Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPN floor nurses at agency group homes have a dual role. They provide medical care, pass medications and monitor the health conditions of individuals. Working within scope of practice, they ensure doctor's orders are implemented and report change of condition to the RN and MD as appropriate. Additionally, they provide direct care to individuals living within in the home and provide for upkeep of the home. This environment is unlike a nursing home or LTC facility in that LPN's and Direct Support Professionals work together to meet all the needs of the individuals and the home. Tasks associated with this role include cooking meals, organization and clean up the home, feeding individuals, bathing individuals, checking and changing individuals, doing planned activities and teaching strategies, attending community experience outings and documenting in both medical notes and floor books.

Medical Duties:

• Reports directly to the program or on-call RN: Any change in individual's condition.
• A new or changed medication order prior to implementation.
• A new order or a change in treatment prior to implementation.
• Any and all medical issues.
• Notifying the RN of incoming lab-work with values outside parameters.
• Assisting in setting up the medication administration records for the next month.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift and transfer 70 – 75 pounds. Work is active and performed inside and outside of the home.

• Monitor medical, physical and behavioral changes in individuals on a daily basis. Clearly document any issues in individual's files using the DAR (Data-Action-Response) formula for charting and report to DDS as required.
• Administer medications at prescribed times, according to medication administration policies. Document administration of medication according to policy. Report all errors of medication administration or documentation according to Policy 928.
• Maintain individuals' right to privacy and adhere to CRI's confidentiality policy.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner when interacting with supervisors, coworkers, consultants, families and members of the community.
• Perform other work related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and / or other management as required.
• In an emergency medical situation with the agency, the LPN may be required to assist in other Programs.
• Familiarize oneself with CRI Policies and Procedures, ensuring compliance with same.
• Participate in training opportunities (in-service training, staff meetings, conferences, etc.), as required; maintain all required training per agency policy and DDS regulatory requirement.

Direct Care Duties:

• Create a nurturing, positive learning environment and develop strategies to help the individuals cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations of daily living and facilitate independent performance in these areas. Participate in all activities on the activity calendar as appropriate.
• Implement Individual Plan of Service, teaching strategies and guidelines based on the interdisciplinary team's identification of ones' individual needs. Record data on all identified teaching strategies, report individual's progress, needs and any barriers impending progress. Maintain and document awareness of current annual IP and quarterly reviews on each individual.
• Follow written dietary plans for each individual. Assist with the preparation of meals, feeding individuals, cleaning up after meals, documenting intake and purchasing of groceries and supplies. Monitor and report on any chewing or swallowing changes.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the home, inside and outside. Assist with all laundry care. Change linens, sweep, mop, clean home and bathrooms etc. Maintain the cleanliness of the vehicles and report any maintenance needed for the vehicle or property to the Program Manager.
• Take individuals to a variety of community based outings with the use of an agency vehicle as assigned on the activity schedule.

Job Requirements:

• Must possess a valid CT driver's license, be able to drive own and agency vehicles and have a good driving record.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have one year experience working as an LPN or have successfully completed CRI's LPN-in-training program.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma or a GED. Must be a graduate of an accredited LPN program. Must have a current CT LPN license. Employee must submit copies of the current license annually to CRI.
• Training: Valid CT LPN license. Employee must submit copies of the current license annually. Medical training is on-going and in-servicing includes, but is not limited to, OSHA and CPR recertification. Additionally, LPN's may be required to participate in training and in-servicing of Residential Instructors as needed.

Other Qualifications:

• Possess good to excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate thoroughness and follow through on daily work assignments.
• Display motivation and interest in improving quality of life for population served.
• Demonstrate and maintain an optimistic attitude, patience and compassion for and with the population served.
• Demonstrate the ability to organize and prioritize medical responsibilities with direct care responsibilities to completion.
• Previous experience in the DD field preferred but not required.
• Previous experience as a CNA or HHA preferred but not required.