Licensed Practical Nurse

MISSION STATEMENT: Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.

POSITION: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Nurse Manager

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The LPN is committed to the total health and safety of each individual. The LPN holds in highest regard each individual, recognizing that each person has his/her own needs and wants and is unique. The LPN holds that health is the integration of the whole being of the person and is an individualized process to a consistently higher level of function. Health is continually influenced by the environment. The LPN is committed to providing the highest standard of quality nursing to each person served and will adhere to professional guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requirements include appropriate LPN licensure, valid driver’s license, and safe driving record. Must be able to work 12- and 8-hour shifts with rotating days/nights/weekends/holidays and pager rotation. Must be able to lift and transfer as necessary.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Work closely and cooperatively with all agency and residential staff to maintain a supportive atmosphere that is consistent with each individual's habilitative and health plan. Relationships with individuals will promote independence, encourage health maintenance and health seeking behaviors, and provide a health-seeking atmosphere that addresses each person's physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES: The following may not include all of the tasks and responsibilities that may be delegated to the LPN:

1. Responsible for addressing and all follow-up on GER forms with pertinent staff.

2. Responsible for all aspects of correct and safe medication administration, including G-Tube feedings, injectables, IV meds and all other prescribed medications.

3. Assist with annual plans, doctor appointments, staff training (i.e. med follows). Provide direct care to individuals, as assigned.

4. Assist DNS with such duties as filing, TB forms, annual nursing assessments.

5. Responsible for daily medical treatments to individuals, e.g. intermittent catheterizations, sterile dressings, nebulizer treatments, tracheostomy care, etc.

6. Responsible for assigned house duties and documentation as assigned.

7. Responsible for residential duties: checking emergency bags, purging medical charts, conducting med follows for OMA's, filing, performing emergency drills, checking expiration dates and following expired-medication procedure.

8. Responsible for accurate and complete documentation on agency forms, i.e. physician orders, significant behavior reports and Therap documentation including: T-logs, GERs, seizure reports and appointments.

9. Responsible for attending monthly nursing and residential staff meetings. Provide inservice training to staff, as necessary.

10. Must have a good working relationship and open communication with others. Promote a team concept within Nursing and with other areas to provide the best possible care.

11. Assess client concerns by phone, give direction and delegation and involve on-call nurse as needed.

12. Assist with monthly med exchange and auditing of MAR’s

13. Train staff on new and routine procedures

14. Follow controlled-drug policy.

15. Responsible for compliance with State Board of Nursing Policies/Procedures and DDD ARSD regulations.

16. Pager responsibilities as assigned.

17. All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

           The following actions are performed continuously:

               Lift >10 lbs. and see.

           The following actions are performed frequently:

                       Kneel, crouch, stand, walk, lift >25 lbs., push, bend, reach, handle, finger (pinch-type activity), repetitive movement, talk, and hear.

           The following actions are performed occasionally:

                       Sit, lift >50 lbs., carry, pull, and balance.

           The following actions are performed seldom:

                       Crawl and climb.