Licensed Practical Nurse

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

A Licensed Practical Nurse is a trained healthcare worker, who, under the direction and supervision of a Registered

Nurse, gives Nursing care to residents and who assists the Registered Nurse with the care of the acutely and chronically

ill resident. The work performed is assisting and technical in nature and is regulated by the policies and procedures of

the organization. The judgment required is based upon a minimum of scientific knowledge and is limited to those

activities, which are largely repetitive and routine.

EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduated from a state approved school of Practical Nursing and has passed the State Board Examination.
• Licensed to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Georgia.
• Active American Heart Association BLS certification within 30 days of hire.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the mission and vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.

GENERAL SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic Computer Skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General environment: Works in a well-lighted, air-conditioned area, with moderate noise levels.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids, or infectious organisms.
• May be required to change from one task to another or different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be scheduled as needed including overtime.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

• Have near normal hearing: Hear alarms/telephone/normal speaking voice.
• Have near normal vision: Clarity of vision (both near and far), ability to distinguish colors.
• Have good manual dexterity.
• Have good eye-hand foot coordination.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks/motion.
• Continuously within shift (67-100%): Standing, Walking.
• Frequently within shift (34-66%): Bending/Stooping, Pushing/Pulling, Lift/carry up to 20lbs, Lift/carry greater than 20 lbs. with assistance.
• Occasionally within shift (1-33%): Sitting, Climbing, Twist at waist, Lift/Carry greater than 50 lbs. with assistance, Reaching above shoulder.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Plans and organizes resident care under guidance of ADON/DON.
• Fills out work assignment from resident activities record at beginning of work tour.
• Provides for elimination: bedpan, enemas, catheterization, and insertion of Foley catheters. Collects specimens: Urine, stool, sputum, cultures.
• Prepares resident for meals, assists with serving and feeding residents, gives gastric feeding. Does not insert gastric tubes unless LPN has had special training for this procedure.
• Measure and records intake and output.
• Takes and records, temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Report any deviations from the normal to Registered Nurse.
• Watches intravenous infusions, removes needles as directed by RN and applies Band-Aid. An LPN can only start IV’s if she has had special training for this procedure and has been approved to do so.
• Observes and records accurately the results of treatments and nursing care on nursing records.
• Reports observable changes in residents’ condition and other pertinent information to the RN
• Works with the RN in the care of those residents receiving the skill of a professional nurse.
• Carries out that part of the nursing care plan delegated by the RN.
•  Gives irrigations.
• Cares for the resident receiving oxygen by mask, catheter, or cannula.
• Does nose and throat suction with bulb syringes or suction machine.
• Does simple dressings; assists with complicated dressings.
• Gives first aid.
• Positions residents under direct orders from the RN.
• Gives medications as assigned by the RN.
• Contacts attending physician regarding changes in resident’s condition.
• Complete informative and accurate summaries monthly: a. Skilled resident – daily, b. ICF – every two weeks
• Charts result on all PRN medications.
• Fill out outpatient forms, infection control forms, Lab forms and X-ray requisitions as needed.
• Provides adjustment in environmental factors such as: lighting, ventilation, cleanliness, and order of bedside unit and equipment.
• Gives informative shift reports to oncoming shift.
• Pass medications per 5 rights of administration.
• Complete all occurrence reports in a timely manner and turn into ADON.
• Consistently put new orders in Matrix in a timely manner.
• Consistently complete documentation for behavioral changes in chart.
• Completes weekly skin assessment assigned accurately and give copy of WCN
• Complete behavioral form Q shift.
• Update nursing and CNA care plan as needed
• Complete documentation to MAR, TAR, falls, med A, new/readmits daily.
• Initiates new event charting in chart for concerns/new findings with residents.
• Reviews message board throughout each shift, address as appropriate, and archive messages.