Definition
Provides consultation to secure and maintain adequate nursing care for welfare recipients under the State's medical care program; assesses and classifies patients' health care needs; evaluates the quality and quantity of nursing care provided.
Typical Work
Identifies the existence of patient needs emphasizing the patient as an individual; assists the patient to move toward independence within the limitations of his disabilities;
Prepares periodic reports and appropriate correspondence on all nursing care aspects of the State's medical care program; reviews and evaluates the quality and quantity of nursing care needed by and provided to each individual patient; reports instances of nursing home contract non‑compliance to Nursing Care Consultant Supervisor;
Provides consultative services to members of other professional disciplines relevant to improving and maintaining standards of patient care; acts as consultant to departmental caseworkers and other departmental personnel in pre‑placement planning and special health care services; consults with family of patient in planning on nursing home pre‑placement.
Assists in formulating policies and functions relating to the nursing home program; participates in nursing care programs of professional organizations in areas of geriatrics, long‑term illness, or nursing home care; acts as a departmental liaison representative to community, county, and professional groups.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: current concepts in nursing; procedures, skills, and techniques of nursing service administration; social sciences; philosophy of nursing education; nursing home practices under the State's medical care program.
Ability to: relate physical and emotional needs of patient to the classification of nursing care required; establish and maintain effective relationships with multi‑disciplines and agencies involved in nursing home care program; assume responsibility for special assignments involving complicated problems in health care facilities; instruct others in developing individual patient care plans to meet patient needs; speak and write clearly and effectively; maintain and operate automobile.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in nursing
AND
three (3) years of clinical or functional nursing experience.
A Master's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (l) year of clinical or functional nursing experience.
NOTE: A valid Washington State license to practice as a registered nurse is required.
Class Specification History
Revised minimum qualifications July 1, 1965
General revisions and title change (formerly Classification Nurse) Effective July 1, 1968
New class code: (formerly 55100) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.