NURSING CARE EVALUATOR I

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the close supervision of a superior from whom general and specific assignments and instructions are received; work is reviewed in process and upon completion for conformance to policies, rules and regulations and compliance with assignments and instructions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To assist in conducting inspections and surveys of health care facilities, including but not limited to annual recertification surveys, and off-hour surveys, to evaluate the nursing care provided and to ensure compliance with state and federal standards and regulations for the determination of initial or continued eligibility for state licensure and federal certification; and to do related work as required.
• To observe the nursing care provided at health care facilities in order to determine its adequacy.
• To participate in performing complaint inspections at licensed healthcare facilities, investigating all allegations, including but not limited to, those of abuse, neglect, etc.
• To review nursing care staffing patterns and personnel qualifications to insure adequate staffing, proper personnel standards and patient care policies.
• To review medical records of patients and ensure that proper nursing care, medication and treatment is given to the patient in accordance with physician's orders.
• As required, to review other areas at health care facilities such as health, sanitation, dietary and any conditions immediately affecting the patients.
• To talk to patients and observe general attitudes towards the facility, carefully observing whether there are common complaints and checking out their validity.
• To prepare proper reports related to the survey findings, noting deficiencies or discrepancies, especially in the area of nursing care standards.
• To explain deficiencies or discrepancies to officials of facilities and recommending ways to eliminate said deficiencies or discrepancies.
• To perform follow-up investigations to ensure proper corrections are made.
• Ability to operate personal computer-based programs and complete data entry and technically correct, errorfree reports.
• Variable work hours, as investigations might need to occur off-hours.
• To efficiently perform investigations as part of a multi-disciplinary team and independently.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of modern approved nursing practices and methods; a working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relative to the licensing, regulation and inspection of health care facilities and the ability to interpret such laws, rules and regulations; a working knowledge of standards for nursing care and the ability to apply these standards in conducting surveys; a working knowledge and a sound understanding of social and human relationships, problems and needs in dealing with aged and convalescent persons; the ability to prepare reports containing findings, analyses, conclusions and recommendations; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials of health care facilities and assist them by providing advice and guidance; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and

Experience: At least one year of employment as a registered nurse in a private or public health care facility.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must meet nursing licensure requirements as a Registered Nurse, at time of appointment; and must maintain such licensure in good standing as a condition of employment. Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator license and complete required basic surveyor examination(s) within six (6) months.

Conditions for Appointment: With at least one year of public health nursing experience as a Nursing Care Evaluator I, successful completion of any required training, orientation, examinations as directed by management and in accordance with CMS guidelines, and remains free of any conflicts of interest involving regulated facilities, and satisfactorily completes an employee performance assessment, the incumbent may be eligible to be appointed directly by the state agency to Nursing Care Evaluator Il. Utilizes basic nursing knowledge to evaluate patient care while gaining public health nursing experience. The Nursing Care Evaluator I is performing the scope of public health nursing duties required by this position.