LEAD NURSE

Job Posting Title

LEAD NURSE (LPN)

Job Description

The Lead Nurse (LPN) provides clinical leadership and nursing oversight within the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under the supervision of the RN Area Manager, the Lead Nurse assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of healthcare services for individuals served. The Lead Nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality healthcare services, compliance with regulatory requirements, proper medication management, staffing coordination, and implementation of individualized healthcare plans. This position serves as a key resource to direct care staff and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals served.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Direct Duties

• Provides and oversees day-to-day healthcare services within the home in accordance with professional nursing standards, individualized healthcare plans, and organizational policies.
• Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care for individuals served.
• Partners with Home Coordinators, direct support staff, therapists, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure healthcare needs are appropriately addressed.
• Conducts routine health assessments and observations to identify actual or potential health concerns.
• Monitors the health status of individuals served and responds appropriately to changes in condition.
• Communicates significant health changes, physician recommendations, and medication updates to family members, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaborates with therapists and healthcare providers to ensure treatment plans, supports, and recommendations are implemented appropriately.
• Reviews physician orders, consultations, medication administration records (MARs), and treatment recommendations for accuracy and implementation.
• Ensures healthcare information is current and included in all required transfer packets and medical records.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and timely medical documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assists in maintaining medication inventories and pharmaceutical supplies.
• Conducts ongoing monitoring of medication storage and completes required monthly medication audits and documentation.
• Assists with implementation of nursing protocols and healthcare procedures.
• Provides training and education related to medical conditions, medications, side effects, activities of daily living, and health-related protocols.
• Supports infection prevention and control practices.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Other Responsibilities

• Schedules Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to ensure adequate nursing coverage for all assigned shifts.
• Develops and maintains monthly nursing staffing schedules in consultation with the RN Area Manager.
• Submits nursing staffing plans to the RN Area Manager and ICF Director as required.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and service planning activities.
• Supports quality assurance, risk management, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Assists with licensing reviews, audits, surveys, and accreditation activities.
• Provides support, guidance, and clinical consultation to direct support professionals and other staff.
• Maintains current knowledge of healthcare practices, regulations, and standards impacting services.
• Participates in professional development activities and required trainings.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and strong leadership at all times.
• Supports organizational goals and quality improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as needed to support program operations.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Tennessee required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience required.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of nursing experience in a nursing home, long-term care, home health, or related healthcare setting preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an ICF/IDD residential setting preferred.
• Knowledge of ICF/IDD regulations, standards, and licensing requirements preferred.
• Valid Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi driver's license with F endorsement and acceptable driving record required.
• Experience coordinating staff schedules and nursing operations preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of nursing principles, healthcare practices, and medication management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to assess health conditions and identify potential risks.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support staff members.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Intermediate computer proficiency and experience utilizing electronic health records and documentation systems.

Job Competencies

Clinical Leadership

Provides guidance and oversight to ensure quality healthcare services and regulatory compliance.

Nursing Assessment & Care Coordination

Evaluates health needs, coordinates care, and monitors service delivery to promote optimal outcomes.

Medication Management

Ensures accurate medication administration, documentation, storage, and monitoring practices.

Communication & Collaboration

Communicates effectively with families, physicians, healthcare providers, staff, and interdisciplinary team members.

Staff Development & Training

Provides education, coaching, and health-related training to direct care and nursing staff.

Compliance & Documentation

Maintains accurate records and ensures compliance with healthcare, licensing, and regulatory standards.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Identifies concerns and develops appropriate solutions to support individual health and safety.

Organization & Time Management

Successfully manages multiple priorities including staffing coordination, healthcare oversight, and documentation.

Person-Centered Care

Promotes dignity, respect, independence, and quality of life for individuals served.

Professionalism & Ethics

Maintains confidentiality, accountability, and ethical nursing practice.

Network Functions

Vehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• Reliable transportation for work-related travel.

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations

• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Medication administration and healthcare equipment

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR)
• Scheduling and staffing systems
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Reaching, bending, lifting, stooping, twisting, and climbing stairs.
• Providing assistance and support during health-related interventions.
• Driving between service locations as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and healthcare situations.
• Ability to safely perform nursing duties in residential environments.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions

• Residential and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) environments.
• Modern, well-lit residential and administrative office settings.
• Multiple program locations.
• Multiple levels of stairs with elevator access where available.
• Exposure to healthcare and residential care environments.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Infection Prevention and Control Practices

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Attend all required trainings and meetings.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Document time worked accurately.
• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, and continuing education requirements.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. As a general policy, pre-employment drug testing is not required for employment with Apis Services.

However, drug and alcohol testing may be required under specific circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Following a work-related vehicle accident, in accordance with applicable policy and legal requirements.
• Following a workplace incident or injury where post-incident or workers' compensation drug testing is appropriate or required.
• Certain affiliates may be subject to federal, state, licensing, regulatory, contractual, or funding agency requirements that mandate pre-employment or ongoing drug testing for specific positions or programs. In those cases, the affiliate-specific policy will govern those positions.

The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered as the detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgment, common sense, and teamwork.

From time to time, employees may be requested to perform other duties essential to the effective operation of the affiliate. Although these duties may not be identified in this written job description, employees will be required to perform related duties provided appropriate training has been given.

Schedule Flexibility

Please note that work schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call responsibilities, and work locations may be required.

The more you know and the more areas in which you can work within the affiliate will add value to you as a professional and contribute to the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.

About Company

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its constellation of affiliate companies. Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment to equal employment opportunity extends to every phase of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.