Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Location: Cambridge, OH | Department: Nursing | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Shifts: Full-time

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care to residents and supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Supervision must align with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing the facility. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is delegated administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for assigned duties in accordance with state requirements.

This role involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues (Category I) and requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Direct the day-to-day functions of nursing assistants in compliance with facility policies and regulations.
• Ensure nursing personnel adhere to written policies and procedures, and recommend revisions as needed.
• Plan and coordinate shifts’ services, programs, and activities with assigned nursing staff and support personnel.
• Maintain and update the Nursing Service Procedures Manual to reflect current practices.
• Submit written and oral reports concerning shift activities as required.
• Coordinate with other resident services to maintain the resident’s total regimen of care.
• Ensure compliance with job descriptions and participate in quality assurance programs for the nursing department.
• Participate in facility surveys and inspections by authorized government agencies.
• Review and update residents’ written discharge plans as required.
• Interpret department policies to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents, completing necessary documentation (e.g., accident/incident reports, charge slips, census reports).
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, evaluations, and charting.

Charting and Documentation

• Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts for resident admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Encourage physicians to review treatment plans and document orders, progress notes, and signatures.
• Receive and record telephone orders from physicians on the Physicians’ Order Form.
• Transcribe physician orders to resident charts, care plans, and medication cards.
• Chart nurses’ notes descriptively to reflect care provided and resident responses.
• Complete and submit accident/incident reports and chart discrepancies (e.g., diet changes, charting errors).
• Ensure accurate documentation for unauthorized discharges and routine charting duties.
• Sign and date all entries in the resident’s medical record.

Drug Administration Functions

• Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician, verifying resident identity before administration.
• Ensure medications are not administered to the wrong resident and maintain an adequate supply of floor stock medications.
• Report medication and narcotic discrepancies to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Review medication cards for completeness and accuracy, adhering to stop-order policies.
• Notify physicians of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage.
• Dispose of drugs and narcotics in accordance with established procedures.

Personnel Functions

• Participate in employee performance evaluations and determine staffing requirements.
• Report staffing needs and absenteeism to the Nurse Supervisor.
• Develop work assignments and provide leadership to nursing personnel.
• Conduct daily rounds to ensure nursing personnel perform duties according to standards.
• Supervise nurse aide trainees under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Hold regular meetings with nursing staff to address problem areas and improve services.
• Ensure compliance with department policies and procedures by personnel, residents, and visitors.
• Foster a positive, calm environment and maintain good rapport with inter-departmental personnel.
• Review complaints and grievances, following facility procedures for disciplinary action.
• Receive and give nursing reports at shift changes.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, or hazardous materials.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, room assignments, and prepare rooms for arrivals.
• Orient new residents and family members to the facility.
• Make rounds with physicians and arrange diagnostic/therapeutic services as ordered.
• Review resident charts for treatments, medication orders, and diets.
• Implement and maintain nursing objectives and standards in accordance with care plans.
• Monitor certified nursing assistants to ensure proper administration of prescribed treatments.
• Cooperate with social and activity programs to align with nursing schedules.
• Notify physicians and next-of-kin of changes in resident conditions.
• Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, including self-help and care.
• Inspect nursing service treatment areas daily for cleanliness and safety.
• Administer professional services within the scope of practice for LPNs in Ohio (e.g., catheterization, tube feedings, wound care, specimen collection).
• Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with policies and care plans.
• Monitor vital signs (e.g., temperature, blood pressure) and lab specimens as ordered.
• Check foods brought by family/visitors to ensure dietary compliance.
• Ensure direct care aligns with residents’ care plans and wishes, and check on residents unable to call for help.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents and escort them to pick-up areas.
• Follow established post-mortem procedures and inform family members of resident deaths.

Staff Development

• Participate in developing, planning, and conducting in-service training for nursing staff.
• Implement and maintain an effective orientation program for new employees.