Licensed Practical Nurse

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 the unit Charge Nurse.)

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

To provide quality professional nursing care to residents, following the established policies and procedures of this facility.

• Assist Charge Nurse in care and management of the unit.
• Assist in maintaining a therapeutic regimen for all residents on the unit.
• Assist in reviewing and revising nursing care plans and goals for each resident.
• Assign and advise personnel assigned to the unit in the Charge Nurse’s absence.
• Assist in the guidance and orientation of new personnel.
• Promote continuity of care through good communication and cooperation with other shifts and departments.
• Make unit rounds in the Charge Nurse’s absence to ensure that every resident is receiving quality care.
• Assist in keeping an adequate inventory of supplies on the unit.
• Do quality assurance (QA) monitoring and reporting.
• Participate in in-service programs on a regular basis. Assigns unit staff to attend in the Charge Nurse’s absence.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents.
• Administer medications and treatments according to LPN Practice Act and Berks Heim policies/procedures.
• Make rounds with the attending physician in the Charge Nurse’s absence. Bring any changes in the resident’s condition to his/her attention.
• Give emergency care if needed; notify the Supervisor promptly.
• Assist in maintaining all nursing records in a proper and timely manner.
• Maintain a professional attitude toward residents, families, and visitors, dealing with their needs in a proper and tactful manner.
• Notify families of change in resident’s condition or transfer in Charge Nurse’s absence or at his/her direction.
• Be aware of safety, housekeeping, and maintenance needs on the unit, bringing them to the attention of the proper department.
• Refer to the appropriate shift routine as needed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate from an accredited school of practical nursing and has 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 office and in the field is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be mobile, speak, and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to stand and be active during an entire work shift. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, blood and body fluids, 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.