Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
EDUCATION
It is required that the LPN holds a current, unencumbered license to practice as a nurse in this state. It is required that the LPN received a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, college or university. It is required that the LPN holds a current CPR certification.
EXPERIENCE
It is preferred that the LPN has six months experience working in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency or other healthcare facility.
SKILLS REQUIRED
Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathering and analyzing information to develop alternative solutions both alone and with groups.
Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional resident, family member, and employee situations, responding promptly to their request for service and assistance, while soliciting feedback to improve service insuring that commitments are met.
Interpersonal: Focuses on solving conflict and not blaming. Maintains confidentiality. Listens to others without interrupting and keeps emotions under control. Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens carefully and gets clarification. Responds well to questions.
Team Work: Balances team and individual responsibilities, exhibiting objectivity and openness to others’ views. Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
Planning and Time Utilization: Consistently plans/coordinates work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency without sacrificing quality, accuracy and customer service. Meets deadlines in completing job assignments and special projects.
Computer Skills: Literate in Word and Excel, as well as preferred skills in Outlook.
Written Skills: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; presents numerical data effectively; and is able to read and interpret written information.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the LPN include providing direct nursing care to residents in an assigned unit under the direction of the Healthcare Director, Nursing Supervisor or Registered Nurse. Such care will be performed timely and accurately in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and current acceptable policies, procedures and principles relating to the operation of the Community.
FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
ESSENTIAL
The following job functions have been determined to be essential to the position. Management reserves the right to modify this list and other functions as deemed necessary.
- Provides services in accordance with specific written orders from a physician and under the supervision of an RN.
- Records all care given and observations during the visit on appropriate forms.
- Obtains vital signs on each visit and records.
- Reports and documents pertinent information. Prepares clinical and progress notes.
- Charts client and family teaching when provided, concerning condition of illness, related needs, medications, etc.
- Follows preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
- Records supplies used on Daily Visit Report.
- Attends client care conferences.
- Demonstrates knowledge and competency when assisting RN in performing specialized tasks as directed by plan of care, Nurse Practice Act, and policies/procedures, with following areas:
- Vital signs
- Preparing and instruction of medications
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Dressing changes in accordance with plan
- Oral and nasal suction
- Catheterizations
- Nursing assessment and documentation of visits.
- Perform venipuncture as ordered by MD
- Encourages client and family participation in activities of daily living to increase their independence and self-esteem. Assists patient in learning self-help techniques.
- Prepares equipment and materials for treatment, observing aseptic techniques.
- Maintains a safe work area free from hazards of fire, spills, litter, chemicals and equipment. Reports any problems to RN.
- Respects the rights of clients and their family members.
- Prepares and submits all paperwork in a timely manner.
- Assists in obtaining needed doctor signatures in a timely manner.
- Checks medical supplies in the Community, reviews with client-needed items, such as medications, groceries; makes deliveries as needed.
- Records supplies purchased and errands performed on Summary of Service sheet.
- Practices infection control measures and techniques and uses universal precautions.
- Practices efficient use of supplies and materials. Safeguards the client's private property.
- Respects the rights of clients and families.
- Maintains confidentiality of all client information and client records.
- Adheres to the Community’s dress code.
- Accepts all job assignments and requests to take call.
- Conducts self in a professional manner at all times to reflect favorably upon the Community.
- Attends all Community required training sessions to maintain professional competencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, MACHINES AND/OR TOOLS USED
The following is a list of the principal equipment, materials, machines, tools, etc., used by the employee.
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Bedside commodes, urinals
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Shower chairs
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Bed and bath lines
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Catheters, bedpans
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Gait belts, geri chairs
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Blood pressure cuffs/
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Special eating utensils
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Safety restraints
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Sphygmomanometers
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Wrist watches
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Lift chairs,
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Stethoscopes
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Electric Shavers
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Wheelchairs
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Thermometers
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Soap and hygiene supplies
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Walkers
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Scales
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Whirlpool
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Back Support Belt
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Other miscellaneous devises/ nursing supplies
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PHYSICAL STRENGTH REQUIRED
Frequent body movements include lifting, moving, transferring, bending (static forward bending), stooping/squatting and reaching. Able to do heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds unassisted with twisting and turning of trunk. Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Because the essential functions of the job may require general involvement in a healthcare facility, including but not limited to, exposure to AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B viruses involving Risk Classification Categories 2 and 3, environmental and safety conditions will fluctuate. To be qualified for the position, a person will have the ability to work in this type of environment without posing a direct threat to self or others.
