Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Qualifications

• Graduate of a state-approved school of practical/vocational nursing
• Current, unrestricted license to practice as an LPN/LVN in the state(s) of employment
• CPR certified
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• If IV certified show evidence of advanced educational preparation and completion of course including supervised clinical
• Reliable means of transportation

Essential Functions/Areas of Accountability

• Provide nursing care as defined in the nurse practice act for an LPN/LVN and under the direction of a registered nurse
• Client Assessment:
• Contribute to assessment of client health status
• Collect, report, and record objective/subjective client data
• Observe client conditions or change in condition
• Recognize and report changes in client condition to the case manager and physician as directed in a timely manner
• Collect data and report signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status
• Assist in identification of health care problems and in formulating list of client needs/problems
• Contribute to setting realistic short and long-term goals for assigned clients
• Plan of care:
• Follow the plan of care developed by a registered nurse
• Participate in development of written plan of care
• Recognize, understand and respect cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs, needs, and rights to choose
• Assist in identification of measures to support human function and maintain hygiene and comfort
• Maintain environment conducive to client well-being
• Assist in assuring access to community resources
• Participate in the identification of priorities
• Participate in reviewing and revising the plan of care
• Implementation of the plan of care:
• Carry our functions taught in an approved LPN/LVN program
• Assist client with ADL's, encouraging self-care
• Provide direct care, comfort measures, emotional support to patients who have a stable or predictable condition
• Provide care, interventions, and communicate response of the client under direct supervision
• Assist with rehabilitative activities including range of motion, alignment, proper body mechanics, and others as allowed by state of practice
• Provide an environment conducive to safety and health
• Administer prescribed treatment and medications, except by intravenous route (except IV certified LPN/LVN per advanced preparation)
• Perform selected IV therapy functions as delegated and supervised by an RN
• Document prescribed interventions and responses
• Assist and provide reinforcement with client/family/other teaching
• Maintain safe and effective care/environment for clients and coworkers:
• Consult/seek guidance from RN and others as indicated
• Initiate standard emergency procedures until RN or physician is available
• Apply principles of asepsis and infection prevention and control
• Participate in the development, revision and implementation of policies and procedures
• Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially unsafe situations
• Demonstrate safe practice in the use of equipment
• Make recommendations on improvement of safety
• Evaluate client response to interventions:
• Evaluate effectiveness of common treatments/tasks, document and communicate outcomes of care given
• Assist with the collection of evaluation data
• Contribute to modification of plan of care
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals in providing client care
• Communicate verbally and through complete and accurate documentation in the clinical record
• Seek education/training or assistance with areas of concern
• Perform job in compliance with Agency policies and procedures and professional and community standards:
• Accept responsibility for professional nursing role
• Follow applicable state and federal laws and agency standards
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Refrain from discussing client or staff identities, conditions, or circumstances in public or with others who do not have a legitimate interest in the person
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Agency Performance Improvement Program and pertinent PI activities
• Attend meetings and continuing education offerings as required
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.