LPN Per Diem

Licensed Practical Nurse

Supports the Wellness Nurse and staff. Responsibilities include Medication Management and Administration and treatments for the memory care residents, covering for resident care staffing as needed and assist the Wellness Nurse. The LPN will follow up on family issues as directed by Wellness Nurse.

As Licensed Practical Nurse, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

Assist the Wellness team in the development and revision of service care plans. Demonstrate an understanding to patho-physiological and psychosocial changes that are associated with the aging process and disabilities. Observe and report to Wellness Nurse residents' issues and medical concerns. Monitors resident assignments and participates in revision of plans as indicated by change in resident condition. When indicated, contacts physician or emergency personnel. Monitors resident care assistants' compliance with infection control. Participates in community marketing effort. Participates in the direct care of residents on an as needed basis. Provides emergency support to resident care assistants. Documents incidental occurrences in the resident record. Any reasonable request by management. Administers resident medications/treatments as assigned by Wellness Nurse with written MD orders. Document all administered medication and treatments in Matrix-Care. Acts as a resource to caregivers in health related issues. Contacts physician, reports condition and receives orders from physician. Transcribes and reconciles written orders from physicians.

Committee Functions Attend various committee meetings of the facility as required. Assist in preparing written and/or oral reports of the nursing service programs and activities to submit to such committee(s) as directed.

Personnel Functions Direct supervision of resident care staff. Participates in staff training. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to assure that nursing services and activities can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents. Assure that department personnel, residents and visitors follow the departments established policies and procedures at all times, including dress codes. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift. Meet with your shift on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and/or the improvement of services.

Staff Development Maintain training requirements including 10 hours of dementia training per year and 2 hours of pain in dementia. Participate in in-service training classes that provide instructions on "how to do the job", and ensure a well-educated nursing services department.

Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession. Maintain annual physical per ALSA requirements.

Safety and Sanitation Assist in developing and ensuring compliance with the safety standards for the Nursing Department. Monitor your shift's personnel to assure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies. Ensure that nursing service work areas (i.e., Wellness Office, resident common areas, etc.,) and resident rooms are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Ensure that nursing personnel participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner. Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment. Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the infection control program for monitoring communicable and/or infectious diseases among the residents and personnel. Ensure that nursing personnel follow established handwashing techniques in the administering of nursing care procedures.

Resident Rights Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information. Monitor nursing care to assure that all residents are treated fairly and with kindness, dignity and respect. Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the residents' rooms. Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of the residents' rights and responsibilities including the right to refuse care. Review complaints and grievances made by the resident and make a written/oral report to the Wellness Nurse indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint or grievance. Ensure that nursing staff personnel honor the resident's refusal of care requests.

Equipment and Supply Functions Correctly use all necessary equipment for your position (ie, BP cuff, wheelchairs, blood glucose testing & control, O2 machines, pace maker checks). Correctly use facility equipment (ie e-call system, telephone system, paging system, walkie talkie, computer system, Matrix-care, etc.) Use only the equipment you have been trained to use. Operate all equipment in a safe manner. Use only the equipment and supplies necessary to do the job. Do not be wasteful.

Miscellaneous Assist the Wellness Nurse in identifying, evaluating and classifying tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids. Assure that personnel follow established procedures for the use and disposal of personal protective equipment.

Working Conditions

Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses' stations, resident rooms, etc.).

Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.

Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents' needs.

Education

A high school diploma and graduation from an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program.

Experience

Shall have at least two (2) years experience.

Specific Requirements

Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN or LPN in this state.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.

Must possess leadership ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.

Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.

Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.

Must be able to