DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES NURSING HOMES (M30)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of an Administrator or Executive Officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs, manages the administration of nursing services to patients in a long-term care facility; manages staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Manages, plans, organizes and coordinates the work programs and schedules for the nursing and attending staff of the facility. Provides guidance and instructions to staff and manages their work performance. Establishes and implements the standards to promote safe and therapeutically effective nursing care for patients. Formulates a staff development program according to the philosophy and objectives of the nursing service department. Determines the education needs of the employees necessary to accomplish the objectives of the nursing service; plans and implements instruction programs designed to meet the nursing service needs. Plans and manages orientation and in-service training activities. Manages the delivery of nursing services. Evaluates the quality of nursing care; recommends and implements improvements. Collaborates with intra-Departmental and other staff to plan and coordinate services to patients. Participates in the assessment of community health care resources to provide continuity of care for patients to be discharged from the facility. Determines the supplies and equipment needed to meet patients' needs. Interprets rules, regulations and policy to staff. Participates in studies and conducts research to assess and improve nursing practices and care. Keeps current with trends and developments in nursing practices. Promotes membership, interest and participation in the activities of the professional nursing association, in allied health organizations, and supportive community activities. Confers with administrative, medical and other staff to develop standards for professional care. Prepares and/or manages the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Manages the work operations and functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Establishes and maintains and/or manages the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Experience

Seven (7) years of experience as a Registered Nurse, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity involving the care and treatment of psychiatric, geriatric and/or developmentally disabled patients, and one (1) year of which shall have been as a registered nurse in a long-term care facility.

License

Appointees must possess a valid professional license as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of management theory and practices. Knowledge of the techniques for checking vital signs. Knowledge of the procedures for carrying out universal precautions. Knowledge of communicable disease prevention and control. Knowledge of medical terminology. Knowledge of the procedures for administering intravenous solutions. Knowledge of nursing practices and techniques. Knowledge of the methods used to store, safeguard and administer medications. Knowledge of the methods used to prepare and maintain medical records. Knowledge of the methods used to evaluate nursing services. Knowledge of the types of special care and services likely to be needed by the client population served. Ability to manage the delivery of nursing services. Ability to develop and implement work programs and schedules for nursing and attending staff. Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to manage assigned staff and plan, organize and implement projects within the unit. Ability to provide training and orientation. Ability to manage the storage, safeguarding and use of supplies and equipment. Ability to evaluate nursing services. Ability to keep current with nursing trends and practices. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to manage the establishment and maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants who do not possess the Bachelor's degree in Nursing must possess one (1) additional year of non-supervisory experience. A Master's Degree in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, or Health Services Administrator or other nursing discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of the required non-supervisory experience.