DIRECTOR OF NURSING FOR LONG TERM CARE

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

The Director of Nursing of Long Term Care is a registered nurse who primarily oversees Long Term Care (LTC) and assists the CNO in directing the activities of licensed and non-licensed personnel who provide health care and nursing services to customers of a SEARHC Long Term facility. He/She has specific duties related to the MDS process and coordinates and organizes nursing care related to the resident assessment, as set forth in the Medicaid/Medicare guidelines.

The Director of Nursing of Long Term Care will, at all times, support the Mission, Vision, and Values statements of SEARHC.

• Assesses, plans, implements, documents, reports and evaluates the administrative management of the LTC unit, to include preparing and overseeing the budget; maintaining and updating policy and procedure manuals, MSDS and other forms for LTC services; schedules residents and/or staff.
• Oversees and coordinates total nursing care for the LTC resident by communicating and collaborating with resident, family, hospital staff and providers. Assesses plans, implements, documents, reports and evaluates individualized resident care using ethical principles and evidence-based practices to attain expected outcomes, addressing physiological, psychological, sociocultural and spiritual responses of the residents
• Anticipates the needs of the unit and the LTC residents and communicates those needs with staff and other departments.
• Oversees Quality Management activities for the enhancement of resident care and staff needs; performs annual review of services and keeps facility wide assessment up to date.
• Works with LTC Administrator toward culture change and program development. (Example – Plaintree model or similar)
• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of resident care, self, staff and unit needs in context with current professional LTC practice standards, rules and regulations. Maintains specialized knowledge and skills in the nursing practice.
• As R.N. Assessment Coordinator:  
  • Ensures completion of the MDS, RAPS and quarterly reports per regulation.
  • Coordinates and conducts Interdisciplinary Care Plan conferences.
  • Evaluates LTC residents for eligibility criteria and discharge potential planning.
  • Provides education to staff about appropriate documentation for care provided.
• Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop and maintain an individualized plan of care for each resident based on a comprehensive assessment for that resident. Participates in the care of LTC residents.
• Promotes resident rights -- treats residents with respect and dignity, ensures resident rights are followed and promoted throughout the facility. Encourages residents to attain and maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial functioning possible.
• Coordinates orientation and continuing education for LTC Unit staff.  
• Develops, updates and revises policies and procedures as appropriate. Administers the LTC Unit's quality assurance and quality improvement program.
• Delivers direct nursing care when needed.
• Works with the Quality Coordinator to participate fully in the QAPI program.
• Supervises RNs, LPNs and CNAs and any direct staff member working in LTC. Coordinates Unit activities for optimal resident outcome and utilization of resources. Functions as a role model, preceptor, and resource for others.
• Supervises personnel; this includes authority and responsibility for discipline, performance evaluations, orientation and training direction of supervised employees. Assists Long Term Care Administrator and Human Resources in recruitment, hiring and termination (if necessary) of LTC employees.
• Participates in assessment of departmental needs for staffing, education activities, equipment and supplies.
• Participates and facilitates meetings and community events.

Education

• Graduation from an Accredited School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of responsible nursing experience, preferably in a long-TERM CARE facility

Certification/License:

• A valid, current, full, and unrestricted RN license in the State of Alaska OR licensed in another State and obtain Alaska license within 6 months of hire
• Must have BLS within one (1) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Must be knowledgeable OF NURSING and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to LONG TERM CARE.

Skills in:

• Interpersonal skills needed to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.
• Basic computer skills
• Excellent communication and management skills

Ability to:

• Respect the principles of resident rights, confidentiality, EEO and ADA.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess leadership ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and nonprofessional personnel.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents/patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., of the Long Term Care Department.
• Must have patience, tact, positive disposition, as well as be willing to handle patients/residents based on whatever level they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principals and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
•  Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients/residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.