians, residents and families, and the interdisciplinary Care Plan Team to support resident care and maintain facility policies and procedures. The position involves work in office areas and throughout nursing-service areas, including nurse stations and resident rooms. The nurse may work beyond normal hours, on weekends and holidays when necessary, be on call, and be called back during emergencies. The role includes exposure to infectious diseases and waste, hazardous chemicals, and other workplace hazards, as well as frequent movement and interaction with residents, families, personnel, visitors, and government representatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience as an RN, LVN, or LPN in a hospital, long-term care facility, or related health-care 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 representatives, and the public.
Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, and of laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to long-term care.
Leadership and supervisory ability, including 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 emotional and mental stress of the position.
Adequate sight and hearing, or prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately for the job.
Ability to function independently and work effectively with flexibility and personal integrity.
Must meet facility general health requirements, which may include a medical and physical examination.
Ability to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and sometimes hostile people.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, infrequently lift up to 50 pounds, and occasionally push or pull 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.
Confer with nursing leadership and licensed nursing personnel about residents’ dermatologic disorders.
Consult with the Care Planning Team on assessments and help develop residents’ skin-care treatment plans.
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.
Make written and oral reports and recommendations about resident status and care to attending physicians, the Medical Director, or the Director of Nursing Services.
Serve on the interdisciplinary Care Plan Team and help develop comprehensive assessments and care plans for assigned residents.
Identify, manage, and treat 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; complete and document quarterly physical dermatologic examinations.
Provide therapeutic services and develop care plans with the Care Planning Team.
Treat uncomplicated dermatologic disorders within established protocols and under physician supervision, as directed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
Ensure residents with pressure ulcers receive appropriate prevention and treatment, including inspection, turning and activity, appropriate diet, and clean, dry bedding.
Provide direct physical and psychological nursing care during emergencies, illness, or disability to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress, and support residents’ coping.
Assist with resident admissions and discharges, coordinating with health agencies and families as needed.
Assist with rehabilitation activities, including range-of-motion exercises and ambulation, provide emotional support, and monitor physical therapy outcomes.
Provide preventive health-care guidance, including recommendations about nutrition and prevention of common skin disorders.
Educate residents and family members about prevention techniques and ways to maintain or improve 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 families when residents are discharged home.
Ensure nursing department employment actions are administered fairly and in compliance with the facility’s policy against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.