Human Resources

Registered Professional Nurse

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for coordinating individual care and for performing nursing services requiring substantial judgment and skills.  Work is performed under the general direction of a higher level medical/nursing professional and in accordance with a prescribed nursing care plan.  Supervision may be exercised over other Nurses and/or auxiliary nursing personnel.  Incumbents at the Genesee County Nursing Home may be mandated to work overtime when necessary to meet minimum staffing requirements.  Incumbents at the Genesee County Jail have responsibility for treatment of inmate patients.  Does related work, as required and assigned.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Assesses nursing care needs and prepares and carries out a nursing care plan;
Assists in the orientation, supervision and evaluation of nursing personnel;
May be responsible for the care of individuals and their quarters, including making beds, changing linens, keeping order, lifting and moving patients, giving baths and rubs, and caring for personal effects;
Where appropriate, may coordinate and monitor Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide assignments and/or services;
Is responsible for observing changes in an individual’s physical and/or mental condition and carry out diagnostic procedures ordered by the physician;
Correlates required restorative nursing care in accordance with department policy and procedures;
Prepares and applies dressings, gives medication, nursing and/or therapeutic treatment as prescribed by physicians;
Provides health teaching to individuals or family members in regard to diet, health habits, the carrying out of treatments at home and rehabilitative measures as authorized by the physician;
Performs services related to the prevention of illness and the attainment of maximum health;
May pass medication cart;
May be assigned to work in various clinics and perform communicable disease investigation and control activities;
May be assigned to perform and/or participate in quality assurance/utilization review activities for facility/department;
Makes contacts with appropriate social services or health agencies as necessary to assure needed service or follow-up care;
Maintains a variety of records and prepares reports;
Works as a team member in promoting excellence in nursing standards.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical and/or surgical practices and skill in their application; good knowledge of the practice and application of nursing techniques and practices; working knowledge of medications, facility dietetics, sanitation including bloodborne pathogens, and personal hygiene; ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions; ability to keep records and make reports both oral and written; ability to get along well with others; ability to successfully carry out the therapeutic measures prescribed; ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and non-professional personnel; good observation; mental alertness; firmness; initiative; cheerfulness, patience; emotional stability; empathetic attitude toward the sick, dying, and/or mentally ill; good moral character; tact and courtesy; integrity; good judgment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, bend, stoop, pull and push, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, stand for long periods of time, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds and position individuals as needed. In Home Health settings, when positioning patients in the absence of lifting assistance and/or other assistance, the employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 250 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and visually observe residents.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid license issued by the State of New York to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse.

NOTE: Maintenance of license is required for continued employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN POSITIONS WHERE REQUIRED:  Possession of a valid NYS Drivers license.