Assistant Director Of Nursing (Berks Heim Nursing & Rehabilitation)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The ADON has administrative authority, responsibility and accountability for assisting in the functions and activities of the Nursing Service staff. Assists the Director of Nursing (DON) in the overall operation of the department in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations. The ADON assesses, implements and supervises total resident care on shift by subscribing to Berks Heim Nursing department's philosophies and objectives, standard for geriatric nursing practice, ANA Code for Nurses (P/P #1100-01) as well as following Pennsylvania Professional Nurse Practice Act, PA LPN Act, and Berks Heim Policy and Procedure.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Assist the DON to plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the Nursing service department, its program and activities.
• Plan and conduct conferences, and discussions with administration, and nursing staff to encourage participation in formulating departmental policies and procedures, promote initiative, solve problems, and interpret and effect new nursing and administrative policies and procedures.
• Review and maintain department policies, procedures, job descriptions, making and/or recommending changes as necessary to the DON.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with interdepartmental personnel, other departments within the facility, and community nursing education agencies to assure that the department services and activities can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Assess the need for continuing education within the Nursing Department, communicating with the DON and Nursing Education Coordinator.
• By making rounds is able to provide and maintain quality professional nursing care to residents following established policies and procedures of this facility. 
• Evaluate resident care on shift.
• Communicate directly with Shift Nursing Supervisors regarding clinical and personnel issues. Makes appropriate recommendations and decisions and directs nursing supervisors to carry out these recommendations and decisions.
• Inform Director of Nursing of shift concerns (clinical, employee and environmental) that have been resolved, as well as submitting recommendations to the DON for approval to act on resolving more complex issues.
• Monitor work done by scheduler and nursing supervisors for acceptable job performance ac­ cording to job descriptions and nursing department guidelines.
• Monitor performance appraisals done by nursing staff.
• Promote continuity of care through a consistent positive attitude, cooperation, and accurate communication with all shifts and departments.
• Analyzes shift quality assurance reports, accident/incident reports and medication error reports.
• Conduct thorough investigations and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Gather statistical reports as requested by the DON and submits these on a monthly basis along with a monthly comprehensive shift report.
• Accept committee assignments as directed by the DON.
• Work on shift, relieves shift nursing supervisors as needed, and assists on units with direct care as needed.
• Attend scheduled meetings with DON and assists in regulatory surveys as needed.
• Is accessible to staff, residents and families and assists in meeting their needs.
• Conduct monthly nursing supervisor meetings on shift.
• Assists Director of Nursing to prepare and administer the budget for Nursing department.
  • Research, analyze, and implement cost containment measures as necessary. Submit reports as required to DON.
  • Initiate trials for new products coordinating with DON, Medical Supply and Nursing Staff Development.
  • Approve purchases of new equipment and products within budgetary framework upon administrative approval.
• Make recommendations for contract language.
• Monitor grievances and personnel matters with DON.
• Keep current on Long Term Care issues and status of regulations.
• Review key departmental reports and takes appropriate action.
• Monitor function and staffing of the Medical Records Department.
• Monitor function and staffing of the Schedulers.
• Interview candidates for the Nursing Department.
• Take on -call as required.
• Perform other duties as designated by administration.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Registered Nurse with a license to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania or a Registered Nurse from another state with a reciprocal agreement.
• Associate degree in Nursing.
• Minimum of four years nursing experience, one year minimum in long-term care and two years supervisory experience.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to speak, read, write and understand English fluently. 
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as a member of the healthcare team. 
• Ability to lead with integrity who can measure, evaluate, act, motivate, and deal with people. Is a member of the management team with a business mind and attitude, keeping decision making focused always on meeting residents’ needs.
• Physical presence is required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. May occasionally wear protective gear (eye protection, masks and gloves).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, blood and body fluid, diseases and conditions prevalent at the time. Employees may also be subject to emotionally distraught residents, family members, visitors and personnel. The noise level in the work environment is typically minimal to moderate.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.