Part-time or PRN Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse

Primary Responsibilities:

This individual is responsible for the nature and quality of all nursing care delivered on that shift. He/she shall participate through an intradepartmental approach in meeting the nursing needs of the patients at Harbor House. The LPN will perform clinically privileged services to include a comprehensive assessment of a patient's health care needs (nursing) based on data collected through history, observation, and analysis of diagnostic data.

Job Specifications

1. Performs comprehensive assessment of patient's health care needs (nursing) based on data collected through history, observation, biopsychosocial, and analysis of diagnostic data.

a. Assists the physician with assessments of patients using available sources of information, including patient and family medical records.

b. Interview patients and or families using proper techniques appropriate for individuals' level of functioning to obtain necessary information regarding medical background.

c. Performs appropriate routine tests and takes vital signs; orders and or performs relevant laboratory studies according to established protocols (i.e., weight, height, blood pressure, and urinalysis).

d. Collects and disposes of specimens for diagnostic testing according to established procedures.

e. Thoroughly review patients' charts for background information and correctly identify biopsychosocial stressors.

f. Accurately document findings to produce a complete medical record (including physical, mental, and/or social problems) of patients in a clear, complete, and concise manner within established time frames.

g. Set up examination rooms and prepare patients for treatment by attending physicians according to established guidelines.

2. Develop individualized and comprehensive nursing/medical/problem assessment according to patients' level of need and functional ability.

a. Accurately analyzes and evaluates findings from all available assessment data. Prioritize patient treatments appropriately.

b. Collaborates effectively with patients' families, physicians, clinicians, other treatment team members, and other skills as needed.

c. Notifies dietary staff of any special diets needed for optimal patient care.

d. Consults physician/dietician as necessary for guidance in developing a special diet.

e. Assist with patient needs as indicated by physician and assessment of patient needs.

f. Schedules outside clinical appointments/special activities as necessary following established protocol or physician/clinician orders; follows up on appointments as needed; consistently reviews consultation forms for instructions or prescription orders.

3. Performs direct patient care activities by administering medications on the VA unit, observing, and recording patient responses and medication side effects.

a. Administers medication(s) in the proper method, time, and dosage as indicated by the physician's order. Explains medication and treatment to patients.

b. Observes and records patient response and/or medication side effects; immediately reports any significant reactions to attending physician or supervising nurse.

c. Assists with technical procedures (e.g., change dressing, clean wounds, etc.) according to established guidelines.

d. Immediately responds to patients in acute distress according to established guidelines.

e. Makes rounds with the physician or independently, as required and appropriate.

f. Provides clear and accurate instructions/demonstration of patient self-care.

g. Transports all newly prescribed or refilled medication to the unit as delivered.

h. Updates emergency sheet, list correct medication or amounts as may occur.

I. Monitors knowledge of electronic medication administration record (chart Meds).

J. Utilizes electronic MAR to document medication education on all medication information

4. Performs various administrative, clerical, and documentation activities to support unit activities.

a. Records patient care and other information on appropriate forms in a legible, clear, and timely manner according to established unit policy and standards of care.

b. Transcribes and or countersigns physicians' orders according to established guidelines.

c. Maintains and consistently ensures the confidentiality of patients' conditions and records, unit records, staff, and other data.

d. Maintains accurate and well-organized office files and patient medical records according to established guidelines.

e. Prepares complete and accurate reports, logs, control sheets, diet rosters, meeting minutes, etc., according to established procedures and formats and submits to appropriate personnel promptly.

5. Provides health education instruction to patients on various health issues. In addition, the LPN will provide in-service training and coaching for staff.

a. Develops complete teaching/discharge plans utilizing available resources.

b. Uses teaching methods appropriate to the audience.

c. Provides clear and accurate information to patients regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, discharge plan and/or preventive care according to individualized ability and health needs.

d. Regularly monitors patient compliance with health instructions and self-medication. LPN will take the appropriate action necessary.

e. Initiates procedures for referral to external health agencies following established policies.

f. Provides clear and well-organized in-service and coaching to staff that addresses specific training needs.

6. Communicates, as necessary, with other medical and departmental personnel to coordinate efforts, resolve operational problems and improve the quality of patient care.

a. Works cooperatively with other department personnel to consistently provide/maintain a safe, clean, well-supplied, and attractive environment to provide quality care.

b. Accurately identifies, measures, evaluates and resolves deficiencies in the patient care process in a timely manner.

c. Assesses the physical condition of the unit regularly. Reports needed repairs to appropriate facility personnel on a timely basis.

7. Participates in required in-service training annually.

a. Completes required in-service training annually.

b. Initiates or attends and actively participates in departmental staff meetings, or committee meetings, as required to discuss needs, goals, objectives, outcomes of nursing services, performance improvement, infection control, etc.

8. Provides an environment that demonstrates caring, compassion, and respect for all patients.

a. Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.

b. Cordially greets all patients when approaching or being approached by them.

c. Responds to patients in a manner that conveys a willingness to assist.

d. Provides patient care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner.

e. Maintains a professional relationship with patients at all times.

9. Provides supportive counseling to individuals, groups, or families to identify problem areas and provide direction towards effecting positive change.

a. Conducts individual counseling with the patient to assist in acknowledging identified problem areas and successfully achieving the treatment goals.

b. Conducts group counseling sessions to assist patients in achieving and maintaining treatment goals and building effective support systems.

c. Participate as needed in family counseling sessions to assist the families in understanding patient's treatment goals. Facilitate effective communications and build peer support systems.

10. Provides crisis management in various community environments for all age and disability groups.

a. Conducts assessments of adults and adolescents experiencing severe emotional problems utilizing specific crisis management skills.

b. Develops treatment/nursing care plans that facilitate patients in crisis to appropriate levels of care.

c. Maintains knowledge of facility resources that would facilitate the stabilization of patients in crisis.

11. Performs other duties as required by the Executive Director, Medical Director, and/or Head Nurse.

a. file all medical information in patient charts on time.

12. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age, disability, and cultural background of the patients served, based on his/her qualifications and competencies.

13. Demonstrates safety measures that prevent employee/resident accidents.

a. Demonstrates good personal body mechanics.

b. Maintains neatness, cleanliness, and organization of work environment.

c. Reports all accidents/incidents and hazardous conditions/equipment, as established by departmental policies.

d. Demonstrates knowledge of emergency policies and procedures.

e. Participate in fire and disaster drills as outlined in Harbor House's policy manual.

f. Follow established guidelines when using equipment, supplies, and chemicals.

14. Actively supports Harbor House's efforts to achieve and sustain mental health accreditation. In addition, the LPN will follow policies and procedures, protocols, and standards of all Harbor House funding sources and regulatory agencies.

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