Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Essential Job Functions

• Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants in accordance with rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care industry.
• Confirm that all nursing personnel assigned to you comply with the written policies and procedures established by this facility.
• Meet with your assigned nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the shift’s services, programs and activities.
• Verify that all nursing personnel comply with the procedures set forth the in the Nursing Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Makes written and oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of your shift, as required.
• Cooperate with other resident services when coordinating nursing services.
• Be certain that the resident’s total regimen of care is maintained.
• Verify that all nursing service personnel are in compliance with their respective job descriptions.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing department.
• Participate in surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
• Periodically review the resident’s written discharge plan.
• Participate in the updating of the resident’s written discharge plan, as required.
• Aid in planning the nursing portion of the resident’s discharge plan, as necessary.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents, as required.
• Complete accident/incident reports, as necessary.
• Charting and Documentation
  • Complete and file required forms/charts upon resident’s admission, transfer, and/or discharge.
  • Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans, record and sign their orders, progress notes, etc., in accordance with established policies.
  • Receive telephone orders from physicians and record on the Physicians’ Order Form.
  • Transcribe physician’s orders to resident charts, cardex, medication cards, and treatment/care plans, as required.
  • Chart nurses’ notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident’s response to care.
  • Record new/changed diet orders.
  • Forward information to the Dietary Department.
  • Report all discrepancies noted concerning physician’s orders, diet change, charting error, etc., to the Nurse Supervisor.
  • Fill out and complete transfer forms in accordance with established procedures.
  • Enter appropriate documentation concerning unauthorized discharges in the resident’s medical record in accordance with established procedures.
• Medication Administrative Functions
  • Prepare and administer medication as ordered by the physician.
  • Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication/treatment.
  • Verify that prescribed medication for one resident is not administered to another.
  • Verify that adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment is on hand to meet the nursing needs of the residents.
  • Report needs to the Nurse Supervisor.
  • Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary, and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Verify that narcotic records are accurate for your shift.
  • Notify the Nurse Supervisor of all drug and narcotic discrepancies noted on your shift.
  • Review medication cards for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of the physician’s order and adherence to stop order policies.
  • Notify the attending physician of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage being administered.
  • Immediately notify the Nurse Supervisor and attending physician of any medication administration errors.
• Nursing Care Functions
  • Deliver and maintain optimum resident care and comfort by demonstrating knowledge and skills of current nursing practices.
  • Promptly respond to call lights and other resident needs.
  • Make rounds with physicians, as necessary.
  • Consult with the resident’s physician in providing the resident’s care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., as necessary.
  • Review the resident’s chart for specific treatments, medication orders, diets, etc., as necessary.
  • Make periodic checks to confirm that prescribed treatments are being properly administered by CNAs and to evaluate the resident’s physical and emotional status.
  • Notify the resident’s attending physician when the resident is involved in an accident or incident.
  • Notify the resident’s attending physician and responsible party when there is a change in the resident’s condition.
  • Administer professional services such as: catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy, and drainage bags, taking blood, giving massages and range of motion exercises, care for the dead/dying, etc., as required.
  • Monitor seriously ill residents, as necessary.
  • Review care plans daily to confirm that appropriate care is being rendered.
  • Confirm that CNAs are aware of the resident care plans.
  • Verify that the CNAs refer to the resident’s care plan prior to administering daily care to the resident.
• Other Duties
  • Attend in-service education programs in order to meet facility educational requirements.
  • Be familiar with Standard Precautions, Exposure Control Plan, Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures and know how to use the information.
  • Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility records/information.
  • Protect residents from neglect, mistreatment, and abuse.
  • Protect the personal property of the residents of the facility.
  • Others as directed by the supervisor or administrator.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Licensed Practical Nurse with current state license.
  • Excellent technical, assessment and documentation skills.
  • Good Leadership qualities.
  • Organized and detailed in work performance.
  • Good communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
  • Genuine caring for and interest in elderly and disabled people in a nursing facility.
  • Comply with the Residents Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures.