Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

To provide nursing care to individuals / consumers as prescribed by the physician and in accordance with standards of nursing practices and regulations, and as may be directed by Nursing Department Managers.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a consultant to other departments to ensure optimum growth potential of developed programs and services
• Regularly attends and actively participates in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings
• Makes recommendations for nursing objectives / criteria to address needs identified through comprehensive nursing assessment
• Works closely with other health professionals / providers in planning, evaluating, and implementing programs and services to address the health needs of persons served
• Completes nursing assignments within 30 days of admission and annually thereafter to include : review of drug regime, physical exams, health status / condition, lab reports, immunizations, etc
• Ensures the provisions of nursing / health services as outlined in the state and federal regulations and divisional directives
• Ensures the provision of nursing / health services as ordered by physicians and other health professionals / consultants
• Ensures the provision of nursing services / programs as outlined in the Service Plan
• Ensures the provisions of needed adaptive equipment
• Monitors individual health status through the provision of general nursing services as outlined / ordered
• Monitors incidents involving individuals, ensures incident report is completed timely and accurately and examines the individual
• Ensures aggressive management of individual health needs when indicated by adverse change in medical / health status of the individual
• Works closely with home / facility staff in consulting on psychotropic medications, side effects, and planning agenda for medication reviews
• Monitors height and weight of persons served
• Administers and / or oversees medication / physical treatments as ordered by the physician and provides assessment of adverse effects / results
• Reports pertinent information and changes in individual health status to attending physician / health professionals and to the Team as needed in a timely manner
• Screens ill individuals and refers to a physician if needed
• Orders, reviews, monitor, and discontinue medication as ordered by physician. Dispose of unused medication per policy, reporting adverse reactions
• Assures that monthly Medication Administration Records (MAR’s) are in each individual’s record
• Reports possible communicable diseases or infections and works closely with nursing staff and / or other health care professionals, staff, and family in assessing and treating the situation
• Arranges for and / or ensures completion of specialist, doctor, and follow-up appointments
• Communicates health / nursing needs and / or recommendations to staff, other health providers and families
• Coordinates hospital admissions, discharges, and follow-up
• Checks program / service areas on a frequent but not less than a quarterly basis to ensure the necessary medical / nursing supplies are available and in ample supply
• Attends medical / health appointments as needed
• Works in conjunction with staff in other departments to ensure medical / nursing needs are communicated and monitored, medical appointments are scheduled and met
• Effectively manages and maintains nursing budget
• Maintains and updates nursing, pharmacy, infection control, health and safety policies and procedures
• Carries out an ongoing in-service program of nursing policies and procedures by responding timely to staff memos, providing orientation to new employees, and conducting routine in-services per schedule
• Ensures the routine documentation of individual health status in nurse’s notes
• Transcribes or ensures the transcription of physician phone orders and other medically related reports, prior to filing in the individual’s chart
• Writes or ensures completion of progress notes summarizing individual’s current health status for the month, including physician visits, dental hygiene, and changes in health status
• Ensures documentation of individual and employee (if required) TB skin test and Hepatitis B determination
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of nursing / health assessments and evaluations
• Ensures furnishings and equipment are maintained within guidelines established to prevent the spread of disease
• Ensures the overall implementation and practice of infection control procedures is implemented
• Ensures safety programs, policies, and procedures are developed, updated, and communicated as appropriate
• Ensures homes and services provided meet guidelines for health, safety, and infection control
• Actively participates in health, nursing, safety, pharmacy, and infection control committees
• Serves as a member of the assigned committees such as : Pre-Admission / Discharge, IDT, and Health / Safety / Infection Control
• Provides in-service training in areas of health services, to include required OSHA training for blood Borne pathogens
• Trains staff on medications and side effects of medications
• Completes any other medically related training during Orientation as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Completed post-secondary education coursework to facilitate licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in good standing and currently licensed by the State
• Ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions at a level necessary to accomplish the job
• Ability to relate positively and favorably to individual / consumer and families and work cooperatively with other associates
• Knowledgeable of Individual Service Plans including understanding of clients’ rights, health needs and program implementation activities, and have related experience working with persons with developmental disabilities

About our Line of Business

ResCare Community Living has four decades of experience in the disability services field, providing support to individuals who need assistance with daily living due to an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability.

Our community living services are provided in 27 states with several thousand programs and a comprehensive range of high-quality services, including : Community Living, Adult Host Homes for adults regardless of disability, Behavioral / Mental Health Support, In-home Pharmacy Solutions, Telecare and Remote Support, Supported Employment and Training Programs, and Day programs.

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Salary Range

USD $24.00 - $26.00 / Hour