Job Information
KERN VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT Registered Nurse - Charge Nurse in Lake Isabella, California
Registered Nurse (RN) - Skilled Nursing
Position Summary
The RN is responsible for ensuring continuity of care by providing direct nursing care and supervising CNAs, LVNs, RNs, and support staff. This role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating resident care within a skilled nursing setting, while maintaining the role of resident advocate and supporting the facility's mission. The RN communicates effectively with physicians and the healthcare team regarding changes in residents' clinical conditions, diagnostic results, and treatment responses, and participates in Quality Improvement activities.
Key Responsibilities
Assess residents upon admission and when conditions change. Complete and maintain documentation, including care plans, restraint tools, fall and wander assessments, pain and skin assessments, safety assessments, nursing progress notes, physician orders, and interdisciplinary notes. Adequately assess and reassess pain; implement appropriate pain management techniques and educate residents and families. Notify physicians if current pain plans are ineffective. Review and monitor intake/output, nutrition, weights, wounds, and other quality indicators; notify physician, DON, dietitian, or pharmacist as needed. Update care plans monthly and as needed based on changes in health, mobility, safety, psychosocial status, behavior, and medications.
Medication and Treatment
Administer medications following the six rights of medication administration to minimize errors. Fill in as medication nurse when required. Ensure timely execution of physician orders, including diagnostic and laboratory tests.
Communication and Coordination
Communicate changes in residents' clinical or psychosocial condition to physicians, mental health coordinators, DON, unit staff, activities coordinator, and social services as appropriate. Obtain and act on morning reports from nursing staff; ensure follow-through on resident concerns. Attend meetings such as stand-up, psychotropic drug review, MERP, nutrition-at-risk, and fall program to provide unit input.
Leadership and Supervision
Assess unit needs and develop daily plans with staff to maintain smooth operations. Supervise healthcare team members to ensure care plans are implemented effectively. Ensure support staff complete daily documentation (vital signs, weights, showers, alert charting, weekly summaries, meal percentages, behavior logs, wander/fall assessments). Serve as a clinical resource to unit staff regarding resident care plans. Perform daily walking rounds with the DON when available. Treat residents and families with respect and dignity; address psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and spiritual needs. Function as a resident advocate by protecting rights and promoting quality care. Demonstrate competence in technical and manual skills within RN scope of practice.
Qualifications and Skills
Current California RN license with at least two (2) years of experience in a long-term care facility. Working knowledge of Title 22, OBRA, and other applicable regulations. Experience with Electronic Medical Records preferred. Must pass nursing medical test and hold current BLS certification. Effective verbal and written communication skills in English. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally and respectfully with residents, staff, families, and regulatory representatives. Basic computer skills required.
The RN is responsible for ensuring continuity of care by providing direct nursing care and supervising CNAs, LVNs, RNs, and support staff. This role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating resident care within a skilled nursing setting, while maintaining the role of resident advocate and supporting the facility's mission. The RN communicates effectively with physicians and the healthcare team regarding changes in residents' clinical conditions, diagn stic results, and treatment responses, and participates in Quality Improvement activities.