Travel Cart Nurse - LPN​/RN

Travel Cart Nurse - LPN/RN

The Travel Cart Nurse/Medication Nurse is responsible for providing direct nursing care to residents as prescribed by the physician and in accordance with resident care plans, established facility policies and procedures, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. This position is specifically assigned to cart nurse responsibilities. The Travel Cart Nurse will administer medications and treatments, monitor resident conditions, complete required documentation, carry out physician orders, and provide direction and supervision to Certified Nursing Assistants in the delivery of resident care.

Accountability

• R.N. Supervisor
• Assistant Director of Nursing
• Director of Nursing

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess the overall condition and status of assigned residents and document identified medical needs, changes, interventions, and plans for treatment or resolution in the resident's medical record.
• Monitor resident activity and provide nursing care in accordance with physician orders, resident care plans, applicable regulations, professional nursing standards, and established facility policies and procedures.
• Administer medications and treatments accurately and timely in accordance with physician orders, medication administration records, treatment administration records, pharmacy instructions, and facility protocols.
• Document all medications, treatments, assessments, interventions, observations, and resident responses accurately and within the required timeframe.
• Maintain responsibility for the assigned medication cart throughout the shift, including medication security, cleanliness, organization, stocking, and proper storage.
• Count controlled substances with the off-going and on-coming licensed nurse at the beginning and end of each shift and immediately report any discrepancy according to facility policy.
• Review the Medication Administration Record and Treatment Administration Record for accuracy and completeness and promptly address any missing medications, unavailable treatments, order discrepancies, or documentation concerns.
• Order medications and supplies from the pharmacy in a timely and accurate manner. Notify nursing leadership or administrative staff immediately of any barrier that may delay medication availability or the timely processing of an order.
• Carry out physician orders accurately and promptly, including completing laboratory requests, diagnostic imaging requests, medication changes, treatment orders, and updates to the Medication Administration Record.
• Monitor residents for medication effectiveness, adverse reactions, side effects, contraindications, allergies, and changes in condition. Notify the physician, nursing supervisor, administrative on-call staff, pharmacy, and resident representative as appropriate.
• Receive a complete nursing report at the beginning of each shift and provide an accurate and timely report to the on-coming nurse at the end of the shift. Shift report shall be a primary focus to ensure resident needs, new orders, changes in condition, follow-up requirements, and pending concerns are communicated appropriately.
• Review the 24-Hour Report and other required communication tools at the beginning of the shift to remain informed of resident changes, new physician orders, incidents, treatments, appointments, admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Visit and observe all assigned residents at appropriate intervals throughout the shift.
• Take, monitor, and document vital signs, blood glucose readings, weights, oxygen saturation levels, pain assessments, and other clinical measurements as ordered or indicated.
• Identify and respond promptly to changes in a resident's physical, mental, emotional, or functional condition. Notify the RN Supervisor, physician, administrative on-call staff, resident representative, and other appropriate individuals as required.
• Coordinate and assist with resident admissions, readmissions, transfers, discharges, appointments, hospital transfers, and returns to the facility.
• Complete admission assessments, medication reconciliation, physician order verification, and other required admission documentation within the established timeframe.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with residents, family members, physicians, pharmacies, providers, nursing leadership, Certified Nursing Assistants, therapy staff, dietary staff, social services, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Provide direction, supervision, education, and performance accountability to Certified Nursing Assistants assigned to the unit.
• Make or assist with Certified Nursing Assistant assignments as directed and ensure assignments are appropriate based on resident needs, staffing levels, and facility operations.
• Monitor the completion and quality of resident care provided by Certified Nursing Assistants and promptly address concerns related to resident safety, care delivery, documentation, attendance, or performance.
• Supervise and assist with resident meals…