Field LVN

Description

Summary

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse supplements the nursing care needs of the patient as provided by the RN and as specified in the plan of care. S/he provides skilled nursing care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse. S/he performs selected skilled acts in the provision of curative, rehabilitative, palliative or preventative nursing care. S/he is responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based on the individual's nursing experience and educational preparation and other duties as deemed necessary.

Responsibilities

1. Provides services in accordance with agency policies and procedures and regulations that define scope of practice.
2. Assists the RN and/or physician in performing specialized procedures as directed by the Registered Nurse under physician's order and specialized duties related to end-of-life care.
3. Assists the RN in carrying out the plan of care.
4. Assists with the preparation, implementation and continuing evaluation of the client care plan.
5. Prepares equipment and materials for treatment adhering to aseptic technique as required.
6. Assists the patient in learning appropriate self-care techniques.
7. Assesses patient/family response to care.
8. Ensures communication of information to appropriate team members.
9. Prepares and submits clinical and progress notes documenting outcomes of interventions per agency policy.
10. Recognizes and understands the effects of terminal illness upon clients and families.
11. Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of clients.
12. Fosters cooperative effort among team members by understanding the functions of other persons involved in patient care and by active participation in IDG/IDT conferences.
13. The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse with the education and proven clinical competence may perform certain treatments/procedures provided the Home Health Agency's policies, and the State's regulatory acts allow their performance. Only Licensed Advanced trained Practical/Vocational Nurses with documented skill in performing these functions may:
    1. Administer medications.
    2. Calculate and adjust flow rates.
    3. Observe and report signs of adverse reactions.
    4. Inspect insertion sites, change dressings, remove peripheral I.V. needles/catheters.
    5. Hang hydrating fluid without medications.
    6. Hang I.V.'s premixed with medications.
    7. Start peripheral I.V.'s
    8. Flush peripheral lines with saline or heparin solutions.
    9. Monitor client receiving blood and blood products, medications, cancer chemotherapy, investigational drugs and plasma expanders.
14. Assumes responsibility for personal and vocational growth and development through active participation in nursing organizations; and by promoting and participating in in-service programs or other learning on the job.
15. Performs other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

Driving & Other Requirements

Must have and maintain a valid state driver license, have a registered and reliable vehicle that meets state law standards, and meets the insurance standards of company. Position requires travel between company sites as well as the community. Traveling by car or airplanes to local or out-of-town meetings, seminars, and conferences.

Education, Experience & Job Requirements

This position requires at least the following minimum requirements:

• Current and valid Nursing license in the state(s) practicing.
  Graduation from an accredited School of Practical/Vocational Nursing.
• Preferred 1-2 years of clinical experience.
• Spanish required.
• Home Health or Hospice experience preferred but not required.
• Skillful in organization of work and in principles of time management.
• Ability to contribute to the quality of care being rendered through constructive communication with nursing managers and nursing staff.
• Good communication skills and ability to establish good rapport with other staff members.
• Working knowledge of home health and/or hospice care and the principles and techniques of professional nursing and required documentation thereof.
• Demonstrated ability to work with patients and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive organization.
• Must have excellent written communication by writing clearly and informatively, edits work and able to read and interpret legal written information.
• Demonstrates accuracy thoroughness and follows through on commitments.
• Must practice a high level of confidentiality and be able to effectively respond to questions from employees, managers and outside entities.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be able to work with others to resolve issues and maintain composure in an environment of changing priorities.
• Must have knowledge of all company policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work on a timetable, follow instructions, respond to management direction and solicit feedback to improve performance.
• Should have excellent character references and solid work background.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English. Spanish is preferred.
• Must have knowledge and proficiency of office computer equipment and software.
• Demonstrate ability to multi task and work in a fast-paced office setting.
• Proven ability to cope with conflict, stress and crisis situations.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions