Registered Nurse (RN) - Director of Nursing
Hamilton Health Care System
Dalton, GA

RN - MDS Director (62934)

JOB SUMMARY Conduct and coordinate the development and completion of the patient assessment in accordance with the requirements of this state and the guidelines and goals of this organization. ESSENTIAL SKILL/KNOWLEDGE FUNCTIONS * Facilitates communication between nursing center departments and patient/family members to provide an effective assessment/care plan process. * Establishes open lines of communication with consultants. * Has effective interviewing skills for the purpose of collecting information from patients, families and staff members. * Conducts/coordinates patient or family interviews for assessment purposes. * Evaluates each patients condition and medical data to determine special needs, or the need to amend the admission assessment. * Has a comprehensive understanding of nursing resource material and understands how to incorporate such information into care plans [i.e., nursing journal articles that relate to specific patient care topics (bowel and bladder retraining, restraint assessment and use, fall assessments, skin assessments, etc.)]. * Establishes open lines of communication with interdisciplinary team members in order to provide a comprehensive and holistic patient care plan. * Maintains schedule of assessment/care plan meetings. Coordinates schedule with nursing center staff and others (family, therapists, etc.) to provide for appropriate participation. * Care is provided in accordance with patients wishes. * Coordinates the development of a care plan (preliminary and comprehensive) for each patient that identifies problems/needs, appropriate interventions and measurable goals. * Provides that patient assessment and care plans are completed in a timeframe that is in accordance with current regulations. * Facilitates education to inform associates of the patients care plan and review care plan prior to administering care. * Coordinates the review of each assessment/care plan for accuracy including timeliness, appropriate signatures, dates, etc. * Signs and dates each assessment to certify its completion. * Monitors the MDS process for accuracy according to the MDS guidelines and other accepted standards. * Educates the interdisciplinary team and other staff members as needed in the MDS process. * Conducts physical assessment of patient to provide accurate MDS process as requested. * Assesses patient needs and makes recommendations for skilled rehabilitative services as well as maintenance therapy services. * Conducts patient care conferences. * May be required to direct and implement nursing service educational programs in reference to patient assessment and care. * May be required to meet with all shifts for the purposes of planning, coordinating and implementing care. * Assists in compliance with Federal, State and local regulations in relation to scheduling, performing and implementing patient care plans. * May be required to assist with management reports and participate in special assignments. * Complies with specific time limitations in terms scheduling and planning patient care. ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS * Participates in Nursing Center surveys (Licensure/JCAHO) and any subsequently required reports. * Attends and participates in continuing educational programs to keep abreast on changes in your field as well as to maintain current licensure/certification, as required. * Attends and participates in mandatory in-services. * Honors patients rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-administration, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints. * Complies with Corporate Compliance Program. * Reports job-related functions/tasks that involve occupational hazards including exposure to blood and body fluids and others as necessary. * Follows established safety procedures when performing job tasks and/or working with equipment. * Follows established safety regulations, to include fire protection/prevention, smoking regulations, infection control, etc. * Performs other related duties as necessary and as directed by supervisors. * Complies with all Privacy & Security programs. * Communicates well with patients and family members providing warm and friendly greeting and an approachable attitude to family/visitors/patients and responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor, answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. ESSENTIAL GENERAL FUNCTIONS * Attendance * Punctuality * Professional Performance * Communicates well with patients and family members providing warm and friendly greeting and an approachable attitude to family/visitors/patients and responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor, answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. Qualifications LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS A nursing degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited program, vocational school, college or university; as evidenced by primary source of verification. OTHER TRAINING, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS RN nursing license as evidenced by primary source of verification. A minimum of one year of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, long-term care facility or other related health care. PRIMARY ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS Primary Physical Requirements: * Lift up to 10 lbs.: Frequently required when lifting charts weighing approximately 5 to 10 pounds. * Lift 11 to 25 lbs.: Constantly. * Lift 26 to 40 lbs.: Constantly. * Lift over 40 lbs.: Occasionally. * Carry up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally may be required to carry medical charts from one location in facility to another (50 to 100 feet). If carrying more than one chart, can implement the use of a cart. * Carry 11 to 25 lbs.: Not required. * Carry 26 to 40 lbs.: Not required. * Carry over 40 lbs.: Not required. * Reach above shoulder height: 4 feet * Reach at shoulder height: Constantly required while documenting charts. * Reach below shoulder height: Frequently may be required when reaching for clerical supplies or charting information in drawers. * Push/Pull: 20 feet. Hand Manipulation: * Grasping: Constantly during course of day while documenting medical files. * Handling: Frequently handling paperwork and occasionally various diagnostic tools. * Torquing: Occasionally required. * Fingering: Occasionally may be required for using computer and telephone. * Controls & Equipment: Use of a computer. Other Physical Considerations: * Twisting: Not required. * Bending: Occasionally may occur. * Crawling: Not required. * Squatting: Occasionally required. * Kneeling: Not required. * Crouching: Not required. * Climbing: Occasionally required. * Balancing: Not required. During an 8-hour day, Associate is required to: Consecutive Hours Total Hours Sit 2 6 Stand 2 2 Walk 2 2 Work Surface: Associate may be required to stand on carpeting, linoleum or be seated at a standard desk at the nurses station using an office chair. Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: * Talking: Necessary for communicating with others. * Hearing: Necessary for obtaining information from physicians, department heads and patients. * Sight: Necessary for doing job correctly and effectively. * Tasting & Smelling: Smelling is required for accurate maintenance and detection of wounds, urinary tract problems, etc. EQUIPMENT USED Blood pressure gauge, thermometer, stethoscope, hydroxulator, Hoyer lift (hydraulic system), splints, trap, wheelchair, exercise wheel, parallel bars, transfer belt, walkers, canes, free weights, Restor Bikes, suction machine, IV pumps, tube feeding equipment, TENS unit, specialty beds. Utilize computer equipment and is familiar with care planning software. SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES Tasks assigned to this position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious disease, air contaminants and hazardous chemicals. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, associates and visitors. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS The associate must be able to tolerate prolonged sitting as required when documenting information in medical charts for patients. Must be able to direct and work in a high-paced nursing center. Drug-Free Workplace