LICENSE PENDING REGISTERED NURSE- WESTWOOD

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a license pending to join our Assisted Living and Memory Care team. This role is ideal for recent nursing graduates or nurses who are in the process of obtaining their RN license. The RN will be responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered care to residents, particularly those with memory impairments such as Alzheimers and dementia. Working under the supervision of an experienced RN or Nurse Manager, the candidate will gain valuable hands-on experience while ensuring residents receive exceptional care and support. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure. 

Essential Duties

Under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse:

1. Resident Care:

• Assist in assessing the health status of residents and provide care according to their service plans.
• Collaborate with licensed nurses to develop, implement, and update service plans based on residents needs.
• Monitor residents conditions, recognize changes, and report them to the supervising nurse and primary care provider.

2. Medication Administration:

• Assist with medication management under the supervision of a licensed RN.
• Help monitor residents for adverse reactions to medications and report any concerns.

3. Support to CNAs:

• Work collaboratively with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)/Nursing Assistant (NAs) to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.
• Provide guidance and support to CNAs/NAs in their daily tasks and ensure care is provided according to the residents' service plans and health system policies.

4. Documentation:

• Accurately document residents' care, changes in condition, and communication with families or primary care providers.
• Maintain detailed and timely records, adhering to health system policies and HIPAA guidelines.

5. Resident Interaction:

• Provide emotional support and education to residents and their families.
• Engage residents in meaningful activities to promote their physical and mental well-being.

6. Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with other healthcare professionals, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, NAs, and primary care providers, to ensure comprehensive care.
• Participate in service plan meetings and provide input on improving resident care.

7. Organizational Compliance: 

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to infection control, safety, abuse & neglect and resident privacy (HIPAA).
• Mentor and guide less experienced nursing staff and assist with training new employees.
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
• Regularly complete all assigned training modules and courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to stay up to date on required skills, policies, and industry standards.

Non-essential Duties

•   Resident Activities: Assist with resident activities and events to promote a positive living environment.
•   Administrative Duties: Help with administrative tasks such as inventory management, record keeping, and scheduling as needed.
•   Professional Development: Engage in educational opportunities and workshops to stay current with best practices in assisted living and memory care.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in a skilled nursing or long-term care environment, is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, and proficiency in performing nursing procedures.

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of approved school of nursing 
• Proof of passing the NCLEX-RN 
• Submission/payment to IDPFR for Illinois RN license 
• Current BLS
• *New graduate RNs starting on or after 1/1/25 must complete Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 3 years of start date.

Preferred Education

• BSN preferred

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS sheets
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: A diagnostic composite of patients, frequent contact with intravenous devices, and high potential for contact with contaminated body fluids (blood, stool, vomitus) and administration of blood does create a high risk. use of needleless IV systems, universal precautions, and protective equipment to minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Patient diagnostic presentations do pose a high risk; however usage of protective wear, appropriate size TB mask from fit test and universal precautions reduce risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patient/families/staff/MD's. Ability to ask for help.
• Vision: Required to observe patients and their physical assessment, ability to read reports, and ability to read machines.
• Smell: Helpful to note the presence of incontinence, vomitus, blood; electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Necessary to hear alarms, calls for help and to hear patient verbalizations; ability to listen for lung, bowel, and heart sounds.
• Touch: Necessary to assess patients, need to distinguish between hot and cold.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 4%
• Stand: 40%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 25%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 10%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 30%
• Reach above shoulders: 3%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Further lifting and carrying requirements:

Lifting of patients off their beds that are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Horizontal movement of patients to and from carts/beds who are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Lifting equipment - carry 25'-150' waist high (IV bags, patient trays). Carry charts 25'-150' waist high. Filled laundry bags are filled half full so as not to weigh over 35 lbs. Carry fire extinguishers up or down 3-4 flights of stairs and several yards in an emergency.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 15
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 1
• Bend: 15
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. 
• Normal weight: Often
• Pushing & pulling - 50-200 lbs:
• Fine Manipulation: Typing on computer, omnicell, using pens to chart, drawing up meds in syringe and administration, starting IVs.

Leg Strength - up to 50 lbs: Occasionally- (repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: utilized in positioning beds during transport; x-ray, surgery or in an emergency from floor to floor, locking beds or cardiac chairs.)

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 6-40
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:

Special Hazards: Radiation, Chemical, Explosive - Chemical-drugs; Explosive-oxygen; Radiation-cesium implants and radioactive iodine therapy.

Protective Clothing Required: As required for chemotherapy or in cases of isolation, i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.  Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program