LPN-Home Health

Licensed Practical Nurse

Responsible for the direct and indirect nursing care of patients in the home under the supervision of an RN. In collaboration with the patient, family and health care team, the LPN will implement and evaluate with the RN the nursing care according to the following systems/functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Current Licensed Practical Nurse license issued by the state in which services will be provided or current multi-state Licensed Practical Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

2. Valid driver's license.

3. CPR certification within 30 days of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

1. One year of Home Care Nursing preferred.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Performs and monitors basic patient care according to policies and procedures

2. Uses nursing process including assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating to meet the patient's physical and psychological needs.

3. Performs and monitors basic patient care according to policies and procedures

4. Provides a safe and comfortable environment in the patient's home.

5. Ensures privacy and demonstrates concern for the dignity of patient in performing all patient care.

6. Completes assignments in a timely manner.

7. Communicates patient care problems or potential problems to the primary RN, Administrative Staff and/or other IDT members as identified/occur to assure continuity and coordination of care.

8. Maintains patient confidentiality according to policies and procedures

9. Functions effectively as a LPN in respect to organization, communication, and prioritization.

10. Completes and documents full system assessment, including assessment of level of cophysical and psychosocial aspects and identifies age specific criteria upon admission and each visit thereafter.

11. Understands of pathophysiologic process by taking appropriate nursing action in accordance with changes in patient condition. (collaborates with primary RN).

12. Develops and upgrades problem list based upon continuing assessment with RN and record/update care plan.

13. Reports significant observed changes in patient condition to primary RN and Administrative Staff and or physician

14. Follows a plan of care based on the assessed findings and update under physician orders and primary RN.

15. Documents patient status and care or services furnished in appropriate areas as defined by the documentation policy and procedure. Provides appropriate documentation of nursing intervention, patient response, effectiveness, complications and other pertinent information with RN supervision.

16. Performs CPR when directed by patients' wishes/appropriate representative.

17. Demonstrates bag technique per policy and procedure.

18. Observes documents and takes appropriate action and notifies RN/Administrative staff of the following conditions.

Skin condition, venous condition, extremity circulation and mobility.

Complication with infiltration, phlebitis, infection circulatory overload and abnormal s/s

Allergic reaction

19. Performs the following treatments/procedures according to specific standards:

Vital signs

Patient weights

Specimen collection, ostomy care, urethral catheterization and Pressure wound care

Dressing changes

Oral suction

ROM

Bladder training

Bowel training

Patient ambulation/transfer and positioning

Pacemaker

Diabetes

20. Performs and monitors patient teaching according to the policy and procedures. Anticipates, modifies and adapts the teaching plan to accommodate the patient and family. Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan on a regular basis.

21. Coordinates care so that medications are administered as ordered by a physician and in compliance with the Medication Administration Standards. Reports findings of discrepancies to the primary RN and Administrative staff.

22. Collaborates with the primary RN in order to facilitate a change in the level of care in compliance with the change in level of care standard. Reports changes in level of care to primary RN and Administrative staff.

23. Understands the stages of death and dying as it relates to home health patients. Understands nursing care needed for terminally ill, acutely ill patient

24. Performs post mortem care as needed.

25. LPNs are responsible for the following technical skills and duties:

IV Therapy including Ports, PICCs, TLC catheters, sterile dressing changes, antibiotic therapy-no PPIs, TPN and Chemo Infusions, no titration of pain pumps. LPN cannot pull PICC.

Wound vacs, all aspects of sterile wound care, Pleurx drain care, Ostomy care, Trach care, Gtube care, and Foley and suprapubic caths. LPN cannot remove OnQ pain pump removal (placed by ortho).

Labs via peripheral and central access.

Revolution Device changes.

Complete head to toe assessments.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and feeling are necessary body movements utilized in performing nursing duties throughout the work shift.

2. Must be able to lift, move, and position patients of all weights, with varying amounts of assistance in a fair manner on a regular and recurring basis.

3. Hearing within normal range is required (i.e. To assess breath sounds, bowel sounds, apical pulse, monitors, etc.)

4. Visual acuity must be within normal range.

5. Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

6. Must be able to operate motor vehicle with a safe practice.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Exposure to bodily fluids, human tissues, contagious diseases, sharps, and explosive gases.

2. Exposure to toxic gases, fumes, and odors.

3. Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.

4. Exposure to electrical current.

5. Exposure to radiation from x-rays.

6. Exposure to bad road conditions.

7. Exposure to wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud, high and low temperatures, animals and insects, and hazardous roadways.

8. The majority of work is performed in the patient's home and may require extensive travel.

9. Subject to unpredictable situations. May be exposed to adverse or unpleasant home environments.

Skills and Abilities:

1. RN performs the initial assessment upon admission and the LPN does continuing assessments, thereafter, implementing and evaluating with the RN patient care, according to policy using judgment to determine the physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and documents this in the chart.

2. Demonstrates competency in technical and clinical skills, completes skills checklist, and correctly performs these skills daily as required.

3. Administers medications by all acceptable routes as ordered by physician and authorized by RN according to accepted policy and procedure.

4. Communicates plan of care and patient needs effectively, in a multi-disciplinary fashion to any and all involved persons and/or departments.

5. Anticipates teaching of needs of each patient, modifying, adapting, executing and evaluating the plan on a regular basis.

6. Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.