Unit Manager

Description

Position Summary:

In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve; The Unit Manager provides, plans, coordinates, or manages nursing care and health education to nursing home residents on assigned unit throughout all hours of operation.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and clinical expertise required to effectively supervise all nursing activities in the facility or the units to which assigned.
• Reviews and implements all nursing procedures and systems relative to the unit(s).
• Assesses and evaluates the systems which facilitate the delivery of quality Resident care.
• Assesses and evaluates the performance and competency of staff on unit(s).
• Uses a systematic approach to provide individualized nursing care.
• Performs nursing assessments regarding the health status of the Resident.
• Contributes to the Resident’s assessment (MDS/CAA’s) and the development of a plane of care.
• Develops a plan of care based on assessment, implementing nursing care.
• Evaluates the Resident’s responses to nursing interventions.
• Selects and institutes appropriate nursing intervention which might be required to stabilize a Resident’s condition and/or prevent complications.
• Consults with physician or licensed independent practitioner.
• Clarifies any order or treatment regimen believed to be inaccurate, non-effective or contraindicated by consulting with the appropriate licensed practitioner and notifying the ordering practitioner when making the decision not to administer medication or treatment.
• Knows the rational for the effect of medications and treatments and correctly administer same.
• Accurately reports and documents the Resident’s symptoms, responses, and status.
• Demonstrates measures to promote a safe environment for Residents and others.
• Designs, promotes, and organizes Resident education and counseling based on health needs.
• Collaborates with the Resident, members of the healthcare team and, when appropriate, the Resident’s significant other(s) in the interest of the Resident’s healthcare.
• Consults with, utilizes, and initiates referrals to appropriate community agencies and healthcare resources to provide continuity of care.
• Accepts only those nursing assignments that are commensurate with one’s own educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and ability and obtains instruction and supervision as necessary when implementing nursing procedures or practices.
• Uses independent judgment and discretion on behalf of the organization in the performance of these duties while adhering to facility policies and procedures.
• Understands fire and emergency, safety, and security procedures to include elopement.
• Participates in RAI process as indicated or directed.
• Ensures that the charge nurses are adequately supervising the staff on their units.
• Takes calls as assigned.
• Interprets Company policy and makes decisions based on the application of those policies where applicable.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines at all times and protects confidential information by only providing information on a “need-to-know” basis.
• Understands Infection Control and follows the Company’s Infection Control guidelines, such as hand washing principles, understanding of isolation and standard precautions, recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, demonstrating and understanding of the process for identifying and handling infectious waste and cross contamination, maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with OSHA standards in the workplace.
• Promotes and Protects Resident Rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions, treating Residents with dignity and respect, protecting Residents’ personal belongings, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards, and supporting independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other tasks as required.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises employees in the department and others for whom they are administratively or professionally responsible by following policies and applicable laws. Uses independent judgment and discretion on behalf of the organization in the performance of these duties.

Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training Nursing employees, such as CNAs and Nurses; scheduling, planning, and assigning and directing work; receiving calls and finding replacements for absent staff; preparing performance evaluations, monitoring and correcting job performance of employees, and handling disciplinary action for employees, up to and including discharge; and fixing and approving timecards for payroll.

Unit Managers with an LPN license will not direct or manage the work of a Registered Nurse.

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Current state license to practice as a nurse.
• Certification in nursing specialty desired.
• CPR Certified.
• Prefer a registered nurse with management or supervisor experience in long-term care or geriatric nursing. Minimum of licensed practical or vocational nurse with experience in long-term care or geriatric nursing.
  
  

Specific Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Knowledge of current federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the practice of nursing in a long-term care setting.
• Has strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong ability to manage, supervise, and motivate employees.
• Basic computer knowledge is required.