LPN for Judson Manor

Job Description

Job Description

General Purpose: Responsible for providing clinical and front-line supervisory support for the nursing department on a designated assignment. Holds specific shift responsibility for maintaining the standards of quality for the nursing care provided to all residents on designated assignment. Serves as a clinical resource to nursing staff. Provides support for Judson Retirement Community’s policies and procedures. The ARCM is familiar with bargaining unit contracts and acts accordingly. Assists the nursing department to ensure compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. Promotes professional nursing practices and sets the leadership example for the front-line staff.

MUST HAVE ACTIVE LPN AND BLS Certification to be considered for the position 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Accountable for the quality of care provided on designated unit for the assigned shift. The ARCM personally supervises the work of the front-line nursing staff. The ARCM is accessible to front-line staff, residents and families/visitors. Practices and strives for quality customer services relations with staff, residents and families. Identifies unit problems, gathers information necessary for decision-making and takes an active role in problem resolution.  Actively supports Judson Retirement Community policies. The ARCM is expected to timely inform the RCM/supervisor of changes in the residents’ condition, clinical needs and/or staff issues or concerns. Ensure a good shift-to-shift working relationship and provides on-coming shift with report of resident condition. Provides follow-up on issues from the previous shift.

Functions as the primary unit nurse for the designated area. Day-to day clinical duties include, but are not limited to:

1.  Administers or assists with the administration of all types of medications in accordance with physician’s orders and acceptable standards of practice. For IV medications, monitors rate and delivery of IV medication/fluids and monitors appearance and function of access site.

2.  Ensures that medications are reordered and properly stocked in the med cart. If a medication is not available, attempts to find the medication in the PYXIS. If the medication is not available, informs the pharmacy and RCM/supervisor.

3.  Gathers complete accurate clinical information and notifies the proper clinical team members, resident and/or POA of changes in the resident’s status.

4.  Performs dressing changes in accordance with physician’s orders and acceptable standards of practice. Monitors wound condition and makes recommendations for need for change in treatment. Implements new wound treatments according to Judson’s wound management policy.

5.  Facilitates timely conference with clinical nurse practitioner and/or physician for changes in the resident’s medical needs. Provides proper medical information to the physician and/or CNP.

6.  Participates in the admission process for new admissions/readmissions and verifies physician orders.

7.  Transcribes all new orders completely and accurately.

8.  Using the nursing process, the LPN ACRM monitors the physical and psychosocial needs of all residents during the assigned shift. Monitors individual pain response and provides appropriate pain management interventions per physician’s orders.

9.  Carries out physician orders in a timely and efficient manner.

10.  Identifies emergency situations and intervenes appropriately per facility policy and standards of practice.

Ensures the expeditious implementation of appropriate clinical interventions. Documents changes in the resident’s clinical record and/or plan of care and communicate these changes to front-line staff. Monitors the resident’s response to care and makes changes and referrals to others as needed. Communicates needs and changes to other IDT members. Monitors front-line staff to ensure adequate follow-up and follow-through of the residents plan of care. 

Supports the resident’s advance directive choice. Facilitates transfer to acute medical                 facility as needed. Provides the acute medical setting all necessary paperwork and                     information. Communicates need for emergency transfer to interested parties and                       medical staff.

Actively listens to family/resident concerns and effectively communicates in return. Provides communication to staff and feedback to residents/families for effective resolution. Promotes the best possible living experience for residents and families in accordance with Judson Retirement Community’s expectations. Provides residents and families information and education regarding aging and resident-specific disease processes when requested. Provides caring emotional support to residents and/or families during times of need.

Maintains a high degree of clinical skill and expertise. The ARCM is expected to attend educational seminars and maintain continuing education requirements per Ohio Board of Nursing rules. 

Documents pertinent findings in the clinical record and seeks consultation and/or assistance for staff from appropriate clinical and administrative resources. Delegates aspects of care to front-line nursing personnel consistent with level of education and experience. Completes required documentation and assessments. Monitors staff for completion of nursing, dietary, resident care and restorative documentation. 

Is responsible for the completion of post-incident investigation paperwork. This includes providing information to the RCM and/or supervisor for the completion of the post-fall assessment.  The ARCM should ensure the correct application of fall prevention devices and/or restraints per the resident’s plan of care.

Actively attends weekly care conference as required and comes prepared to discuss the residents’ current condition. The ARCM may be asked to participate in other Judson committees and projects.

The ARCM is expected to actively participate in the direct care of the resident. Provides physical assistance to resident assistants (RA) as needed. Answers resident call lights and provides direct care. Oversees the dining experience and assists with feeding as needed. Monitors the unit acuity and workload and acts as the direct care staffs primary advocate. Informs the RCM of increased workloads and assists in resolution of unit problems. 

Works effectively with all members of the extended Judson community. Coordinates referrals and care of residents with psychological services, dental services, physician services and podiatry services. Ensures smooth communication and promotes good working relationships with therapy services, environmental/maintenance, laundry, dietary and administration. Promotes customer service with outside services including radiology, lab services, pharmacy and hospice. Informs administration of issues with any external services or internal departments. '

Promotes and participates in facility Quality Improvement initiatives as needed. The ARCM is one of the key members in Judson’s abuse, neglect and misappropriation prevention program. The ARCM is required to report any allegations of abuse, neglect and/or misappropriation immediately to the supervisor and/or administrator. Performs unit-based quality control checks as needed.

Provides feedback to administration related to educational needs of residents, families and staff. Attends facility-sponsored educational opportunities. Participates in and supports nursing research programs as established by the research committee. The ARCM is expected to assist the RCM with discharge planning as needed.

Provides human resource support. Offers feedback to the RCM for completion of 90-day evaluations for front-line staff. Offers input and guidance to new unit employees as needed. The ARCM may be required to assist the nursing department in orientation or training of staff or students. Offers input to the RCM/supervisor in completing annual performance appraisals for unit employees and offers feedback for float employees. Confers with RCM/supervisor when employee problems become evident. The ARCM should understand that occasionally administration might need to call the employee at home due to investigations/questions/concerns. The ARCM is expected to cooperate with internal and/or external investigations.

Miscellaneous: Maintains a record of acceptable attendance and punctuality.  Observes all company rules and safety procedures.  Performs other duties as assigned by the nursing administration.

Behavioral Skills: This position requires incumbents to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

1. Respectfulness: Having regard for other people’s feelings; courteous; conveying a sense of understanding; being mindful of others wishes; acting with concern and esteem; offering and being appreciative of assistance.
2. Trustworthiness and Integrity: Shows consistency among principles, values and behaviors; demonstrates sound business ethics; builds trust with others through own actions and authenticity.
3. High Standards: Having the highest regard for personal and professional conduct; expecting and delivering nothing less than “first class” service; consistently providing the highest level of care, facilities and technology; being highly regarded by outsiders as setting the mark of excellence.
4. Responsiveness:  Is persistent, proactive, and results-oriented; responds to resident and co-worker needs with a sense of urgency and importance; adapts to and facilitates change.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration:  Actively seeks input from key management and peers in conducting one’s own work; sees oneself as part of the larger organizational team and works toward common goals; proactively communicates necessary information to others; works toward “win-win” solutions; brings disagreements into the open and attempts to resolve them collaboratively.  
6. Leadership:  Provides direction by clearly and effectively setting course of action for department and subordinates; manages performance by providing regular feedback and reinforcement to subordinates.

Minimum Qualifications, Education and Certifications:

Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a clear and active license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Ohio. Should have a current working knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations related to long-term care. Minimal computer literacy required.  Must maintain a current LPN license and practice nursing in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act for Licensed Practical Nurses. 

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:

Physical demands may include kneeling, climbing ladders, reaching, pushing, manipulating, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for extended periods, crouching, stooping, walking, lifting up to 75 pounds, transferring up to 150 pounds and repetitive motion. Must possess the dexterity to prepare medications and apply treatments. The ARCM must be able to use the telephone, computer and communicate effectively in English. 

Working Conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

Office environment.  The ARCM is exposed to general office equipment including computers, printers, copy machines and fax machines. 

Clinical environment: The ARCM is exposed to the general clinical environment including; resident units, resident rooms and care areas. May have exposure to resident waste and blood products and will use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and universal precautions accordingly. May be exposed to infectious pathogens and will follow prescribed isolation. May be exposed to combative residents and/or residents with delirium/confusion.