LPN Staff Nurse

POSITION SUMMARY:

A licensed practical nurse who has met all legal requirements for registration in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Assumes role of Charge Nurse in the absence of unit Charge Nurse.) The Staff Nurse of a Unit or PRN provides quality professional nursing care to residents following established policies of this facility. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Assists Charge Nurse in care and management of unit.
• Assists in maintaining a therapeutic regimen for all residents on the unit.
• Assists in reviewing and revising nursing care plans and goals for each resident.
• Assigns and advises personnel assigned to the unit in the Charge Nurse’s absence.
• Assists in guidance and orientation of new personnel.
• Promotes continuity of care through good communication and cooperation with other shifts and departments.
• Makes unit rounds in the Charge Nurse’s absence to ensure that every resident is receiving care.
• Assists in keeping adequate inventory of supplies on unit.
• Does quality assurance (QA) monitoring and reporting.
• Participates in service programs on a regular basis.  Assigns unit staff to attend in the Charge Nurse’s absence.
• Admits, transfers, and discharges residents.
• Administers medications and treatments according to LPN Practice Act and Berks Heim policies/procedures.
• Makes rounds with the attending physician in the Charge Nurse’s absence. Brings any changes in the resident’s condition to his/her attention.
• Gives emergency care if needed; notifies Supervisor promptly.
• Assists in maintaining all nursing records in a proper and timely manner.
• Maintains a professional attitude toward residents, families, and visitors; deals with their needs in a proper and tactful manner.
• Notifies families of changes in a resident’s condition or transfer in the Charge Nurse’s absence or at his/her direction.
• Is aware of safety, environmental services, and maintenance needs on the unit, bringing them to the attention of the proper department.
• Refers to appropriate shift routine as needed.
• In accordance with Pennsylvania MOT Act 102, an employee qualified to work in the job classification will be mandated to work overtime when necessary.                                                 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate from an accredited school of practical nursing and have a current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Must possess leadership ability and the willingness to cooperate with other department heads and personnel when assuming relief Charge duties.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as a member of the healthcare team.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the facility is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to stand and be active during an entire work shift.                                                    

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, blood and body fluid, diseases and conditions prevalent at the time.  Employees may also be subject to emotionally distraught residents, family members, visitors, and personnel.  The noise level in the work environment is typically minimal to moderate.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.