LVN For ICF DDN Home

SUMMARY OF JOB: Provides care and treatment in accordance with physician orders. The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) works under the direction of Registered Nurse (RN). The LVN in consultation with the RN is responsible for the health and nursing care of clients and for the safety, sanitation and infection control of the facility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following functions have been determined by the Peppermint Ridge to be essential to the successful performance of this LVN position:  Provides nursing services in compliance with federal, state and local regulations.  Maintains required medical records per established policies and procedures.  Orders new prescriptions and faxes refills.  Informs appropriate persons (RN, QIDP/A, FM) of changes in clients' health status.  Coordinates medical appointments for clients.  Maintains the confidentiality of all privileged information regarding clients.  Monitor individuals for medication related issues, medical treatments and routine health care needs.  Provides basic nursing services or coordinates medical services based upon recommendations by physicians or other professionals.  Provides a flow of documentation that clearly outlines identification of health-related concerns, treatment of these concerns and follow-up that occurs to remedy the concerns.  Trains new employees (DTS), as necessary on medication side effects, treatment modalities and other health-related issues. DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee resident medical issues and alert supervisors (RN, QIDP/A, FM) to medical issues and/or changes in clients health. Communicates with day program staff and family members as necessary.  Checks vital signs of each client; the frequency of this check will be determined by the needs of each clients per RN instructions.  Replace G-tubes, administering nebulizer treatments, catheter care and other medical procedures as needed. Teach DTS staff procedures of GT care, catheter care and administering nebulizer treatments.  Assist as needed or requested with the initial and ongoing training of DTS staff in medication administration and other pertinent medical issues.  Talk to medical personnel by phone regarding client health issues.  Accompany and transport clients to medical appointments and to the Emergency Room as needed and as requested. Facilitate communication of information between client and medical staff. Assist client participation in medical exams as necessary When residents are hospitalized, work collaboratively with medical staff and serve as an advocate for the client by informing hospital staff of resident medical history, diet orders, physician orders, preferences, fears and communication style. Communicate admittance, status and updates to the conservator's and/or family.  Model respect for the client and appropriate interaction style.  When a new medication is ordered, carry out the order, verify the correct dosage and assign times it is to be given and call in the new order.  When medications are ordered by telephone, send Telephone Order Forms to the attending physician for signature and ensure that they are returned and filed in a timely manner.  When new medication cycles arrive from the pharmacy, LVN can check-in and double check cycles per RN instructions.  During MD rounds in the facility, LVN will chart and carry out orders.  Keep thorough and legible professional documentation of medical issues through charting.  Maintain confidentiality and professionalism regarding all Company information within the facility, between facilities and outside the company regarding client, staff and company issues.  When there is a shortage of DTS staffing, LVN may assist staff upon discretion and/or as needed.  LVN should check the house supply and order refills as needed.  LVN has the authority to delegate basic duties to DTS staff as needed and when needs assistance.  Check MD appointments for the month and necessary paperwork needed