Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Job Description

Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Department: Nursing/Clinical Services
Reports To: Nurse Liaison and Program Administrator
Classification: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) supports the health, safety, and well-being of individuals receiving services through The Gardens of Arkansas. The LPN is responsible for medication-related oversight, health monitoring, nursing documentation, coordination of medical services and documentation, staff education, and communication with healthcare providers.

The LPN works closely with the Nurse Liaison, Program Administrator, Clinical Director, APRN, physicians, pharmacy, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), clients, and families to promote continuity of support. This position requires strong organization, sound clinical judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing compassionate, person-centered services.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Medication Management and Oversight

• Maintain medication rooms in a clean, secure, organized, and survey-ready condition.

• Review Medication Administration Records (MARs) routinely for accuracy, completion, omissions, and documentation errors.

• Ensure medications are properly labeled, stored, secured, and available as ordered.

• Verify that medication orders, pharmacy labels, and MARs are consistent.

• Coordinate medication refills and communicate with pharmacies and prescribing providers regarding missing, discontinued, or changed medications.

• Assist with medication reconciliation following hospital visits, emergency room visits, medical appointments, admissions, and discharges.

• Monitor medication expiration dates and ensure expired or discontinued medications are disposed of according to company policy.

• Report medication errors, missed doses, adverse reactions, and other medication concerns immediately according to established procedures.

• Complete medication-related incident documentation and assist leadership with follow-up and corrective action when needed.

• Provide medication education and competency support to authorized staff within the LPN’s scope of practice and company policy.

Client Health Monitoring

• Observe and assess clients for changes in physical condition, mental status, behavior, mobility, appetite, sleep, or overall functioning.

• Obtain and document vital signs and other health information as ordered or clinically indicated.

• Follow provider orders and assist in ensuring recommended treatments, appointments, laboratory work, and follow-up services are completed.

• Respond appropriately to illnesses, injuries, falls, medication concerns, and other health-related events.

• Participate in the development and implementation of health-related supports for each client.

• Respect each client’s dignity, privacy, rights, choices, and personal preferences.

Medical Appointments and Care Coordination

• Coordinate medical, dental, and specialty appointments as assigned.

• Ensure necessary documentation accompanies the client to appointments.

• Review appointment paperwork and provider recommendations upon the client’s return.

• Communicate new orders and follow-up instructions to appropriate staff.

• Ensure orders and supporting documents are entered or uploaded into the designated electronic record system.

• Work with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, home health providers, and other community healthcare partners to support continuity of care.

• Assist with gathering medical information needed for admissions, discharges, transfers, and service-plan reviews.

Documentation and Electronic Records

• Complete all nursing documentation accurately, objectively, and within required timeframes.

• Maintain current medical information, including diagnoses, allergies, medication lists, provider orders, appointments, laboratory results, and treatment recommendations.

• Document provider notifications, nursing interventions, client responses, and follow-up actions.

• Use Therap and other approved electronic systems according to company standards.

• Protect confidential client and employee information and follow all HIPAA and company privacy requirements.

• Assist with medical record reviews to ensure required documentation is present, current, and organized.

Staff Training and Support

• Provide staff education regarding medications, medical conditions, infection control, basic health and safety practices, and client-specific health needs.

• Teach staff how to identify and report changes in a client’s health or behavior.

• Reinforce expectations for timely and accurate documentation.

• Provide coaching and retraining following medication errors, documentation concerns, or identified performance gaps.

• Assist with new employee orientation and ongoing staff training as requested.

• Verify and document staff competency when authorized and required.

• Serve as a professional and approachable resource for DSPs and other members of the team.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Follow all applicable nursing standards, company policies, client rights requirements, and healthcare provider orders.

• Assist with internal audits, licensing reviews, quality-improvement activities, and corrective action plans.

• Routinely inspect medication rooms, MARs, medical records, first-aid supplies, and health-related documentation.

• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, mistreatment, or unsafe conditions immediately in accordance with mandated-reporting requirements and company policy.

• Participate in incident reviews and help identify measures to reduce future risks.

• Assist in maintaining infection-control procedures and monitoring staff compliance.

• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, service-plan meetings, nursing meetings, and required company training.

• Help ensure the location remains prepared for state, Medicaid, licensing, and CQL-related reviews.

Communication and Teamwork

• Maintain professional and timely communication with clients, families, staff, healthcare providers, and leadership.

• Attend scheduled meetings and respond promptly to calls, messages, and emails related to client health and safety.

• Communicate clearly during shift changes and ensure unresolved medical concerns are appropriately handed off.

• Work collaboratively with the Nurse Liaison, Program Administrator, Clinical Director, APRN, and other members of the leadership team.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff.

• Demonstrate The Gardens of Arkansas ICARE values:

  • Integrity

  • Compassion

  • Accountability

  • Respect

  • Excellence

Required Qualifications

• Current and unrestricted Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse license.

• Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.

• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, registry checks, drug screening, and exclusion screenings.

• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn Therap, Microsoft 365, electronic MAR systems, and other company platforms.

• Ability to read, understand, and accurately implement healthcare provider orders.

• Strong documentation, communication, time-management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals who have behavioral health needs, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or co-occurring conditions.

• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation when driving or travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of nursing experience.

• Experience in behavioral health, residential services, long-term care, assisted living, intellectual or developmental disability services, or community-based healthcare.

• Experience with medication administration, MAR auditing, staff education, and electronic health records.

• Experience working with pharmacies, prescribing providers, and interdisciplinary teams.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties may include:

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting for extended periods.

• Assisting clients during illnesses, injuries, or emergencies.

• Lifting or moving supplies and equipment as required.

• Responding promptly throughout the facility during urgent situations.

• Traveling between company locations, medical offices, pharmacies, or hospitals when assigned.

• Working in an environment where exposure to illness, bodily fluids, or challenging behaviors may occur.

Schedule and Availability

• Must maintain reliable and regular attendance.

• Must be available to work the schedule assigned to meet the needs of the program.

• Some evening, weekend, holiday, on-call, or emergency availability may be required.

• Local travel between Gardens locations or healthcare facilities may be required.

• Overtime must be approved in advance unless necessary to respond to an emergency.

Performance Expectations

Successful performance in this position includes:

• Accurate and timely nursing documentation.

• Consistent medication-room and MAR compliance.

• Prompt follow-up on medical appointments, provider orders, and identified health concerns.

• Effective communication with providers, staff, clients, and leadership.

• Timely reporting and follow-up regarding medication errors, incidents, and changes in client condition.

• Professional conduct and accountability.

• Active participation in quality-improvement and compliance activities.

• A demonstrated commitment to client safety, dignity, independence, and person-centered care.

Additional Responsibilities

This job description is not intended to include every responsibility that may be assigned. The employee may be required to perform other duties consistent with the position, the employee’s training, and the LPN’s legal scope of practice.