Licensed Practical Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Licensed Practical Nurse

Department:  Nursing

Job Relationships:

Supervised by: Director of Nursing

Supervises: Geriatric Nursing Assistants/Certified Medicine Aides

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists nursing supervisor in her responsibility for total Resident care within nursing unit, and management of the unit.

Performs any, or all professional nursing duties.

May act as Charge Nurse of unit.

Abides by department policies and procedures and interprets them to person­nel, patients, medical staff and public.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Education, Training, Experience, and Abilities

Completion of 1 year Licensed Practical Nurse Course.

Current Registration in Maryland.

Previous experience with geriatric patients desirable.

Experience in supervisory capacity preferred.

Good physical and mental health.

Must have a sincere desire to work with the aged and infirm and be aware of  all their needs.

Must be willing to perform non-professional duties when necessary.

Must be able to supervise and instruct others.

Must be well-groomed, courteous, tactful, kind and pleasant when dealing with patients.

Must be levelheaded in emergency situations.

Must possess a spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm in order to create an atmosphere conducive to rehabilitation and growth.

Ability to treat resident information as confidential material.

Must be able to physically assist GNA in transfers and lifting of residents when necessary, and able to stretch arms above head and bend to pick up objects from floor.

Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate in English.

Must be on time for the shift they are scheduled to work, such as at 7:00 a.m. for 7 - 3; 3:00 p.m. for 3 - 11; 11 p.m. for 11 - 7 unless otherwise arranged with Director of Nursing.

Must be able to accomplish all responsibilities without supervision or other employee assistance after the training period is completed and do so without injury to oneself or other individuals.

Licensed Practical Nurse 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative:

1. Gives and receives reports. Answers telephone inquiries. Takes and transcribes physicians' orders. Makes rounds with physician.
2. Assists supervisor with orientation, instruction and supervision of other nursing personnel.
3. Evaluates patients' needs, condition and care, and develops a nursing care plan for individual patients within 14 days of admission, including rehabilitative and restorative activities, and instruction in self-help.
4. Initiate Resident Assessment within 7 days of admission.
5. Does MMDS monthly on resident.
6. Does weekly skin sheet if appropriate.
7. Admits and orients new patients and relatives. Checks identification. Checks physicians' orders, transfer and pre-admission information. Reviews patients' medical and social history. Makes appropriate and practical room assignments. Requisitions and arranges for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by patients' physician, from departments within the facility or from outside facilities. Orders prescribed medications, requi­sitions supplies and equipment. Sends diet orders to dietary department. Assembles patients' charts, checks to see that all permits, authorizations and releases and other required forms are attached. Transcribes physi­cians' orders to resident cardex, medication and treatment cards, diet lists, O.T. and P.T. schedules, etc.      
8. Reviews resident care plans with Department Heads, resident's physician, and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (minimal every 3 months).
9. Requisitions supplies, equipment, linens, emergency drugs, etc., to meet unit needs.  Sees that equipment is in good working order.
10. Maintains unit records. Performs charting duties. Maintains narcotic records.  Completes required unit or medical chart forms. Writes charges. 10. Discharges or transfers patients. If resident is to be transferred to another institution or facility, arranges for this transfer and completes required forms. Sees that resident is escorted to transportation, or trans­fer vehicle and may accompany resident in transfer if condition of resident warrants it.

Nursing:

1. Performs and/or supervises and assists with resident care according to outlined policy and procedure, such as a.m. and p.m. care.
2. Checks resident's chart for specific treatment and medication orders.
3. Checks resident's daily schedule. Assigns duties to Geriatric Nursing Assistants and supervises Certified Medicine Aide.

Licensed Practical Nurse 

1. Makes rounds, takes and records vital signs as required. Checks and gives medications when necessary, does treatments, and performs other professional duties as required. 
2. Gives emergency treatment when required, notifies physician of emergency and takes and carries out physician's orders.
3. Accompanies physician on rounds and assists with examinations and treat­ments, reviews resident care plan with physician. Notifies physician of changes in resident's condition, and any unusual or abnormal observations.
4. Carries out restorative and rehabilitative program for patients. In­structs patients in self-help, self-care. Instructs relatives in home care and rehabilitation. Carries out pre-discharge program for patients.
5. Attempts to fulfill spiritual and psychological needs of patients.
6. Schedules emergency or STAT lab test for each resident and assists technician on rounds.
7. Follows through on seeing that reports are called to physician.
8. Other miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
9. Initiates, observes and maintains isolation precaution and universal precautions.
10. Any Other duties as assigned.
11. Abides by the standards and practices as set forth in the Corporate Compliance Code of Conduct.
12. Adheres to the Organizations Policies and Procedures covering Privacy and Security in Compliance with HIPAA regulations

General Unit:

1. Directs and may assist with department cleaning and care of equipment and appliances.  Schedules terminal unit cleaning with housekeeping person­nel.
2. Attends in-services, professional meetings, and workshops.

JOB DEMANDS:  Physical, Emotional

Moderate physical activity involved (walking, standing, moving patients and equipment).

All work areas have good lighting and ventilation.

Must be on constant alert for possible injuries to patients.

Exposed to infections and odors.

Exposed to physical and emotional disabilities of the aged.

Considerable interaction with residents and staff.

Able to read, write, understand and communicate in English.

Coming in to work in all kinds of inclement weather.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Exposures to infectious diseases are possible.  Employees who are immuno­suppressed should be aware of the potential hazards. 

I have received a copy of this job description. I have read and understand the job qualifications, responsibilities and demands.

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