Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description
Job Description: The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for providing direct skilled client care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Responsibilities include following the plan of care, providing treatments, and working collaboratively with the members of the team to help meet positive client care outcomes. Other duties are as follows:
1. Provide direct care as defined under the Nurse Practice Act using established practice standards, sound judgment and critical thinking.
2. Implement plan of care and treatment created by the registered nurse.
3. Provide accurate, detailed and timely documentation consistent with the plan of care and the nursing process. It is mandatory to turn in all documentation on a weekly basis for review.
4. Conduct ongoing assessments.
5. Observe client condition and accurately report to the registered nurse.
6. Assess and provide client and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis. Provide educational handouts and teaching aids for the home educate as appropriate to patient and caregivers.
7. Prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous and intramuscular medications. Observe, report and record adverse reactions to medications and/or treatment to the registered nurse.
8. Recognize the need for and institute emergency measures in a rapid and appropriate manner, when indicated.
9. Participates in coordination of home health services, appropriately reporting the identified needs for other disciplines (i.e., PT, OT, and Speech) to the Director of Nursing or RN supervisor.
10. Perform wound care, venipuncture, catheterizations, tracheotomy care, g-tube care, etc.
11. Perform all skills, treatments and procedures competently in accordance to the scope of practice as defined in the Nurse Practice Act and adheres to the policies, procedures and protocols of the Agency. Consult Premier’s procedure manual as resource.
12. Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions.
13. Participate in health/therapeutic counseling, teaching and emotional support to the client and family/caregivers.
14. Assist the registered nurse with client discharge or transfer.
15. Identify and participate in performance improvement activities.
16. Use equipment properly and in a safe manner.
17. Maintains confidentially of all health conditions, informing only staff with a need to know per HIPAA requirements and Agency policy guidelines.
18. Maintains a professional knowledge base by attending continuing education courses and reading professional journals to increase knowledge base. Also participates in training workshops, in-services, etc., including Agency training requirements.
19. Performs other job related duties as assigned.
20. Turns in all documentation on a weekly basis.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Extensive knowledge and experience of nursing practices and procedures and the ability to relate applicable practices and procedures to non-nursing staff
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with patients and their families in an empathetic and professional manner.
• Ability to apply discipline-specific, best practices, professional and ethical standards to the treatment of patients in the context of program routines.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and online patient software.
• A Minimum of One-two years of nursing experience in an acute care setting
• Previous Home Care or Nursing Home experience preferable
• Excellent writing and charting skills
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Excellent patient assessment skills
• Valid Identification
• (Preferred-Not Required)Valid driver’s license, with one year clean driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle
Education and Experience:
• Graduated from an accredited practical or vocational school of nursing with a valid and current LPN license in the District of Columbia