Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The Licensed Practical Nurse is a member of the health care team who contributes to the implementation of the nursing process by providing care to resident in non-complex situations and assisting in the care of resident who are extremely ill.

Responsibilities

Assessments

• Assist in the complete ion of the nursing admission assessment on admission or assigned residents
• Utilizes the admission assessment for information in caring for each resident as assigned
• Makes appropriate situation decisions with information received from assessments
• Participates in the identification of problems on assigned residents

Planning

• Assists in developing an interdisciplinary and nursing care plan on each assigned admission based on nursing assessments and identification of nursing problems.
• Reviews physician orders on assigned residents prior to care
• Encourages participation of residents / families in plans of care

Implementation

Executes procedures consistent with interdisciplinary nursing care plans, the regulatory manual and the Petersen Health Care Policy and Procedures Manuals that are within the scope of the role of the LPN

Provides appropriate basic physical care to assigned residents

Administers p.o., sq, IM and topically administered medication with knowledge and understanding

Performs first aid measures in emergency situations and assists the RN as directed

Performs various nursing interventions as indicated, i.e., dressings, treatments, tube feedings, and suctioning, etc.

Assists with admissions, transfers and discharge of residents

Maintains order in resident’s rooms and other work areas

Provides for the safety and security needs of assigned residents through :

Appropriate explanations

Appropriate use of restraints

Maintenance of communication devices (nurse call lights, TV, telephone, etc.), proper equipment, utensils, transportation, total body hygiene, and basic comfort care measures including pain control

• Utilizes all techniques of infection control appropriately; hand washing, changing dressings, giving injections, applying isolation precautions
• Provides for the psycho-socials needs of residents by :

Anticipating fears, worries, changes in lifestyle

Listening to and hearing residents / family anxieties and providing forum for venting or reducing anxieties

Assists with resident education as it is within the scope of knowledge and practice of the LPN

Evaluation

Assists in reviewing plans of care of assigned residents on a day-to-day basis

Communication Skills

• Communicates with residents / families in a sensitive manner
• Communicates pertinent information and seeks assistance regarding resident care as needed.
• Contributes in a constructive manner in staff meetings and Resident Care Conferences
• Consistently communicates in a manner that demonstrates a positive and cooperative attitude
• Utilizes appropriate and professional body language
• Demonstrates receptively through active listening
• Consistently records on concurrent basis all observations, nursing interventions, medications and their effects and teaching activities indicated within the role of the LPN in the medical record and other forms as appropriate

Role Involvement

• Performs responsibilities under the direction of the RN in a cooperative manner. Uses time constructively and organizes assignments for maximum productivity
• Participates in the orientation of other LPN’s and nursing staff. Acts as a role model to these personnel
• Attends staff meetings and in-servicing
• Offers constructive suggestions to improve the system for delivery of nursing care
• Requests and accepts constructive criticism regarding own nursing judgment or actions
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate lines of authority within the organizational structure.
• Manages conflict and frustrations in a positive and constructive manner

Role Development

• Demonstrates support of the philosophy of the nursing department by adhering to policies, procedures and established standards of nursing practice
• Maintains current knowledge in present nursing practice area, i.e. attendance of ongoing educational programs and continuing education
• Demonstrates responsibility for own standards of practice

Reports to work as scheduled and on time

Adheres to facility policy regarding absenteeism

Avoids work related injuries through the application of proper practice techniques

• Assumes responsibility for personal appearance through the Petersen Health Care dress code
• Demonstrates respect for residents rights by :

Maintaining strict confidentiality of resident’s information

Responding to their right to information

Acting as a resident advocate

Providing for their privacy during care

• Develops a rapport with peers and co-workers that is conductive to effective resident care
• Integrates cost effective measure into nursing practices

Processes appropriate resident charges

Accepts need to float

Uses supplies efficiently

Is willing to work in a team approach to accomplish unit productivity goals

Change Process

• Suggest areas appropriate for change in a manner that demonstrates a positive attitude
• Supports the change process in a manner that demonstrates a positive attitude
• Adapts to change brought about by external and internal force in a cooperative and mature way

Required Skills

• Be of legal working age
• Be able to read and follow written directions
• Be able to communicate with residents and co-workers in English
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies / personnel and the general public.
• Work overtime as necessary
• Must possess a general knowledge and understanding of state and federal laws as they pertain to long term care
• Graduate from an accredited LPN program
• Current license in good standing in the state in which the facility is located
• Must have the current federally required vaccines or proof of a valid exemption.
16 days ago