Description

Licenses Vocational Nurse

Purpose of Your Job Position

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide care to residents under the medical direction and supervision of the residents’ attending physicians or the Medical Director of the facility.  You will also assist in modifying the treatment regimen to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the resident, in accordance with established medical practices and the requirements of this state and the policies and goals of this facility.

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Confer with the Medical Director and the attending physician when necessary.
• Consult with the physician concerning resident evaluation and assist the Director of Nursing Services in planning and developing the nursing services to be performed for the resident.
• Initiate requests for consultation or referral.  Respond to requests from the resident, physician, or nursing staff.
• Examine the resident and his/her records to determine appropriate care.
• Perform administrative duties regarding assigned residents, such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the attending physician, Medical Director, or the Administrator.
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of the written policies and procedure that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing service department.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
• Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of the Discharge Plans and make such plans available to the Care Plan Committee as required or as may be necessary.
• Assist in monitoring the inventory of medications, medical supplies, and equipment to ensure that an adequate supply is on hand to meet the needs of residents.
• Be familiar with, and use as appropriate, all items of personal protective equipment offered by the facility, including, but not limited to, masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields.

Working Conditions

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. 
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the resident’s needs.

Specific Requirements

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family member, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull and transport the weight of an adult person, with or without assistance in accordance to the patient care plan
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Qualifications