Home Health: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

About the role

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides skilled nursing care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse. Performs selected skilled actions in the provision of curative, rehabilitative, palliative, or preventative nursing care and is responsible and accountable for making decisions based on the individual’s nursing experience and educational preparation.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Registered Nurse in carrying out the Plan of Care.
• Assists the Registered Nurse in performing specialized procedures as directed by the Registered Nurse under physician’s orders.
• Assists with the preparation, implementation, and on-going evaluation of the client care plan.
• Recognizes and understands the effects of social and economic problems upon clients and provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of clients.
• Helps teach the patient appropriate self-care techniques.
• Fosters cooperative effort among personnel by understanding the functions of others involved in client care and by actively participating in team and staff conferences.
• Assumes responsibility for personal and vocational growth and development through participation in nursing organizations, in-service programs, and other on-the-job learning.
• Enters clinical/progress notes (not including admission) into EMR within 24 hours of scheduled visit.
• Observes, records, and reports to the appropriate person the patient’s symptoms, reactions, and changes including:
  • General physical and mental condition of clients and signs or symptoms indicative of untoward changes.
  • Stresses in human relationships between the client and staff personnel and between client and family and visitors.
  • Any abnormality in the client’s range of motion, body mechanics, or body alignment.
• Maintains current TB testing (refer to Health Screening Policy).
• Is knowledgeable of the Agency’s organization, functions, and services.
• Complies with Agency dress code policy.
• Maintains efficient flow of Agency work by reporting to work at assigned or scheduled times; follows procedures for notification of absence or time of requests.
• Performs certain treatments/procedures only if the Home Health Agency’s policies and the State’s Regulatory Acts allow such performance and the LPN has documented skills. Advanced LPNs may perform:
  • Administer medications
  • Hang hydrating fluid without medications
  • Flush peripheral lines with saline or heparin solutions
  • Calculate and adjust flow rates
  • Hang I.V.s premixed with medications
  • Start peripheral I.V.s
  • Inspect insertion sites, change dressings, and remove peripheral I.V. needles/catheters
  • Check blood with a Registered Nurse

Job conditions

• Position requires the ability to communicate well orally and in writing.
• On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move client weight up to 250 pounds and to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client’s condition, to perform and demonstrate client care, and to assess a client’s home that may not be wheelchair accessible.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing.
• Licensed in the State as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Home health experience preferred.