RN Utility Nurse - Oswego Health

$15,000 Sign on Bonus

Job Title: RN Utility Nurse

Department: Nursing

Reports to: Director of Nursing – Seneca Hill Manor

Revision Date: 08/09/2024

Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The RN Utility Nurse is responsible for the quality and efficiency of nursing services and care including nursing supervision, medication pass, treatments, assessments, admission, and discharge of residents in conformance with facility policies and New York State and Federal Regulations.

The RN Utility Nurse must demonstrate a working knowledge of, but not limited to, the following:

• All Seneca Hill Manor facility policies/procedures as they pertain to specific duties.
• Residents rights and abuse reporting regulations.
• Resident safety, standard precautions, basic principles of infection control, fire and emergency drills.
• Back safety techniques as it pertains to the CNA, LPN, RCA Unit Helper and Nursing Supervisor roles.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Oversees the admission process for each resident. Responsible for the completion of the entire nursing assessment phase of the admission. Works in conjunction with the LPN’s to make certain that admission NP/MD orders are written, transcribed and sent (faxed) to the pharmacy.
• Orients and educates resident and their families by meeting them and explaining what to expect during their stay. Initiate the interim care plan, providing educational information in conjunction with direct care providers related to treatments, procedures, medications, and continuing care requirements.
• Review any previous admissions to ensure all skilled nursing documentation is complete. Make certain that all nursing orders for care are complete and indicated on the resident care profile.
• Function as the administrative leader in the building in the absence of the administrator and Director of Nursing on off-shifts, weekends and holidays.
• As needed, supervise and direct the nursing staff in the provision of resident care and performance of job duties.
• Assess all residents demonstrating a change in status and notify MD/Nurse Practitioner as needed.
• Complete treatments as needed following Seneca Hill Manor Skin Care Protocol and preventative skin care policy.
• Transcribe, double-check and carry out MD/Nurse practitioner orders as needed.
• Document resident problems/changes in status in compliance with facility policy and mandated regulations.
• Complete all required documentation in a consistent, timely and thorough manner.
• Monitor/evaluate all resident’s information/diagnostic results received during shift to determine need for follow-up.
• Administer medications (as required) per facility policy following principles of safe medication administration.
• Maintains confidentiality of all resident’s information.
• Take a leadership role in all medical and facility emergencies.
• Participate in the development, revision and implementation of nursing policies and procedures.
• Initiate an investigation in the event of any report of actual or suspected resident abuse.
• Work with families/residents to problem-solve issues as they arise.
• Keep Administrator or on-call representative informed of facility/resident issues as appropriate.
• Instruct/educate nursing staff on new policies/procedures, and equipment as requested.
• Obtain necessary equipment, supplies, medication, and diagnostic studies needed to meet the needs of the resident during the shift.
• Coordinate all aspects of the nursing department operations during the shift.
• Call off duty staff as needed to cover all call-ins.
• Complete resident/family teachings as needed.
• Assist in the notification of family/MD in the event of a resident death.
• As needed, reviews 24-hour report. Make rounds and reviews everyone on report related to any clinical problems or issues.
• Confers with Unit Manager, Nurse Practitioner, MD, resident, resident’s family and staff as indicated throughout the shift.
• Make certain that the LPN’s and CNA’s are aware of any changes needed on the delivery of care.
• Follow-up on any residents who are demonstrating new clinical issues.
• Oversees discharge planning process to ensure a smooth transition back to the community.
• Responsible for updating care plans for residents as clinical changes develop.
• Participates in in-services, seminars, etc. to enhance skills.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):

• Ability to supervise, direct, and evaluate the nursing staff in the provision of resident care and performance of job duties.
• Demonstrated effective communication, conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of the process of aging as it relates to health care as well as resident rights and abuse regulations.
• Knowledge in determining the type and amount of nursing staff and supplies needed to provide quality resident care.
• Demonstrate correct and safe technique in use of all nursing/resident equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Professionalism and business acumen appropriate for working with guests, clients, physicians, employees and volunteers.
• Excellent time management skills, punctuality and a sense of urgency in completing tasks.
• Ability to cost effectively manage resources and supplies.

Education and Experience:

• Must be currently licensed in New York State as a Registered Nurse.
• One year of Medical/Surgical and Gerontology experience strongly preferred.
• CPR certifications required.

Working Conditions:

• Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling during the work day.
• Requires pushing beds, wheelchairs and recliners in excess of approximately 200 pounds with assistance. Requires lifting, carrying, repositioning, and transferring residents who may weigh in excess of 200 pounds using proper body mechanics.
• Occasionally participates in the development, revision, and implementation of nursing policies and procedures.
• Requires unit specific orientation.
• Occasionally requires assembling, operating, checking, and maintaining equipment; place work orders for client-owned electrical equipment, department repairs and faulty equipment.
• Requires attendance of various meetings and participation on committees as required.
• Actively participates in in-service programs (12 hours annually), in Quality Assurance programs and CQI, cross training; attends all mandatory classes as required; completes unit-specific competencies.
• Occasionally requires assignments to other units/shifts as hospital needs require.
• Complies with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.

Pay Range: $34.00-$43.45/hour

*Sign on for full time positions

Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.

The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County’s largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.