Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Wound Treatment

General Purpose

This is licensed practical nursing work performing a variety of nursing and medical support functions in a County medical facility. A position in this class is responsible for providing direct wound care treatments in collaboration with the overseeing practitioners, and for the implementation of the facility wound prevention and treatment programs. In addition, a position in this class dispenses medications, provides treatments and has the required knowledge for documentation on a medical record.

Supervision

Received: Reports directly to a higher-level nursing position.

Exercised: Supervises the work of Certified Nurse Aides.

Essential Duties

• Works closely with the Unit Managers, Charge Nurses, Staff Development Coordinators, practitioners, and Unit Staff to ensure proper principles of wound prevention.
• Implements treatment plans on residents following appropriate wound care practices.
• Assesses skin condition using standardized assessment tools.
• Obtains physician orders for treatment modalities as determined and implements treatment modalities as assigned.
• Ensures reports are updated and entered accurately in medical record, documenting care provided to residents.
• Reviews previous documentation to assure consistency.
• Completes weekly rounds, taking photos and ensuring treatment plans are followed.
• Provides the needs of the resident upon recommendation and orders of the attending physician and reports to Registered Nurse (RN), Nursing Supervisor, or physician, the resident's condition and reaction to medication, treatments or significant incidents.
• Responsible for timely documentation, assistance with admissions, discharges, transfers, returns, medication, reporting of untoward events, updating care plans, notifications to RN's, supervisors, physicians, families, etc.
• Follows established procedures; utilizes resources as needed, i.e. staff development, policies, adjust work assignments in response to unanticipated absences, changes in resident load or nursing needs, or similar situations.
• Works with unit personnel to ensure effectiveness of treatments and general care provided, correct inappropriate or ineffective care, and determine overall patient status; carries out specific nursing functions restricted to performance by LPN.
• Administers and accurately records prescribed medications and treatments, observing resident's reactions to medications and treatments; reports to Registered Nurse (RN), Nursing Supervisor any visible symptoms or adverse reactions.
• Performs nursing duties and responsibilities relevant to routine bedside nursing, including but not limited to: care required to meet the physical, psychological, nutritional, religious, emotional and social needs of the residents. These duties/responsibilities include but are not limited to bathing, feeding, making beds, ambulation of patients via wheelchair, geri chair, cane, walker, or assistance of nursing personnel, complete vital signs, intake and output, enemas, hot and cold applications, skin care, wound care, tracheostomy care, catheterization, tube feedings, perform CPR, etc.
• Performs nursing duties and responsibilities relevant to the health and welfare of the patient including safety measures, i.e. restraints (all types), oxygen therapy, etc.
• Maintains residents' clinical record by accurately and timely charting all pertinent data, untoward events, focused assessments and appropriate observations. Documentation on the resident's clinical record to include but is not limited to; i.e. vital signs, clinic tests, intake and output, accurate and timely nurses notes, notifications to family and physicians, etc.
• Coordinates, instructs and assumes lead work responsibilities for Certified Nurse Aides and students when assigned.
• Processes forms and miscellaneous documents as necessary.
• Performs related work as may be required.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Two (2) years of clinical nursing experience in a health care facility, preferably long-term care, including work experience with patient care regulatory requirements for documentation.
• Possession of current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse or GPN/Graduate Practical Nurse, issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• Must have Certified Wound Specialist (CWS), Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN), Wound Care Certification (WCC), Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Accreditation (WOCN/WOC), or Advanced Wound Care Certification upon hire. OR complete advanced wound care training and receive national accredited wound care certification within one (1) year of hire.

Graduate Practical Nurse Candidates

After completion of a nursing program, Graduate Practical Nurse candidates who obtain their diploma may be hired if they meet the following requirements:

• Must be an accredited school.
• Applicant must possess their temporary practice permit and have a scheduled test date. The scheduled test date must be within forty-five (45) days of hire.
• Must provide documentation to Human Resources upon hire that test date has been scheduled. Failure to schedule test date, and/or provide proof to Human Resources, will result in the postponement of hire date.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to utilize electronic devices such as computers and tables, and knowledge of software such as Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Apple IOS, and Windows.
• Knowledge of practical nursing principles, practices and standards.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in medical care documentation.
• Knowledge of practical nursing methods and techniques commonly employed.
• Ability to assess extent of medical condition and/or need for medical care on the part of those with conflicting motivations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the personnel both within and outside of the institution.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

Tools and Equipment

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), implements used for writing i.e. pens and pencils, scheduling charts and blood pressure equipment, thermometers, patient record charts, syringe needles, Accu-Chek machine, surgical instruments, stethoscope, oxygen equipment, medication carts, and machinery for inhalation therapy.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties required of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, push, pull, sit, talk and hear. Must possess agility and strength sufficient to lift, support, and maneuver heavy patients of limited physical capacity as well as provide care. Must be able to effectively read and write reports, work schedules, patient records, physician's orders, etc. Must be able to hear and speak clearly with other individuals, both in person and over the telephone, and to effectively discuss treatment.