Blue Skies of Texas at The Mission, San Antonio, Texas, is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to assume overall responsibility for the nursing services provided to residents at the Mission (Blue Skies East) and assists the applicable facility Administrator in supervising and managing SNF operations in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the Nursing Service Department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern nursing care facilities and generally accepted nursing practices. The DON is expected to be self-motivated, well organized and possess excellent communication skills. The DON will promote the Blue Skies of Texas philosophy of care and must reflect the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and ethical behavior as well as assess the total needs of residents and responsible parties and direct nursing care to address those needs. In addition, ensures Blue Skies of Texas policies and procedures along with generally accepted nursing practices are carried out. The DON is expected to promote Blue Skies of Texas' philosophy of care and must reflect the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and ethical behavior, as well as assess the total needs of residents and responsible parties and direct nursing care to address those needs. The DON is a key member of the Health Care Operations senior leadership team.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: This is a senior management position that requires a wide range of administrative and professional skills. It is important that the incumbent be able to deal effectively and sensitivity with Blue Skies of Texas residents in meeting their particular needs and perform procedures in accordance with Blue Skies of Texas policies and generally accepted nursing practices. Incumbent must be able to speak, read, write, and provide and follow verbal and written instructions in English; however, the ability to communicate in Spanish is helpful. Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills are essential. Incumbent works within very broad policy guidelines and with only minimal direction and guidance, and independent thought and action are integral to performing the functions of the position. Must reflect the philosophy and principles of Blue Skies of Texas in areas such as judgment, maturity, and lifestyle and serve frequently as a representative of the Company. Must meet all qualifications outlined in the licensed Registered Nurse (RN) job description.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads daily operations for nursing department and is responsible for the actions of all nursing staff. Ensures all clinical/nursing personnel comply with established standards, practices and regulatory requirements.
- Responsible for supervision, development and retention of quality nursing staff to ensure exceptional resident care to ensure key benchmark indicators are successfully met.
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Provide guidance to staff and clinical managers relating to all aspects of patient care including intake activities of residents, nursing assessments, service plans, care plans, staff assignments, resident care oversight, and patient reporting.
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Reviews nurses’ notes to ensure proper documentation is maintained relating to the resident’s treatment, medications, and conditions.
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Make daily rounds for observation of care of residents.
- Addresses patient, family and employee complaints, documents issues, solutions and resolving problems.
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Participates with other professional staff to include the Medical Director and other physicians, Medical Records Consultant, Consultant Pharmacist and Dietitian to ensure appropriate resident care is provided in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies.
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Develops and implements nursing policies and procedures, to ensure current nursing practices are implemented and the highest quality of care is performed.
- Is a lead participant in Quality Assurance Process Improvement program, coordinating with all interdisciplinary teams to collect/analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement and setting priorities for action; building on the residents’ own goals for health, quality of life and daily activities.
- Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
- Participates in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary or as may be directed.
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Hiring, onboarding, evaluating, training and mentoring staff including performance appraisals and taking disciplinary action when necessary.
- Responsible for development and implementation of Infection Control program and Wound Care services.
- Assist the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling and revising the Minimum Data Set (MDS), including the implementation of Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) and triggers.
- Oversees and signs off on the overall development of resident care plans to ensure they accurately represent quality care and quality of life.
- Ensures the facility is adequately staffed at all times to meet the needs of patients served.
- Assists with marketing and communicating the concept of quality resident care to the general community.
- Serves as Assistant Administrator and assumes Administrator duties during the incumbent’s absence.
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Works in conjunction with other departments to coordinate the continuum of care and maintain an awareness of Blue Skies of Texas resident medical needs throughout the Company.
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Follows established emergency action procedures during events such as evacuations, medical emergencies, fires, or resident transfers.
- Participates in professional development through attendance at in-service and continuing education programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
DIRECT REPORTS: Associate Director of Nursing (ADON), Assigned Licensed Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, Wound Care Coordinator, Nursing Secretary, Staff Development Coordinator, Resident Assessment Coordinator and Minimum Data Set Nurse,
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Required: Possess previous management and administrative experience to include scheduling, employee relations, and strong problem-solving and communication skills. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree and specialized training to include geriatric nursing skills, supervisory skills, and infection control are desirable. Possess at least three years of previous experience as a Nursing Supervisor in a long-term care setting. Experience with Medicare to include Medicare Managed Care , Commercial Insurance, Tricare, VA and all State Standards and Care Plans.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS: Must be an RN licensed by, and in good standing with, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, and have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator certifications. Must be current in attaining the Continuing Education Units necessary to meet and maintain licensing requirements.