Assistant Director of Nursing

Job Summary:The Assistant Director of Nursing in collaboration with the Director of Nursing ensures department resources are being utilized in an efficient and economic manner to enable each resident to attain and/or maintain the highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team, medical professionals and consultants to develop, support and coordinate resident care, related administrative functions and to represent the interests of the facility. Establishes open communication and support to the unit Mangers to assist in problem solving and oversight of the staff and operations of the nursing unit and resident care. The Assistant Director of Nursing is available to residents and families, seeking assistance with the resolution of complaint/concerns not effectively addressed by the unit Mangers. Activity participates in quality assurance monitoring of nursing operations as designated by the Director of Nursing. Effectively provides education and support to the nursing staff. Oversees and monitors infection control reports and monitoring for the facility. The Assistant Director of Nursing assumes authority, responsibility and accountability for the delivery of nursing services in the facility in the absence of the Director of Nursing and acts as a liaison to the Department of Health and other government agencies in her absence and/or as directed. Education, Qualifications and Credentials:

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Must possess a current NYS license as a Registered Professional Nurse. Responsible for maintaining re-licensure requirements per regulations. Current CPR certification.

A minimum of two years of nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility is required and a minimum of two years’ experience in a nursing administration role or comparable management position.

Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of leadership, organizational ability and effective communication skills. Knowledge of skilled nursing care management, policies and procedures, personnel management and strong clinical skills/best practice is required.

Essential Job Functions: The employee must be able to perform each essential function effectively to be successful in this position.

In collaboration with the Director of Nursing develops, maintains and implements nursing policies and procedures that conform to current standards of nursing practice, facility philosophy and operational policies while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Communicates and interprets policies and procedures to nursing staff and monitors staff practices and implementation.

May participate in admission decisions and/or visit prospective residents before admission as requested a by the Director of Nursing.

Participates in daily/weekly management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, personnel or resident complaints/concerns.

In collaboration with the Director of Nursing evaluates the work performance of nursing personnel.

Performs rounds on the nursing unit to ensures delivery of appropriate services and care, staff coverage, absence of odors, general cleanliness of the facility and nursing units.

Assists with adherence of facility policies and administers disciplinary actions in accordance with operational/union policies as appropriate.

Responsible for the CNA certification program and oversight of students.

Reviews 24-hour report from every unit daily to monitor and ensure timely, effective responses to significant changes in condition, transfers, discharges, use of restraints, unexplained injuries, falls, behavioral episodes and medication errors. Follows up with unit managers on issues/concerns noted during review to ensure appropriate nursing follow up occurs.

Reviews nursing schedules to assure they meet resident/facility needs.

Participates in the recruitment and selection of nursing personnel.

Development and delivery of in-service education to nursing staff. Utilizing education to expand the knowledge, skills and confidence of the nursing staff in their required job applications leading to compassionate, quality care and respect for resident rights.

Proactively develops positive employee relations, teamwork, mutual respect and effective communication among staff.

Assists in conflict resolution of staff when indicated.

Monitors staff for compliance with OSHA mandates and facility policies on workplace safety. Proactively develops procedures and incentives to promote workplace safety and safe work practices.

Establishes implements and monitors the infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment designed to prevent the devilment and transmission of disease and infection.

Reviews infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and to develop effective actions to control and prevent infections. Maintains and compiles infection control reports and statistics for the facility, reporting information to the Director of Nursing and government agencies as appropriate.

Actively participates as a member of the QA Committee.

As designated by the Director of Nursing; participates in monitoring nursing services for compliance with standards and regulatory requirements through rounds and auditing of nursing operations with immediate remediation of inappropriate practices. Compiles information obtained to summarize findings for the Nursing Director to review.

Helps the Administrator prepare staff for inspection surveys, instructing staff on matters of conduct and disclosure, being interviewed by inspectors, immediate corrections of problems noted by surveyors, etc. Reviews and reinforces important standards previously cited.

Participates in the development and implementation of a Survey Preparedness program in anticipation of an annual inspection survey.

Participates in the development and implementation of a Plan of Correction response to an inspection survey and any follow-up QA required for nursing.

Communicates directly with residents, families, medical staff, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members and Department Heads to coordinate care and services, promote participation in care plans and maintain a high quality of care and life for residents.

Promotes customer service and hospitality and responds to and adequately resolves complaints or concerns from residents or families about nursing services.

Participates in investigations for allegations of potential abuse, neglect, mistreatment or the loss/ misappropriation of resident property as requested by the Director of Nursing.

Promotes compliance with accident prevention procedures, safety rules and safe work practices to prevent employee injury and illness and control worker’s compensation costs.

Assures all staff are appropriately trained in fire, disaster and other emergency procedures. Actively participates in the evaluation of staff response and performance during drills.

Interacts courteously with residents, family members, employees, visitors, vendors, business associates and representatives of government agencies.

Acts in the Director of Nursing capacity in the absence of the Nursing Director.

The preceding list of essential functions is not all inclusive and may be supplemented. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:Knowledge of current federal and state laws and regulations as they apply to the practice of nursing in a skilled nursing facility. Strong organizational and time management skills. The ability to prioritize responsibilities. Special Requirements:Must be able to work overtime and on an “on-call” basis.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All pay rates and bonuses are paid and/ or awarded to employees based on the facilities policy and/ or the CBA, depending on the position.