Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

BASIC FUNTION: The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) assists with the coordination and supervision of quality nursing care services for assigned clients that reflect the facility‘s philosophy, follows established standards for skilled nursing services, and promotes the individual independence of clients served.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, CREDENTIALS: Has current license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Indiana and is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Evidence of independent nursing practice in delivering nursing care is required. Prefer experience in long-term care or public health nursing, or equivalent experience in a hospital, retirement community, or nursing facility.

RESPONSIBLE TO: RN Nursing Supervisor; Director of Nursing

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The employee must be able to perform each essential function effectively to be successful in this position.

1. Participates in the development and implementation of client plans of care, and care plan conferences.
2. Discusses care plans with the RN Nursing Supervisor on a regular basis.
3. Receives reports and assignments from the RN Nursing Supervisor, and gives daily reports to on-coming staff or the Supervisor.
4. Organizes assignments for aides for timely completion.
5. Assures that care delivered is appropriately documented in the clinical record.
6. Monitors client appearance for good personal hygiene.
7. Assures that a client's environment is neat, orderly, and safe.
8. Implements care and treatments according to accepted clinical practices and home health policies and procedures.
9. Carries out physicians' orders and evaluates client outcomes appropriately.
10. 10. Completes assignment sheets for the home health aides that reflect client assessments and care plans.
11. Assures that clinical record documentation is according to home health procedures.
12. Assures that services are documented in a manner that enables appropriate billing, when applicable.
13. Promotes the protection and respect for the privacy of client information.
14. Recognizes and addresses changes in a client's condition as evidenced by physical symptoms, verbal expression, or changes in mental or psychosocial status.
15. Communicates recommendations for additional client services to the appropriate individuals in a timely manner.
16. Participates in staff meetings and committee meetings to foster communication of home health agency objectives, policies and procedures, and changes in operations, and to promote a positive work environment.
17. Assures that client or family concerns and complaints are handled according to complaint policy and procedures.
18. Consults with the RN Nursing Supervisor as issues and concerns require.
19. Promotes efficient use of equipment and supplies.
20. Reports malfunctioning or unsafe equipment and inadequate supplies to the RN Nursing Supervisor.
21. Helps with the initial orientation and on-going educational training of home health aides.
22. Participates in educational programs for personal growth and professional development and to maintain current knowledge of home health care standards and operations.
23. Assumes assigned responsibilities as the RN Nursing Supervisor in the supervisor's absence, including but not limited to, assisting the Administrator with administrative functions, supervising care and services, and being on-call for emergencies.
24. Is available at all times during facility operating hours, and on-call for emergencies.

The preceding list of essential functions is not all-inclusive and may be supplemented.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates sound leadership and effective management principles. Has hearing and visual acuity required to perform duties and comprehend written/verbal communications. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out duties effectively. Demonstrates skill in conflict resolution. Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10s, and 100s, using American units of weight measurement, volume, and distance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must attend staff meetings and inservice training meetings scheduled. Maintains good attendance and gives adequate prior notice of absences to prevent disruption of client services. Must demonstrate adequate competency measured by written tests.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The following is a description of the work environment normally encountered. Reasonable accommodations may be available if needed. Is subject to a variety of work environments in client homes/apartments. May be subject to infections but is trained in handwashing practices, use of protective equipment, and appropriate precautions to minimize exposure. Lifts and transfers clients but receives training in body mechanics and lifting techniques designed to prevent personal injury

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands below are typical of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities.

Lifting/Carrying 1-10 lbs.
Frequently - (31-60%)

Lifting/Carrying 11-25 lbs.
Frequently - (31-60%)

Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs.
Frequently - (31-60%)

Pushing/Pulling 20-50 lbs.
Frequently - (31-60%)

Pushing/Pulling Over 50 lbs.
Frequently - (31-60%)

Climbing/Balancing
Frequently - (31-60%)

Stooping/Bending
Continuously - (61-100%)

Standing/Sitting
Continuously - (61-100%)

Walking
Continuously - (61-100%)