LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE

Position Summary

The LVN implements the established plan of care for each assigned group of resident’s. Responsibilities include total care for chronically ill and technologically dependent residents, administration of medications, performance of treatments, provision of resident/family education as directed, and maintenance of a record of the care provided. Under the direct supervision of the RN, the LVN assists with the planning, coordination, and provision of individualized resident care in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the facility.

Responsible To

This position reports to the Charge Nurse.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform assigned resident care duties in a manner that provides for the physical, psycho-social, and spiritual needs of the chronically ill and technologically dependent resident, incorporating cultural and ethnic factors.
• Complete initial and ongoing assessments by gathering data in a timely manner, incorporating functional/developmental age factors into the assessment process.
• Correctly differentiate between normal and abnormal clinical findings and intervene in accordance with clinical standards of practice and per physician orders.
• Work collaboratively with the resident/family and interdisciplinary team members to develop an individualized plan of care for each resident.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in the implementation and evaluation of the nursing aspects of the interdisciplinary resident care plan.
• Proficiently and accurately monitor and report resident condition changes to the Registered Nurse, attending physician, family, interdisciplinary team members, and Director of Nursing or ADON.
• Follow through on resident care services needed to meet the individualized needs of each resident.
• Administer medications in a proficient manner, including pain management.
• If IV certified, provide IV care within the scope of practice for an LVN and per facility policy.
• Provide treatment administration per direction from the physician, which includes but is not limited to wound packing, irrigation, indwelling catheter care, etc.
• Proficiently manage the care of technologically dependent residents, including but not limited to:
  • Ventilator dependency
  • Ostomies such as tracheostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, gastrostomy, etc.
  • Enteral feeding tubes
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Suctioning
• Participate in the identification of resident/family educational needs and provide individualized teaching which considers the functional/developmental age and needs of the resident. Monitor and document the effectiveness of the education provided.
• Demonstrate knowledge of age-specific care, including but not limited to identifying safety measures, physiological normal values/readings; assessing skin integrity, behavior, motor skills and/or activities that place residents at risk; and communicate effectively in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate monitoring of signs/symptoms of abuse and/or neglect of residents. Report and document suspected abuse/neglect in accordance with facility policy and regulatory guidelines.

Job Functions

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity, and individuality of each resident in all interactions.
• Appreciate the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property.
• Proficiently provide care in emergency situations and follow established emergency procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, or restore health for assigned residents.
• Ensure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care.
• Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers.
• Prepare documentation in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner conforming to prescribed style and format, and respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business facility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Capacities

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Comprehensive ability to bend, squat, twist, and reach continuously.
• Ability to see and hear or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately to meet job requirements.
• Compliance with general health requirements, including an annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Capacity for infrequent lifting of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carts and transporting residents.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress associated with the position.

Environmental Conditions

The role requires working indoors under normal temperatures with some noise, occasional fumes, odors, chemical exposure, and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It involves exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24‑hour skilled care environment that serves disabled and cognitively impaired residents.

Qualifications

• Education: LVN graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• License: Current, valid LVN licensure to practice in the state.
• Certification: Current BCLS certification.
• Work Experience: Minimum 6 months prior LVN experience in the past 2 years in a general acute care hospital or equivalent competency appropriate to the type of residents the facility provides care to.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to communicate these through verbal communication in English.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic arithmetic and operations with units of measure, weight, and volume.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and customer service skills; empathy; and ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff, and outside resources and agencies.

Physical and Mental Demands

Includes tasks such as moving, bending, and lifting; enduring mental stress and handling high‑stress scenarios common in a nursing home environment.