Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description
LPN SUMMARY: The LPN is responsible for providing nursing care for residents according to established standards and practices relating to basic nursing, restorative, and personal care services; where quality assurance, resident safety, and infection control are inherent responsibilities of the position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Adheres to the scope of practice for nursing licensure per state regulatory guidelines. Is responsible for the proper performance of duties as outlined for Assisted Living Facilities Ensures that residents maintain appropriate health and safety needs and is responsible for the safe transfer of those residents that are beyond the capability of the facility. Maintains a close working relationship with the Director of Health and Wellness and Assistant Director of Health and Wellness to foster resident/ family support and resident welfare. Ensures that residents’ needs are met or fulfilled. Along with the Director of Health and Wellness, coordinates efforts to enhance the service provided to the resident i.e. home health, hospice, physical therapy, psychiatric assessment, Durable Medical Equipment and other services. Monitors resident safety on a continuing basis, seeks assistance in emergencies, assists family members in times of stress or crisis, perform established notification procedures during emergency situation. Implements physician’s orders accurately and promptly, using nursing judgment and communicating with the Director of Health and Wellness. Sets priorities in implementing resident plans of care, checks resident scheduled physician appointments, needed diagnostic tests, etc. Ensures that all staff members observe each resident for changes in health and physical abilities and to obtain appropriate medical attention when needed. Ensures that all resident plans of care are current and appropriate Assists in evaluation of appropriateness of the plan of care for residents and revise on an ongoing basis with communication to all other disciplines. Prepares, administers, and charts the administration of prescribed medications; documents effectiveness and adverse reactions twice weekly and as needed. Ensures resident’s medications supply is maintained on a daily basis, i.e. reordering refills and/ or new orders. Maintains and monitors MARs on a regular basis and ensures accuracy. Check and store medication upon receipt of medication order. Observes residents for significant changes, adverse reactions, emesis, drainage, bleeding and communicable diseases and report findings to the Director of Healthcare. Communicates all changes with residents to the Director of Health and Wellness, and responsible party of the resident. Engages residents in meaningful conversation and activities related to their individual interests. Remains flexible and responsive when changes occur in resident activity and workload. Performs appropriate documentation to maintain the standards set by the state and the company. Completes and submits all required documentation within established guidelines. Completes incident reports as necessary and following company policy. Documents monthly summary for each resident. Assumes on-call responsibilities as per on-call needs. Responds to nurse call and paging systems and performs nursing and caregiver responsibilities as needed – and takes call every other weekend. Ensures and performs personal comfort activities such as giving bed bath or shower or assisting with bath or shower. Observes skin and pressure areas; assists with personal hygiene services such as oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, shaving, dentures, eye wear and makeup, etc. Reviews weekly skin assessment and follow up with physician and family as necessary. Prepares for and participates in care conferences as needed. Prepares and monitors residents for meals, and between-meal nourishments; assists in positioning; sets up table; personally, assisting in feeding residents if necessary. Monitors residents.