LICENSE PENDING LPN

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a motivated and compassionate License Pending Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a license pending to join our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) team in Kankakee, Illinois. The License-Pending Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care to residents under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) while awaiting full licensure. This role is essential in delivering direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities, and ensuring that residents receive high-quality care in compliance with facility policies and state regulations. The LPN will perform tasks within their scope of practice as defined by the facility and under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

While under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse:

Direct Patient Care:

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
• Monitor residents’ vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates.
• Report any changes in residents’ conditions to the supervising nurse immediately.
• Provide basic wound care, administer prescribed medications under supervision, and assist with treatments as directed by licensed nursing staff.

Resident Assessment and Monitoring:

• Observe residents for changes in physical, emotional, or mental conditions and report findings to the RN or healthcare team within scope of practice.
• Assist with the collection of resident data for assessments and care planning.
• Record residents' health status and care provided in their medical records, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.

Medication Administration:

• Under direct supervision, assist with the administration of medications to residents, ensuring adherence to proper protocols within scope of practice.
• Monitor residents for adverse reactions to medications and report any concerns to the supervising RN.
• Ensure that medication carts and supplies are organized and stocked according to facility standards.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the interdisciplinary team to provide coordinated care that meets the individual needs of each resident.
• Participate in care plan meetings and shift report, providing input based on daily observations and interactions with residents.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that residents’ needs are understood and addressed.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of care provided, including observations, treatments, and any incidents.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding nursing care and documentation while awaiting full licensure.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives to enhance the care provided to residents.

Resident Advocacy:

• Advocate for the rights and well-being of residents, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
• Support residents in making informed decisions about their care and assist them in expressing their preferences and concerns.
• Assist with conflict resolution and address any resident or family complaints in a timely and compassionate manner.

Professional Development and Licensure:

• Continue studying and preparing for the LPN licensure examination.
• Attend required training sessions and in-service education programs to stay current on nursing practices and facility policies.
• Seek guidance and mentorship from licensed nursing staff to develop skills and knowledge while awaiting licensure.

Patient and Family Education:

• Provide basic education to residents and their families about health conditions, treatments, and care routines under the supervision of licensed staff.
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of educational materials and resources to enhance residents' understanding of their care.

Organizational Compliance:

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to infection control, safety, neglect, abuse, and resident privacy (HIPAA).
• Mentor and guide less experienced nursing staff and assist with training new employees.
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
• Regularly complete all assigned training modules and courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to stay up to date on required skills, policies, and industry standards.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare setting preferred, especially in long-term care or skilled nursing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work effectively under supervision, and proficiency in basic nursing procedures.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach, with a strong commitment to professional development and adherence to ethical nursing practices.

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of approved school of nursing
• Proof of passing the NCLEX-PN
• Submission/payment to IDPFR for Illinois LPN license
• Current BLS

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: N/A
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: None
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: None.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Training/presentations, telephone communication, facilitating meetings.
• Vision: Read computer screens and printouts, memos, communications, documentation, and literature.
• Smell: Sensitivity and recognition of odors derived from various cleaning processes, odors generated from malfunctioning equipment.
• Hearing: Telephone communications, meetings, and equipment operating characteristics.
• Touch: .Writing and computer entry, filing.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 55%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 20%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 0%
• Drive: 5%
• Squat: 0%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 0%
• Reach above shoulders: 0%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 20 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): None

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 240
• Twist: 0
• Stand: 20
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 0
• Drive: 5
• Squat: 0
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 0
• Reach above shoulders: 0

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs.
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight:
• Fine Manipulation: Computer keyboard and mouse.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards:
• Protective Clothing Required: None