LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

POSITION: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
SUPERVISOR: Senior Registered Nurse
CLASSIFICATION: Professional exemption

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/functions.

1. Associates degree in Licensed Practical Nursing.
2. Current LPN license with the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Must maintain current licensure with the professional field licensing body.
3. Must be able to work flexible hours/locations. On-call is required.
4. Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
5. Ability to communicate clearly with other departments and agencies.
6. Valid New Mexico driver's license and clear driving record as determined by auto insurance carrier.
7. Current negative TB skin test results (within last year).
8. Current drug screen with negative results.
9. New Mexico Criminal History Screening clearance.

RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY:
The Licensed Practical Nurse promotes and provides direct nursing care to participants at the group home or nursing office. The LPN is required to complete the nursing process at the direction of the Registered Nurse and, within the scope of the license held, collaborate with physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team and provide physical and psychological supports to participants and families as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:
1. Identify, assess, implement, monitor, document and evaluate health services activities of
assigned participants:
+ accurately administer medication as prescribed by physician
+ carry out and document all treatment prescribed by physician
+ escort participants to, and assist physician with, physical examination when necessary
+ provide emergency care as needed, e.g. CPR, first aid, etc.
+ monitor and record all health care related actions of each participant, e.g., weight,
height, reviews, etc.

2. Promote participants independence:
+ establish care goals with Interdisciplinary Team
+ teach staff and participant to understand condition, medication, self-care skills
+ answer questions regarding health services treatment.

3. Assure quality of care:
+ adhere to therapeutic standards
+ measure health outcomes
+ make or recommend necessary adjustments
+ follow SMEM philosophy and standard of care set by the NM State Board of Nursing,
NM Nurse Practice Act, and other governing agency regulations
+ train staff, monitor and enforce adherence to regulations/standards regarding health
care, safety, and sanitation as stated in the requirements for ICF/MR facilities, DD Waiver Facilities, Dept. of Health Standards/Regulations, and as outlined by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.


4. Document and resolve participant problems and needs:
+ chart in participant and department records
+ notify key staff in event of emergency
+ complete and follow-up on all incident reports as necessary
+ utilize Interdisciplinary team strategy.

5. Maintain safe and clean working environment:
+ adhere to infection-control policies and protocols and participate in training of other
staff on such
+ adhere to medication administration and storage procedures
+ adhere to controlled substance regulations
+ comply with all procedures, rules and regulations
+ notify proper staff of violations.

6. Ensure operation of equipment:
+ complete preventative maintenance requirements
+ call for repairs as needed
+ maintain equipment inventory
+ evaluate new equipment and techniques.

7. Maintain nursing supplies and medication inventory:
+ check stock to determine level
+ anticipate needed supplies
+ place and expedite orders as directed
+ verify receipt of supplies

8. In Coordination with the Nurse Educator or RN the LPN may Supervise Certified Medication
Aides (CMAs) by
+ scheduling appointments and completing CMA schedules
+ assuring CMAs are adhering to the SMEM CMA Policy and Procedures
+ assuring CMAs are adhering to the BON Requirements for CMAs
+ conducting quarterly reviews of medication passes and proper medication administration
+ overseeing medication reordering and maintain the documentation in the MAR in the office and in the individuals homes
+ daily oversight and auditing of medications ordered and received

9. Maintain inter and intra-departmental work flow:
+ communicate information in timely manner
+ respond to requests in timely manner
+ ensure nursing participation in the Interdisciplinary Team process in the development
of each participant's comprehensive Individual Service Plan
+ provide on-going in-service training for all staff on health-related issues, medication
side effects, etc.
+ serve on committees as designated
+ foster spirit of cooperation between individual team members and teams.

10. Maintain participant confidentiality and protect operations:
+ keep all information confidential

11. Contribute to team efforts:
+ accomplish related results as needed

12. Complete other duties as assigned.

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