Job Description
Job Description
LPN Fort Wayne Indiana
$$ 40 / hour every shift ! LTC. Skilled Nursing, AL, Rehab
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in long-term care facilities play a critical role in providing direct patient care and supporting the healthcare team. Their duties typically include a range of clinical, administrative, and supportive tasks, focusing on the daily needs of residents, who are often elderly or have chronic conditions. Below is a detailed overview of LPN job duties in a long-term care setting :
- Resident Care and Monitoring :
Administer Medications : Dispense oral, topical, and injectable medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosages and timing.
Monitor Health Conditions : Regularly assess residents’ vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration) and monitor for changes in physical or mental health.Wound Care : Clean, dress, and monitor wounds, such as pressure ulcers, to promote healing and prevent infection.Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) : Help residents with tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility, especially for those with limited physical or cognitive abilities.Observe and Report : Document and report any changes in residents’ conditions, such as new symptoms, behavioral changes, or adverse reactions to treatments, to the registered nurse (RN) or physician.Clinical Procedures :Perform Basic Procedures : Administer injections, insert catheters, collect samples (e.g., urine or blood), and assist with diagnostic tests.
Manage Medical Equipment : Operate and monitor equipment like oxygen tanks, feeding tubes, or glucose meters, ensuring proper function and resident safety.Follow Care Plans : Implement individualized care plans developed by RNs or physicians, ensuring consistency in treatment and care.Coordination and Communication :Collaborate with Healthcare Team : Work closely with RNs, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), physicians, and other staff to coordinate resident care.
Communicate with Families : Provide updates to residents’ families about their condition, care plans, or any concerns, fostering trust and transparency.Supervise CNAs : Oversee and delegate tasks to CNAs, ensuring they follow care protocols and provide quality assistance to residents.Documentation and Administrative Tasks :Maintain Records : Accurately document residents’ health status, medications, treatments, and daily care activities in electronic health records (EHR) or charts.
Report Incidents : Record and report incidents such as falls, injuries, or medication errors to supervisors and follow facility protocols.Assist with Care Planning : Contribute observations and insights to care plan updates during team meetings or assessments.Resident Support and Safety :Promote Comfort and Dignity : Provide compassionate care, respecting residents’ preferences, cultural needs, and privacy.
Ensure Safety : Follow infection control protocols, assist with fall prevention measures, and maintain a safe environment (e.g., ensuring clear walkways, proper use of mobility aids).Support Emotional Well-Being : Engage with residents through conversation or activities to reduce feelings of isolation and promote mental health.Emergency Response :Respond to Emergencies : Provide first aid or basic life support in emergencies, such as choking or cardiac events, until advanced help arrives.
Follow Protocols : Adhere to facility emergency procedures, including contacting physicians or emergency services when necessary.Specialized Care :Chronic Disease Management : Assist residents with conditions like diabetes, dementia, or heart disease by monitoring symptoms and administering treatments.
Rehabilitation Support : Work with physical or occupational therapists to support residents’ rehabilitation goals, such as exercises or mobility training.End-of-Life Care : Provide palliative care to residents in hospice, focusing on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for residents and families.Work Environment and Expectations
Shift Work : LPNs often work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as long-term care facilities operate 24 / 7.Physical Demands : Duties involve standing for long periods, lifting or transferring residents, and performing repetitive tasks.Emotional Resilience : LPNs must handle emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for residents with dementia or those nearing end-of-life.Compliance : Adhere to state and federal regulations (e.g., CMS guidelines in the U.S.), facility policies, and scope of practice as defined by the state’s nursing board.Skills and Qualifications
Licensure : Must hold a valid LPN license and comply with state-specific requirements.Key Skills : Strong clinical knowledge, attention to detail, communication, empathy, and teamwork.Certifications : Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is often required; additional training in geriatrics or dementia care is a plus.LPNs in long-term care facilities are vital to ensuring residents receive consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care. Their role bridges hands-on caregiving with clinical expertise, making them essential to the facility’s operations.
Company Description
Blue Water Healthcare We are a Team of Healthcare Staffing professionals that empowers our contractor workforce providing best-in-class services to patients and providers. Our commitment to quality is what makes Blue Water Healthcare your choice for your staffing needs. For years, we have been making a difference in the lives of our patients, caregivers, and employees.
Company Description
Blue Water Healthcare We are a Team of Healthcare Staffing professionals that empowers our contractor workforce providing best-in-class services to patients and providers. Our commitment to quality is what makes Blue Water Healthcare your choice for your staffing needs. For years, we have been making a difference in the lives of our patients, caregivers, and employees.