LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse

The LPN works under the guidance of the RN as a member of a team to give direct nursing care to patients with the policy of VNA Alliance.  The activities of the LPN are based on the employee’s education, preparation, and experience   RESPONSIBLE TO   Clinical Supervisor Executive Director   QUALIFICATIONS   Graduate of state-approved school with course in pharmacology Current license in the State of Pennsylvania Minimum of two [2] years’ experience in patient care Reliable, independent means of transportation to make home visits.  Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and drive a vehicle with insurance limits as established by the state.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   Clinical Skills   Implements and evaluates all skilled and technical patient care activities designed by the admitting and or primary RN   Implements the nursing care plan under the direction of the RN   Administers prescribed medications [must have training in pharmacology and demonstrated competence in medication administration].  See Medication Administration Policy   Performs specific treatments as ordered by the physician under the supervision of the RN   Participates in patient/family teaching activities         Documentation   Completes required documentation for ongoing services on the day of the visit and submits it to the office daily.  All documentation must be submitted by 9:00 am on the day following the last day of the month   Updates the medication sheets on an ongoing basis   Addresses all areas of the skilled nurses note at each visit   Updates clinical information on primary assigned patients at each visit   If patient complains of pain, completes a comprehensive pain assessment   Completes insurance authorization requests and provides the information to the person responsible for insurance authorizations in a timely manner   Documents all communications on the MD/care coordination form   Communication   Reports any changes in the patient’s condition to the supervising RN   Interacts with field staff, patients, families, physicians, other health disciplines, agencies, insurance companies, hospitals, labs, employers, government agencies and representatives as necessary   Adheres to all policies set forth in the Nurse Practice Act to maintain safe clinical practice   Maintains confidentiality of patient information   Coordinates physician ordered patient care activities with the Clinical Supervisor   Precepting & Training   Instructs, counsels, monitors, and evaluates newly hired staff members or trainees during the new hire or trainee’s orientation period to new position   In collaboration with the new hire or trainee, the employee plans and implements a teaching plan and then evaluates the new hire or trainee’s progress based on mutually agreed upon orientation goals on an ongoing basis.    Assists in planning, presenting, evaluating, and revising Concordia’s staff development activities and educational content     Corporate Compliance   VNA Alliance, Board of Directors, CEO/President, Associate Director, Supervisor and employees all advocate the highest standards in ethical behavior, quality service, fair dealing and accuracy in everything that Alliance does.  Each employee must understand these standards in every area related to the employee’s work.  VNA Alliance’s goal is to operate at the highest level of quality in all service areas.   Professional Standards   Protects patient privacy and confidentiality by being discreet and professional in sharing information on a need-to-know basis   B. Adheres to all policies set forth in the Nurse Practice Act and maintains a professional standard of conduct, projecting a positive image of the agency          C. Complies with infection control and safety policies and procedures          D. Serves as a role model for all staff   E.  Adheres to all policies and practices of the agency to maintain established Standards of Care   Professional Development   Attends a minimum of one [1] continuing education seminar annually related to clinical and/or regulatory issues   Seeks clinical collaboration in new and/or unfamiliar care areas   Participates in staff meetings, care conferences, education training and the OBQI program as appropriate