Registered Nurse - Full-time / Part-time

*** Full-Time, Part-Time, and Per-Diem positions are available & multiple shifts available.

Position Summary

Provides nursing care for residents on the assigned unit following established Sherrill House procedures and acceptable nursing care practices.

Primary Responsibilities

Assessment

• Collects data about the health status of residents with consideration of their physical, psychological, and social needs.
• Applies knowledge of normal aging including age-related changes, and changes with illness and accidents.
• Completes written assessments, identifying resident problems and assessing mental status.
• Identifies changes in resident status and initiates appropriate protocols.
• Identifies and assesses emotional needs of residents.
• Assesses the environment of the unit to accommodate sensory needs of residents.
• Validates and supervises collection of data for MDS.

Planning

• Initiates plans of care based on identified resident problems, strengths, and individualized goals.
• Consults with physicians, nurse practitioners, resident care manager, charge nurse and supervisors concerning changes in status.
• Updates plan of care as necessary based on continued assessment of the resident.
• Develops plans of care to promote independence and maximum functioning.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Team Conferences.
• Supervises other team member with the development of plans of care.
• Prioritizes and organizes the delivery of resident care.

Implementation

• Provides direct care to residents.
• Follows established policies and procedures of Nursing Services to ensure safe and uniform nursing practice.
• Documents nursing care using the SOAP format.
• Respects the privacy and dignity of residents.
• Communicates information to other disciplines and staff on the unit.
• Teaches residents about health related issues.
• Fosters resident decision-making.
• Uses positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills with residents.

Evaluation

• Evaluates effectiveness of interventions to achieve individual goals.
• Documents resident's progress in the monthly summary notes.
• Documents changes in status according to established protocols.

Leadership

• Assumes responsibility for delegating resident care based on skills of staff members.
• Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of Nursing Services and Sherrill House.
• Acts as a resource person to nursing staff for resident care, orientation and ongoing development of staff.
• Supervises nursing care of other nursing personnel on the unit.
• Promotes good working relationships among staff and between disciplines.
• Oversees the environment of the unit to promote resident comfort and safety.
• Assumes other responsibilities as delegated by the Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor.
• Provides leadership in problem-solving clinical and unit issues.
• Contributes suggestions for ways to improve quality of life for residents.
• Provides clinical leadership in emergency situations.
• Establishes positive relationships with families, and encourages the involvement of families and visitors.

Professional Development

• Identifies learning needs.
• Participates in continuing education.
• Attends scheduled meetings

Specific Requirements/Competencies

• Authorization by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to practice as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Educational Requirements

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse or licensed Practical Nurse

Experience

Two years clinical experience and a degree of knowledge and competency within the field of gerontological nursing.

Computer Skills

Ability to utilize a management information system for the purposes of collecting and analyzing data, maintaining files, providing summary reports and communicating relevant information to department managers, administrative staff and the governing board.