Nurse (RN/LPN)

SUMMARY/ OBJECTIVE:

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) delivers efficient and effective nursing care while achieving positive clinical outcomes and patient/family satisfaction. He/she operates within the scope of practice defined by the State Nurse Practice Act. The LPN contributes to nursing assessments and care planning, provides direct patient care, and supervises patients provided by Certified Nursing Aides and Certified Medication Technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for daily nursing operations of a specific unit/wing and assisting in the care planning of residents
• Performs nursing techniques and implements the plan of care for the comfort and well-being of the residents; checks each resident daily to determine status; ensures residents reach highest attainable level of functioning.
• Prepares equipment and assists physicians during their rounds.
• Administers prescribed medications, orally by injection; provides treatments using therapeutic equipment; ensures proper handling and storage of medications and controlled substances.
• Observes residents’ reactions to medication and treatment and reports observations and concerns to RN Supervisor or DNS.
• Observes, records, and reports changes in residents’ condition to supervisor and attending physician.
• Evaluates effectiveness of interventions to achieve patient goals and minimize re- hospitalizations
• Maintains residents’ medical record by way of documentation, as required by policy.
• Assists in planning, supervising, and instructing C.N.T.’s; assigns daily work assignments to ensure positive outcomes for residents.
• Implements and maintains policies are utilized.
• Ensures that safe work practices are utilized.
• Ensure proper infection control techniques are utilized.
• Assists in the Continuous Quality Improvement Program and ensures follow-up occurs.
• Reports accurately to oncoming shift Charge LPN’s regarding change in resident status and follow-up needs.
• Provides input for CNT performance evaluations.
• Coaches, counsels, and disciplines C.N.T.’s as needed; ensures personnel policies are followed.
• Recommends staffing, equipment, and supply needs to D.O.N.
• Responsible for capturing charges for supplies issued to residents on that unit.
• Participates in care planning process and ensures the Nursing component is implemented.
• Ensures the rights of residents are respected; coordinates with other departments and ensures residents are taken to activities, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by R.N. Supervisor or the Director of Nursing.

EDUCATION/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Has a current license by the State Board of Nursing, as an L.P.N.
• Graduate of an approved school for practical or vocational nursing is required.
• Experience is preferred in rehabilitative or geriatric nursing.
• This position requires that the employee is able to read, write, speak and understand the spoken English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors at the work site when responding to their medical and physical needs.
• Maintains current BLS/CPR certification (All SNFs and Behavioral Centers; ALFs/ILFs as required by State).