Director of Assisted Living

Description

PURPOSE:

Oversee and manage the daily operations of the assisted living and memory care inns through the implementation of goals and policies of the facility and the Department of Nursing at the management level. To develop a cohesive unit and a continuity of care for guests; to maintain organization and supervision of the unit while delivering an optimum level of care. This involves supervision of the unit on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, seeing that each shift promotes continuity of care.

DUTIES:

The duties of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

•  Evaluates the outcome of care and nursing judgments on the unit daily to assure high-quality care.
•  Maintains a unit environment conducive to the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of residents and staff members.
•  Uses problem-solving techniques with staff and guests when problems are encountered.
•  Make rounds frequently on all guests on her/his unit to see that all problems are dealt with as they occur.
•  Responsible for all nursing responsibilities, including charting to ensure proper documentation, physician visits, and other ancillary services.
•  Responsible for compliance with regulations for Adult Foster Care Homes.
•  Assist Director of Health Care Services in developing shift responsibilities, including medication administration, care schedules, care planning, and other responsibilities.
•  Participates in training and developing staff.
• Participates in hiring and disciplining employees in the assisted living and memory care Inns.
• Works with the Ward Clerk to see that filing and other duties are done. Oversees and participates in the documentation of all nurses’ interventions and judgments. Teaches, guides, and leads co-workers, residents, and their families utilizing his/her knowledge of gerontology.
• Evaluates and upgrades the quality of care rendered and performance of all workers. Delegates tasks to coworkers utilizing good discretion and judgment.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment according to facility policies and state regulations. Promotes a positive attitude with a teamwork approach.
• Implements the facility policies and procedures.
• Makes rounds with physicians on assigned days, carries out orders completely and accurately.
• Actively participates in related in-service programs and seminars to upgrade knowledge in related areas. Strives to have an understanding of new developments in Nursing and applies them to present situations as applicable.
• Documents daily all pertinent changes in residents’ conditions and ensures that each shift provides supervision of guests.
• Keeps the Director of Health Care Services informed regarding resident, family, or staff problems.
• Assures policies/procedures of pharmacy and facility are adhered to, including appropriateness of medications for residents, effects of same on guests, related labs, vitals, etc., per State Rules and Regulations, including monitoring of narcotics, emergency drop box on unit, any missing items, and medication errors.
• Collaborates with all disciplines and utilizes support as available to meet the guest and family needs.
• Obtains services of dentist, podiatrist, and eye doctor as needed, including eye glass repair, necessary appointments, and transportation.
• Oversees guests getting to activities, dining room for meals, barber and beauty shop, etc.
• Assures supplies and equipment are available for the unit and functioning properly including oxygen equipment, suction machines, and the crash cart. Sees that all necessary material is available, such as oxygen signs for doors, extra tubing, etc.
• Oversees the completion of all reports, including Incident Reports, complaints, and Missing Item Reports.
• Upholds Resident Bill of Rights at all times.
• Assists as needed with job duties such as passing of meds, tube feedings, etc. Monitors med nurses' routines to assure proper procedures are carried out.
• Assists nurse aides as needed in the care of guests, including active involvement in educational instruction, monitoring their workload, and making changes as needed. Makes the nurse aide assignment each day with consideration of the actual guests involved and the amount of care each one needs.
• Oversees traffic control, safety measures, cleanliness, and storage of the unit.
• Coordinates with Geriatric Screening to assure proper assessment and documentation of guests.
• Sees that all ADL, FAB, Vital sign sheets, weight sheets, and I&O records are completed timely and properly.
• Oversees room changes, including documentation, moving of all personal items, meds, charts, related papers, etc., and notifies the unit manager of receiving the resident's health status and preferences.
• Coordinates resident care with the ancillary personnel of the unit, including the ward clerk, team leaders, treatment, and rehab technicians. Problems with these employees are to be discussed with Director of Health Care Services.
• Enforces infection control policies and procedures, including universal precautions.
• Oversees all labs completed as ordered, including proper completion of requisition slips, notification of the physician, etc.
• Delegates tasks when necessary and assumes the responsibility for their complete, accurate, and timely completion.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess keen observation skills, leadership skills as well as organizational and management skills; must be able to establish priorities of care with consideration given to each staff member’s work load; must have a true caring for the residents with empathy for them and their family members; must display a positive attitude with a teamwork approach