Home Health Licensed Vocational Nurse

Description

POSITION TITLE: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: DON, CNO

SUPERVISES: CNA

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time, Per Diem 

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the

employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job,

where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are

always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit

normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified

individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable

accommodation.

POPULATION SERVED

The position involves direct patient care for a population of patients between the ages of

18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is

required to serve this population.

POSITION SUMMARY

Using independent and interdependent judgment, the Licensed Vocational/Practical

Nurse (LVN/LPN) maintains the delivery of quality care by assuring the nursing care

plan is followed. In collaboration with the physician, and the supervising RN, the

LVN/LPN assures implementation of the assessment plan, evaluation, and follows up of

the plan of care for the patient population.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a valid temporary or permanent CA State Practical/ Vocational

Nurse License. The individual must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to

manage multiple priorities, be dedicated to the provision of quality patient care, and use

sound judgement in decision-making. BLS certification required upon hire, a valid

ACLS certification and IV & Blood withdrawal certification required within 120 days.

Ability to maintain assigned work hours: Requires endurance to perform tasks over

long periods of work hours.

The duties and responsibilities are listed below. It is the expectation of the institution

that the employee be able to demonstrate competency in each area. It is the duty of the

institution to provide orientation and performance evaluation in each area stated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PATIENT

A. Participates in an on-going systematic assessment of the physical,

emotional, social, educational, and functional needs of the patient/family

through interview, observation, and physical examination.

1. Provides plans, coordinates or manages nursing care, nursing

services, and health education to patients/ residents.

B. Collects assessment data and information to develop a nursing care plan

which contains problem identification, nursing diagnosis, nursing orders,

approaches, interventions, short/long term goals, and discharge planning.

1. Develops nursing care plan utilizing nursing diagnosis
2. Assesses safety and fall risk levels for patients

C. Assures that medical orders are transcribed and processed accurately,

and integrates the medical care plan into the provision of nursing care.

D. Assures that medication administration is correct and according to the

established nursing policies and procedures.

1. Looks up unfamiliar medications
2. Processes medication orders
3. Administers medications as ordered
4. Evaluates effectiveness of PRN medications
5. Verbalizes process for self-administered medications
6. Verbalizes patient education on identified medications
7. Verbalizes standing orders

E. Provides for personal and environmental safety in accordance with

hospital and nursing policies and procedures

F. Demonstrates skills in handling emergency and life-threatening situations

1. Locates and uses crash cart items
2. Calls Code Blue and Medical Emergency
3. Initiates CPR
4. Follows P&P and POLST

G. Assures that documents in the medical record are complete, factual,

accurate and timely.

1. Documents materials and equipment used.
2. Verbalizes method to noting orders.
3. Documents discharge in chart.
4. Initiates and updates care plan as appropriate.
5. Provides discharge instructions.
6. Completes interagency transfer form.

H.Provides total nursing care including activities & daily living (ADL) to meet

patient needs:

1. Performs a complete head-to-toe assessment of each assigned patient

per shift using proper documentation tools.

1. Acts promptly on changes in patient condition, utilizing SBAR method
2. Reviews lab and test results, notifying physician of abnormal and

critical results

1. Performs wound care in accordance with policy, utilizing proper

documentation tools.

1. Performs basic ventilator management and trouble-shooting.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES TO UNIT STAFF

A. Provides direction and leadership in patient care to assigned personnel.

1. Acts as a team leader and provides guidance to unlicensed personnel.
2. Makes assignments for team.

B. Prioritizes activities and plans for effective use of time for patient needs.

C. Communicates the plan of nursing care for each patient through reports,

conferences, rounds, and patient care records.

1. Shift to shift report and shift huddle with aides

 2. Delegates tasks to aides; monitors to make sure delegated

 tasks are completed appropriately.

D. Demonstrates responsibility for the teaching of nursing assistants in areas

of new techniques, policies and procedures.

1. Preceptor

E. Participates in the quality improvement activities of nursing.

1. Attends appropriate meetings.

F. Communicates identified learning needs of self and others to the DON.

G. Assists the DON in the orientation of new staff.

H. Adheres to established policies and procedures of the hospital and

Nursing Department.

I. Actively participates on nursing committees.

J. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF

A. Evaluates own performance and seeks opportunities for growth and

expansion of skills

B. Takes initiative in upgrading and maintaining skills necessary to provide

quality care to provide quality care to patients and leadership to assigned

staff.

C. Acquires continuing education sufficient to maintain licensure and

certification

1. Maintains current nursing licensure
2. Provides Human Resources and DON with a copy of current nursing

 license.

1. Maintains required competencies
2. Completes assigned program tracks assigned by DON/DSD.
3. Completes appropriate level of Clinical Advancement within

 established timeframes

D. Membership in appropriate professional organizations.

E. Assumes responsibility for maintaining/enhancing physical health and

alleviating stress

1. Attendance

F. Demonstrates competency in a variety of nursing skills as demonstrated

and evaluated on at lease an annual basis.

1. Attends annual skills fair

G. Displays a “customer service” attitude toward patients, visitors, and other

staff members at all times.

1. Demonstrates basic telephone skills (how to answer, place on hold,

 and transfer a call.)

1. Utilizes intercom
2. Demonstrates how to page physicians or others on call.

H. Abides by all safety, infection control, and other guidelines as required.

1. Follows guidelines for caring for patients in isolation
2. Utilizes hand-washing techniques
3. Cleans equipment between patient usage.
4. Reports personal symptoms of suspected illness or contagious

 disease to the Employee Health Nurse.

1. Demonstrated knowledge of universal blood and body fluid

 precautions

I. Promotes an ethic of continuous quality improvement in all matters

associated with the position, and documents specific quality improvement

implementation.

J. Performs all other tasks and duties as may be assigned.

K. Provides a level of competency to treat patients 18 and older.

 1. Adults:

1. Involves them with care planning by meeting any needs they

 identify during assessment

1. Identifies their normal patterns of living and strives to attain them

 2. Geriatric:

1. Strives to obtain understanding by speaking distinctly and

 moving slowly.

1. Involves family as much as possible

IV. DRESSES AND PRESENTS SELF IN A PROFESSIONA MANNER AT ALL

 TIMES. ADHERENCE TO THE CORPORATE APPEARANCE

POLICY IS REQUIRED.

V. WEARS HOSPITAL ISSUED NAMETAG AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON

 DUTY

VI. CONDUCTS SELF ETHICALLY AT ALL TIMES.

VII. UPHOLDS ALL SERVICE STANDARDS

A. Safety- We do no harm and create an error-free environment.

1. Follow environment of care plan
2. Follow established clinical practices
3. Routine assessment of the environment for high risks with

immediate correction (look for dangerous things and fix them;

identify high risk issues and fix them)

1. Pay attention to detail

B. Communication- We engage our customers in exchanging clear, timely

and accurate information

1. Listen carefully
2. Ensure understanding of treatment and services
3. Timely follow-up on commitments
4. Constantly learn about the customers and identify their needs

C. Courtesy- We treat everyone with respect, social sensitivity and

professionalism.

1. We acknowledge our customers with a smile and treat them as

welcomed guests

1. Listen to our customers
2. Look at each interaction as an opportunity to promote courtesy with

our customers

1. We treat each other as we treat our guests
2. We strive to exceed our customers expectations

D. Presentation- We provide a positive customer experience through the

appearance of our environment and employees.

1. Maintain a clean and organized environment, including workspaces
2. Control hospital odors
3. All employees are compliant with the dress code
4. All employees communicate in a professional and courteous

manner, including body language

1. Protect the privacy of patients
2. Maintain a quiet atmosphere

E. Efficiency- We use resources appropriately to benefit the customer

and the organization.

1. Availability, assessment and application of resources
2. Do it right the first time
3. Pay attention to details
4. Save steps through planning
5. Timely responses

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK

ENVIRONMENT

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME

1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

1. Standing/Walking 34-66%
2. Sitting 1-33%
3. Twisting 1-33%
4. Lifting/Carrying 1-33%
5. Pushing/Pulling 1-33%
6. Climbing (Ascending/descending) 1-33%
7. Bending/Stooping 1-33%
8. Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods.1-33%
9. Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods. 1-33%
10. Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods.1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS – Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift

a patient with or without assistance.

1. 2-10 Pounds 67-100%
2. 11-20 Pounds 67-100%
3. 21-30 Pounds 67-100%
4. 31-40 Pounds 34-66%
5. 41-50 Pounds 1-33%
6. 51 Pounds or More 1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings 1-33%

Working outdoors 1-33%

Working with or near chemicals 34-66%

Working near radiation sources 1-33%

Potential exposure to communicable diseases 1-33%

Working with hazardous waste materials 34-66%

Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry

standards require 34-66%

Using hand tools 1-33%

Potential for cuts and bruises 1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

Ability to express or exchange ideas 67-100%

Ability to understand communication of others with or without

adaptive devices 67-100%

Ability to perform advanced level mathematics 67-100%

Ability to read at a secondary level 67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

I. RESULTS ORIENTATION – Meets current objectives and positions the

organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and

processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the

department.

II. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for

others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective

communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

III. QUALITY OUTCOMES – Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and

external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding

quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to

confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.

IV. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT – Demonstrates an awareness of and

adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an

emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the

facility.

A. Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe

equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports

any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.

B. Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe

conditions or equipment.

C. Workplace Standards – Compiles with relevant regulations, standards

and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation,

etc.)

D. Safety Techniques – Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the

facility’s safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated

upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.

E. Modified Work – Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the

physician’s release to return to work following an accident/ injury.

F. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment – Follows the

prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an

accident/injury.

V. EDUCATION – Participates in required inservice and educational programs on

an ongoing basis.

VI. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY – Follows all facility guidelines outlining

standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and

completing work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other

potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between

body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially

infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered

infectious regardless of the status. The category shown below is designed to

communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position.

? Category I

Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous

membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective

measures to perform the task.

? Category II

Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous

membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task.

Appropriate protective measures are readily available.

? Category III

Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or

mucous membranes.