LICENSE PENDING REGISTERED NURSE- MILLER

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a motivated and compassionate License Pending Registered Nurse with a license pending to join our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Skilled Facility License-Pending Registered Nurse (RN) provides nursing care under the direct supervision of a fully licensed RN while awaiting full licensure. This role involves assisting in the delivery of comprehensive nursing care to residents, contributing to the development of care plans, and ensuring the highest standards of resident care. The role is crucial in maintaining the quality and continuity of care within the facility while the candidate completes their final licensure requirements. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

While under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse:

• Direct Patient Care:
• Provide direct nursing care to residents, including assistance with daily living activities, under the supervision of a licensed RN/APRN within scope of practice. 
• Monitor and record residents vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Assist with wound care, administer medications, and perform treatments as directed by a licensed RN.
• Report changes in residents conditions or behaviors to the supervising RN immediately.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning:

• Participate in resident assessments and contribute to the development of individualized care plans.
• Assist in the implementation of care plans, ensuring that residents receive personalized and appropriate care.
• Monitor residents' progress and collaborate with the nursing team to adjust care plans as necessary.
• Document observations, treatments, and residents responses accurately in their medical records.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team, including therapists, physicians, and social workers, to coordinate resident care.
• Communicate effectively with residents, their families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Participate in shift reports and care conferences to discuss residents' needs, progress, and care plans.
• Advocate for residents' needs and preferences, ensuring their voices are heard in care planning.

Medication Administration:

• Assist in administering medications to residents as ordered, under the direct supervision of a licensed RN within scope of practice. 
• Monitor residents for adverse reactions to medications and report any issues promptly.
• Ensure medication administration is accurately documented and complies with facility policies and state regulations.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of all care provided and any significant changes in residents conditions.
• Ensure that documentation meets state and federal regulations and facility policies.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and other compliance activities to enhance the quality of care.

Resident Education and Support:

• Provide residents and their families with information and education about health conditions, treatments, and care routines under the supervision of a licensed RN.
• Support residents in understanding their care plans and encourage active participation in their care decisions.
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of educational materials to residents and families.

Professional Development and Licensure:

• Participate in ongoing training, in-service education, and professional development opportunities to enhance nursing skills.
• Stay informed about best practices, new treatments, and updates in nursing care.

Quality and Safety:

• Follow all safety protocols to ensure the well-being of residents and staff.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to promote the highest standards of care within the facility.
• Identify and report any potential risks or hazards in the care environment.

Organization 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.

Preferred Experience

• Acute care clinical nursing experiences or rotations preferred.

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program. 
• *New Graduate RNs starting on or after 1/1/25 must earn Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 3 years of start date. 
• Official written notification of completion and pass of the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Proof of submission of the required licensure fee.  
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. 

The privilege to practice as a license-pending registered nurse will be aligned with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and shall be terminated with the occurrence of any of the following:

• Three months have passed since the official date of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal written notification indicating passage of the exam. The 3-month license pending period may be extended if more time is needed by the Department to process the licensure application. 
• Receipt of the registered professional nurse license from the Department. 
• Notification from the Department that the application for licensure has been refused. 
• A request by the Department that the individual terminate practicing as a license-pending registered nurse until an official decision is made by the Department to grant or deny a registered professional nurse license.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree preferred*
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS sheets
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: 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 system, universal precautions and protective equipment minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Patient diagnostic presentations do pose high risk; however, usage of protective wear, appropriate size TB mask from fit test and universal precautions reduces risk.

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

• Speech: Required to communicate with patient/families/staff/doctors, coworkers, ancillary personnel and other department heads. Ability to ask for help. 
• Vision: Required to observe patients and their physical assessment, ability to read reports, ability to read machines.
• Smell: Helpful to note 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, 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 100lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the 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 10 lbs. Normal weight - Up to 5lbs
• Pushing & pulling - 50-200 lbs: Occasionally
• Fine Manipulation: Typing in computer, medical/supply dispensing cabinet, using pens to chart, drawing up meds in syringe and administration, starting IV's.

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 situation from floor to floor, locking beds or cardiac chairs.

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards:

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

Special Hazards: 

• Chemicals: Drugs/work with patients receiving chemotherapy-Explosive-oxygen; Radiation-cesium implants and radioactive iodine therapy direct radiation for radiology equipment; mechanical- use of Hoover lift bed scales, motorized wheelchairs, bathtub lift chair.

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