Long Term Care Nurse Surveyor – State of Indiana – Fort Wayne, IN

This professional position is responsible for the direct application of the Long Term Care survey process. This survey process includes conducting on-site surveys in a variety of health care facilities to determine compliance with federal certification and state licensure requirements where applicable and reviewing/evaluating the quality of care, quality of life, environment and services provided to all residents in the facilities. This position may be required to perform these duties as team leader, team member, or individually as a complaint investigator. This is a field position. Qualified individuals from Allen and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conduct on-site surveys using federal and state protocols and procedures to identify deficient practices and determine appropriate scope and severity in the provision of healthcare and related services.
• When functioning as a team leader, ensure adherence with survey protocols, maintain the integrity of the survey process, facilitate the communication among team members, providers, and supervisor, and collect and organize documentation. When functioning as a member of a team, communicate observations and findings with other team members and the team leader, complete survey tasks as assigned and according to survey protocols, and assist other team members as needed.
• Conduct on-site investigations of complaints within the required timeframes using federal and state protocols and procedures, including investigations at times specific to the allegations in the complaint, to identify deficient practices and determine appropriate scope and severity in the provision of healthcare and related services. Maintain confidentiality of complainants, residents who are the subject of the complaint, and the complaint survey schedules. Complete a written summary of the investigation of each allegation in the complaint, including whether or not the allegation was substantiated and, if not substantiated, why it wasn’t substantiated.
• Represent ISDH in a professional manner.
• Document findings on the survey report in accordance with Principles of Documentation and submit reports within the required timeframes; organize and submit survey packets according to LTC policies.
• Complete administrative duties including, but not limited to: travel vouchers, ATAS, phone logs, schedules, checking and responding to emails, and computer updates.
• Assist with training of new surveyors.
• Attend staff and area meetings.
• Prepare for and testify in legal proceedings.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to interview and to perform the essential functions of this role.

• Licensed Registered Nurse, in good standing, in the State of Indiana.
• Specialized knowledge of principles of nursing practice and standards of care.
• Specialized knowledge of state licensure and federal certification requirements.
• Knowledge of survey and investigative procedures and the ability to conduct surveys, inspections, interviews, observations and investigations.
• Good communication skills including active listening and interview techniques.
• Ability to identify potential adverse health and safety conditions.
• Ability to plan and organize to ensure timely completion of survey and administrative responsibilities.
• Good writing skills.
• Ability to learn investigative techniques needed to complete a thorough investigation including, but not limited to, conducting interviews, reviewing medical records and other documentation, and making observations.
• Ability to utilize computer equipment and software to enter, retrieve and manipulate data.
• Ability to travel providing own transportation and including overnight travel.
• Ability to ambulate, bend and lift at least 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work before and after normal work hours, including on weekends and holidays.
• Ability to be professional and maintain composure under stressful situations.
• Commitment to the public health mission of protecting the health, safety, rights, privacy, and well-being of residents in long term care facilities.
• Ability to successfully complete the federally mandated Basic Long Term Care training and the Survey Minimum Qualifications Test (SMQT) within the first 12 months of employment.