Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Under the guidance of a registered nurse, the licensed practical nurse plays a crucial role in implementing the nursing process—comprising assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation—in the Home Health setting, adhering to established policies and procedures. This position involves supporting the registered nurse in executing care plans for patients across all developmental stages, including adults (ages 18-72) and geriatrics (72+ years), in accordance with nursing standards and guidelines. The licensed practical nurse delivers care tailored to patients' life stages, drawing on their experience and competency evaluations.

• Assist in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation processes based on the patient's age and medical condition.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team to manage patient care efficiently.
• Communicate information appropriately, following agency policies and discipline-specific guidelines.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of programs.
• Organize and execute tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Adjust and maintain schedules to optimize agency performance.
• Exhibit a daily commitment to the organization's core values.
• Foster positive interpersonal relationships with all agency members.
• Promote and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Consistently embody the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Education: Completion of an accredited or approved practical nursing program.
• Licensure/Certifications: Valid practical nursing license in North Carolina; CPR certification is mandatory.
• Experience: At least one year of practical nursing experience is required; home health experience is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficient hand/eye coordination for administering injections and using a computer. Must be literate in English and capable of operating patient care equipment, including safely transferring patients.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to establish positive interactions with patients, their families, physicians, and staff to ensure effective patient care.
• Physical Requirements: Capability to lift or maneuver objects weighing at least 50 pounds while providing patient care. Frequent lifting, moving, and positioning of patients is necessary, along with the physical effort required for bathing and ambulating patients. Occasional overhead reaching, stair climbing, and fine motor skills are also required.
• Mental Abilities: Competence in assessing patient conditions, developing care plans, selecting appropriate interventions, evaluating responses to treatment, and educating patients about their health. Requires strong cognitive skills, including short- and long-term memory, prioritization of tasks, and the ability to learn new patient care techniques.
• Sensory Requirements: Ability to visually assess patients and utilize sight for implementing and evaluating care plans (e.g., changing dressings, performing phlebotomy, regulating IVs). Must also use hearing to auscultate lung and bowel sounds, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff.
• Hazard Exposure: Potential exposure to noise, bloodborne pathogens, body fluids, and needle punctures. May encounter risks from animals and traffic during home visits, as well as situations that could threaten personal safety. Weather extremes and temperature changes may also be experienced.
• Work Hours: Variable schedule from Monday to Friday, including weekends and holidays as necessary.
• Population Served: Care for adolescents, adults, geriatrics, and pediatrics.
• Driver's License: A valid North Carolina driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.