Unit Manager-LPN

Description
POSITION: Unit Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Nursing/Administrator
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
EXEMPT/ NONEXEMPT: Exempt
REVISED: August 2022
I. Purpose/Delegation of Authority/Job Functions:
The primary purpose of your job position is to assist the Director of Nursing in planning organizing, developing, and directing the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, the Medical Director, and/or the Director of Nursing Services, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.
You are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. In the absence of the Director of Nursing, you are charged with carrying out the resident care policies established by this facility.
Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.
II. Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Administrative Functions:

1. Assist the Director of Nursing in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing service department, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.
2. Participate in developing, maintaining, and updating our written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing service department.
3. Ensure that reference material (i.e., PDR'S, regulations, professional standards of practice, etc.) maintained at the nurses' stations is current. Recommend to the Director written material that will assist the nursing service department in meeting the day-to-day needs of residents.
4. Ensure that the Nursing Department Procedures Manual is current at all times and reflects the day-to-day nursing care procedures used by this facility.
5. Develop and periodically update nursing service objectives and statements of philosophy.
6. Assist in developing and implementing a nursing service organization structure.
7. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director as necessary/ required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
8. Annually review the department's policies, procedure manuals with the Director of Nursing. Make recommendations for revisions of policies, procedures, etc., to the Director of Nursing Services and Administrator.
9. Assist in developing methods for coordinating nursing services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents' total regimen of care.
10. Ensure that all nursing service personnel are following their respective job descriptions. Participate in developing, maintaining, and periodically updating the written job descriptions for each level of nursing personnel in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.
11. Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility's quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) for the nursing service department.
12. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the administrator or director of nursing services.
13. Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
14. Monitor the facility's QI, QM and survey reports and provide the Director with recommendations that will be helpful in eliminating problem areas.
15. Agree not to disclose assigned user ID code and password for accessing resident/facility information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.
16. Agree not to disclose resident's protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.
17. Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility's information system.
18. Participate in the development, maintenance, implementation, and updating of the written policies and procedures for the administration, storage, and control of medications and supplies.

B. Committees:

1. Serve on, and participate in weekly leadership meeting, daily utilization review.
2. Serve on the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee as directed.
3. Assist the Director in preparing written and/or oral reports of the nursing service programs and activities to submit to such committee(s).

C. Personnel:

1. Assist the Director and staff scheduler in determining the staffing needs of the nursing department.
2. Recommend to the Director the number and level of nursing personnel to be employed.
3. Assist the Director in the recruitment, interviewing and selection of nursing service personnel.
4. Delegate to the Charge Nurses and Nurse Supervisors the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to perform their assigned duties.
5. Assist the Director in preparing performance evaluations as directed.
6. Participate in the development and implementation of performance evaluations for the nursing service department.
7. Review complaints and grievances made or filed by department personnel. Make appropriate reports to the Director as required or as may be necessary.
8. Ensure that departmental disciplinary action is administered fairly and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or marital status.
9. Interpret the department's policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies as necessary, i.e. promotes open communication.
10. Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accident and incidents.
11. Report known or suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator/ Corporate Compliance officer.
12. Ensure that departmental computer workstations left unattended are properly logged off or the password protected automatic screen-saver activates within established facility policy guidelines.

D. Nursing Care Functions:

1. Participate in the review of residents for admission to the facility.
2. Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
3. Ensure that direct nursing care be provided by a licensed nurse, a state tested nursing assistant, and/or a nurse aide trainee qualified to perform the procedure.
4. Reviews nurses' notes periodically.
5. Monitor medication passes and treatment schedules to ensure that medications are being administered as ordered and that treatments are provided as scheduled.
6. Promotes positive public relations for the nursing department.
7. Relieves as nursing supervisor.
8. Assists with completion of Medicare and Medicaid forms.
9. Report problem areas to the Director. Assist in developing and implementing corrective action.
10. Authorize the use of restraints when necessary and in accordance with our established policies and procedures.
11. Ensure that residents who are unable to call for help are checked frequently.
12. Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
13. Maintain documentation for infections, or be backup for designee
14. Maintain for wounds, or be backup for designee

E. Staff Development:

1. Participate in developing, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes that provide instructions on "how to do the job," and ensure a well-educated nursing service department.
2. Develop, implement, and maintain an effective orientation program that orients the new employee to the facility, its policies and procedures, and to his/her job position and duties.
3. Encourage Nurse Supervisors/Charge Nurses to attend and participate in outside training programs. Schedule times as appropriate.
4. Plan and conduct universal precautions in-service training.
5. Develop along with the Director of Nursing and Administrator annual facility in-service training programs (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, Safety, Infection Control, etc.).
6. Assist in the development of in-service training programs for the nursing staff. Ensure that these programs meet the continuing education requirements that allow licensed personnel (e.g., CNAs,) to keep their license on an active status.
7. Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license on a current status.
8. Assists with staff meetings; professional and nonprofessional.
9. Plan and conduct orientation as directed by the Director of Nursing

F. Safety and Sanitation:

1. Identify, evaluate, and classify routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks in which there is potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.
2. Ensure that all personnel performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids participate in appropriate in-service training programs prior to performing such tasks.
3. Ensure that an adequate supply of personal protective equipment is on hand and readily available to personnel who perform procedures that involve exposure to blood or body fluids.
4. Monitor nursing service personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies.
5. Ensure that nursing service work areas (i.e., nurses' stations, medicine preparation rooms, etc.) are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
6. Ensure that all resident care rooms, treatment areas, etc., are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.
7. Ensure that all nursing service personnel follow established departmental policies and procedures, including appropriate dress codes.
8. Ensure that nursing service personnel participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner.
9. Assist in the development, implementation, and revising of written aseptic and isolation techniques.
10. Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the infection control program for monitoring communicable and/or infectious diseases among the residents and personnel.
11. Ensure that nursing service personnel follow established infection control procedures when isolation precautions become necessary.
12. Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
13. Ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when moving or lifting a resident.

G. Infection Control
1. Serves as the facility's Infection Control Designee pursuant to the provisions of its Infection Control Program.
2. Does on-going monitoring of healthcare-associated infections.
3. Identifies infection control problems and makes recommendations for corrective action.
4. Prepares the agenda for the Infection Control Committee.
5. Monitors infection control practices and employee compliance.
6. Serves as a resource for all departments and personnel.
7. Initiates and revises infection control policies and procedures.
8. Conducts outbreak investigation and initiates control measures.
9. Reports communicable diseases to the state as required by law.
10. Provides educational offerings for orientation and on-going in-services.
11. Consults with department heads and physicians as needed to improve care.
12. Initiates follow-up on employee/resident exposures to communicable diseases.
13. Participates in quality improvement activities.
14. Participates in short and long range planning for the infection control department.
H. Equipment and Supply Function:

1. Recommend to the Director the equipment and supply needs of the department.
2. Ensure that an adequate stock level of medications, medical supplies, equipment, etc., is maintained on premises at all times to adequately meet the needs of the resident.
3. Participate in the development and implementation of the procedures for the safe operation of all nursing service equipment.
4. Ensure that only trained and authorized personnel operate the department's equipment.
5. Ensure that all personnel operate nursing service equipment in a safe manner.
6. Monitor nursing procedures to ensure that nursing service supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.

I. Care Plan and Assesment:

1. Participate in the development of written preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the nursing needs of each resident.
2. Participate in the development of a written care plan (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care.
3. Ensure that all personnel involved in providing care to the resident are aware of the resident's care plan. Ensure that nursing personnel refer to the resident's care plan prior to administering daily care to the resident.
4. Review nurses' notes to determine if the care plan is being followed.
5. Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing the resident's comprehensive care plan.
6. Be sure that staff members are providing care that reflects the wishes of the resident.

J. Budget and Planning:

1. Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations, and recommend to the Director adjustments in nursing services that ensure the continued ability to provide quality care.
2. Recommend to the Director the equipment needs of the nursing service department.
3. Report suspected or known incidence of fraud relative to false billings, cost reports, kickbacks, etc. to Corporate Compliance.

K. Resident Rights:

1. Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.
2. Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with kindness, dignity, and respect.
3. Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the resident's room.
4. Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of the residents' responsibilities and rights including the right to refuse treatment.
5. Review complaints and grievances made by the resident and make a written/oral report to the Director indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint or grievance. Follow facility's established procedures.
6. Report and investigate all allegations of resident abuse and/or misappropriation of resident property.
7. Ensure that nursing staff personnel honor the resident's refusal of treatment request. Ensure that such requests are in accordance with the facility's policies governing advance directives.
8. Review the facility's advance directive policies and procedures with resident and/or family members as necessary.

III. Working Conditions

1. Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., med rooms, nurses' stations, resident rooms, etc.).
2. Moves intermittently during working hours.
3. Is subject to frequent interruptions.
4. Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
5. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
6. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
7. Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
8. Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
9. Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
10. Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
11. Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
12. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
13. May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
14. Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents' needs.

IV. Education

1. Must have completed an LPN or RN program from an accredited college or university.

V. Experience
1. As a minimum, two (2) years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing
care facility, or other related health care facility preferred.

1. A minimum of six (6) months experience in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices preferred.

VI. Specific Requirements

1. Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Practical or Registered Nurse in this state.
2. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
3. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
4. Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
5. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
6. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
7. Must possess ability to maintain a good working relationship with all levels of personnel.
8. Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
9. Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
10. Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
11. Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
12. Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
13. Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
14. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
15. Accepts and responds to constructive criticism.

16. Completion of a basic training program for infection control if requested and approved by administration.
17. Certification in Infection Control if requested and approved by administration.
18. Ability to develop policies and procedures.
19. Ability to teach and evaluate clinical performance.
VII. Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

1. Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
2. Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
3. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
4. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
5. Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
6. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
7. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
8. Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift up to 100 pounds
9. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
10. Demonstrates responsibility by infrequent and appropriate use of sick time.