LPN/LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

To provide nursing care to individuals/consumers as prescribed by the physician and in accordance with standards of nursing practices and regulations, and as may be directed by Nursing Department Managers.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a consultant to other departments to ensure optimum growth potential of developed programs and services
• Regularly attends and actively participates in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings
• Makes recommendations for nursing objectives/criteria to address needs identified through comprehensive nursing assessment
• Works closely with other health professionals/providers in planning, evaluating, and implementing programs and services to address the health needs of persons served
• Completes nursing assignments within 30 days of admission and annually thereafter to include: review of drug regime, physical exams, health status/condition, lab reports, immunizations, etc
• Ensures the provisions of nursing/health services as outlined in the state and federal regulations and divisional directives
• Ensures the provision of nursing/health services as ordered by physicians and other health professionals/consultants
• Ensures the provision of nursing services/programs as outlined in the Service Plan
• Ensures the provisions of needed adaptive equipment
• Monitors individual health status through the provision of general nursing services as outlined/ordered
• Monitors incidents involving individuals, ensures incident report is completed timely and accurately and examines the individual
• Ensures aggressive management of individual health needs when indicated by adverse change in medical/health status of the individual
• Works closely with home/facility staff in consulting on psychotropic medications, side effects, and planning agenda for medication reviews
• Monitors height and weight of persons served
• Administers and/or oversees medication/physical treatments as ordered by the physician and provides assessment of adverse effects/results
• Reports pertinent information and changes in individual health status to attending physician/ health professionals and to the Team as needed in a timely manner
• Screens ill individuals and refers to a physician if needed
• Orders, reviews, monitor, and discontinue medication as ordered by physician. Dispose of unused medication per policy, reporting adverse reactions
• Assures that monthly Medication Administration Records (MAR’s) are in each individual’s record
• Reports possible communicable diseases or infections and works closely with nursing staff and/or other health care professionals, staff, and family in assessing and treating the situation
• Arranges for and/or ensures completion of specialist, doctor, and follow-up appointments
• Communicates health/nursing needs and/or recommendations to staff, other health providers and families
• Coordinates hospital admissions, discharges, and follow-up
• Checks program/service areas on a frequent but not less than a quarterly basis to ensure the necessary medical/nursing supplies are available and in ample supply
• Attends medical/health appointments as needed
• Works in conjunction with staff in other departments to ensure medical/nursing needs are communicated and monitored, medical appointments are scheduled and met
• Effectively manages and maintains nursing budget
• Maintains and updates nursing, pharmacy, infection control, health and safety policies and procedures
• Carries out an ongoing in-service program of nursing policies and procedures by responding timely to staff memos, providing orientation to new employees, and conducting routine in-services per schedule
• Ensures the routine documentation of individual health status in nurse’s notes
• Transcribes or ensures the transcription of physician phone orders and other medically related reports, prior to filing in the individual’s chart
• Writes or ensures completion of progress notes summarizing individual’s current health status for the month, including physician visits, dental hygiene, and changes in health status
• Ensures documentation of individual and employee (if required) TB skin test and Hepatitis B determination
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of nursing/health assessments and evaluations
• Ensures furnishings and equipment are maintained within guidelines established to prevent the spread of disease
• Ensures the overall implementation and practice of infection control procedures is implemented
• Ensures safety programs, policies, and procedures are developed, updated, and communicated as appropriate
• Ensures homes and services provided meet guidelines for health, safety, and infection control
• Actively participates in health, nursing, safety, pharmacy, and infection control committees
• Serves as a member of the assigned committees such as: Pre- Admission/Discharge, IDT, and Health/Safety/Infection Control
• Provides in-service training in areas of health services, to include required OSHA training for blood Borne pathogens
• Trains staff on medications and side effects of medications
• Completes any other medically related training during Orientation as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Completed post-secondary education coursework to facilitate licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in good standing and currently licensed by the State
• Ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions at a level necessary to accomplish the job
• Ability to relate positively and favorably to individual/consumer and families and work cooperatively with other associates
• Knowledgeable of Individual Service Plans including understanding of clients’ rights, health needs and program implementation activities, and have related experience working with persons with developmental disabilities