Nurse - Licensed Practical Nurse

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the development, review, and update of an individual program plan as part of the Interdisciplinary Team process with the assistance of a RN.
• Assist the RN with quarterly nursing assessment with each client by gathering information and vital signs. The RN will complete the physical assessment portion.
• Arrange quarterly a direct physical examination of each client, including a full visual examination and review of all body systems.
• Refers clients with health problems to an appropriate physician.
• Train clients and staff, as needed, in appropriate health and hygiene methods, infection control practices, and in detecting and reporting symptoms of illness or dysfunction.
• Instruct non-licensed personnel who work with clients/members under a medical care plan.
• Schedule routine physical, dental, optometry, audiology, consulting specialists and laboratory appointments.
• Accompany clients on appointments and outings as needed.
• Ensure all medications and immunizations are administered to clients in compliance with physician’s orders.
• Maintain accurate patients’ reports and medical histories for clients.
• Administer medication and treatment to clients and observe for reactions or side effects.
• Provided basic patient care or treatments such as taking temperatures or blood pressure, pulse and respirations and charting the results.
• Evaluates THCP (temporary health care plans) effectiveness and confers with other health care team members regarding effectiveness.
• In cooperation with the Director of Health Services and the hospice coordinating agency, nursing staff are jointly responsible for developing a coordinated plan of care based upon assessments and individual needs of the client/member and/or parent/legal guardian selecting hospice services.
• Train clients to self-administer medications as appropriate to their developmental levels.
• Provide instant medical care in emergencies.
• Participate in an established on-call system.
• Foster a supportive and compassionate environment to care for clients.
• Maintain flexibility of schedules to provide adequate coverage.
• Assist in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the organization by performing all duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.
• Maintain professional competency by participating in continuing education, in-services, and personal growth experiences.
• Protect the privacy of clients and staff by maintaining confidentiality of records and personal information and follow all policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Qualifications

• Valid license in the state as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• General knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures.
• A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions.
• Training and/or experience in developmental disabilities preferred.
• Must have a sincere respect for and desire to work with persons with disabilities.
• Commitment to Opportunity Living’s Mission and Vision.
• Must have the ability to communicate with all persons in a culturally competent manner.
• Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks.
• Clear tuberculosis screening.
• Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/First Aid, Dependent Adult/Child Abuse, and Behavior Management Program, or other training as assigned per specific job duties.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Works in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the individuals being serviced. The environment may be fast-paced with interruptions, distractions and deadlines. Must be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs or activities. Depending on the needs of the individuals, the work can be physically demanding including transferring or supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items over 50 pounds, walking, sitting or standing for extended periods of time or providing support through CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other interventions. Regularly required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Noise level is usually mild to moderate.