Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - DSL

Job Summary:

A Licensed Practical Nurse provides practical nursing skills within the scope of nursing practice standards in collaboration with RN case managers/supervisors, teaches and educates patients and their families according to the established professional plan of care. Licensed Practical nursing is performed under the supervision of the assigned RN's, Administrator, and Director of Clinical Services.

Qualifications:

Graduate of an approved LPN nursing school

Currently, licensed "in good standing" in MA

A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a licensed practical nurse, preferably in a home care setting.

Must have a criminal background check

Must have current CPR certification

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Maintains the nursing frequency established by the supervising RN.

Follows the plan of care established by the supervising RN.

Reporting to the RN.

Prepares equipment & materials for treatments observing aseptic techniques as required.

Performs home safety check and environmental check of the patient's home environment on all visits.

Reports any unsafe or potentially unsafe condition to the supervising RN. Performs nursing visit and documents accordingly.

Reviews and follows the supervising RN's plan of care, communicating frequently with the supervising RN on any suggested changes necessary.

Collaborates with the supervising RN on a weekly (or more frequent basis) to benchmark toward the established outcome goals.

Reviews the patient's ADL and iADL abilities.

Teaching patients & family self-care techniques.

Communicates any suggested changes to the supervising RN.

Reinforces the HHA plan of care when HHA services are ordered.

Effectively communicates with patient/family the POC and progression of such.

Keeps the patient informed ongoing.

Effectively communicates with other disciplines in the case (actively participates in case conferencing) to effectively and appropriately problem solve as situations arise.

Communicates effectively with the supervising RN, scheduled visits planned and changes to the schedule on a weekly basis.

Caseload is self-scheduled but communication of the clinician's schedule to the nursing supervisor is essential.

Communicates in case conferencing sessions.

Effectively functioning as an involved team member to collaborate on best practices for the individual patient's needs.

Submits accurate, complete paperwork at the end of every week so that all medical records are intact and up to date.

Uses the drop box if the office is already closed for the weekend.

Notifies the supervising RN with requests for re-authorization of "more visits needed" prior to third party insurers authorized number of visits expiring.

Suggests Community Services that may be available to the patient to assist in safe home care needs.

Participates in the Performance Improvement Committee process as requested.

Participates in staff meetings.

Adjusts visits on the staff meeting day to accommodate this function.

Participates in the growth of the office by being a willing preceptor for newly hired, same discipline employees.

Maintains LPN licensure and actively seeks out educational experiences to enhance the practice of home care nursing for her/him and the benefit of the patients serviced.

Notifies the Agency of emergencies, sickness, and other imminent occurrences that may affect the patient caseload as quickly as possible relative to the event's occurrence.

Submits written time requests 2 weeks or more in advance of planned time off.

Other duties as assigned.

Special equipment to be operated:

Vehicle to do routine patient visits, possible transfer/lifting devices, medical supplies

Work Environment:

Indoors, performing patient care/tasks in the patient's residence

Travel to patient residences/meetings; will require transportation to get to various work sites

Possible exposure to communicable diseases

Functional Abilities:

Able to access patient's homes that may not be handicap accessible.

Able to hear, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English.

Physical Requirements:

On a daily basis: walking, standing, sitting, reaching, use of telephone, use of computers & other office equipment, lifting/transferring 150 lbs or greater, bending, stooping, climbing stairs.