LPN (Brain Injury)

About the role

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you will assist adults with brain injury or behavioral conditions by assessing each individual's physical health needs and providing person-centered clinical care in a small, comfortable residential setting tailored to meet the needs of a unique specialized population. Each program maintains low ratios to allow you to develop relationships with the people we serve, their families, friends, and other support staff. Your work will help individuals overcome barriers and achieve a higher quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Nursing Care
  • Develop and implement person-centered treatment care plans.
  • Provide assistance with activities of daily living according to each individual’s care plan, including showering, dressing, shaving, mouth care, foot care, diabetes care, wound care, GT/JT care, trach care, and nutritional support.
  • Monitor and observe clients for any change in status; perform individualized assessments and provide skilled nursing interventions as indicated.
  • Administer medication and treatments as ordered by the primary care provider.
  • Provide transportation and accompany individuals to medical, dental, or other appointments as needed.
  • Ensure nutritional needs of individuals are met.
  • Order all pharmacological, medical, nutritional supplies, and medical equipment in a timely and safe manner.
  • Utilize behavioral strategies and follow all prescribed clinical plans.
• Supervision
  • Supervise C.N.A.s during designated shift as charge nurse.
  • Ensure care is completed in a timely and accurate manner and meets all ISP goals, addressing the whole person.
  • Provide relevant nursing education and training to C.N.A.s as needed.
• Communication
  • Communicate with Program Nurse Administrator, primary care provider, family members, guardians, and other significant relationships.
  • Communicate effectively with other Vinfen employees, outside agencies, community agencies, and neighbors.
  • Utilize emergency and on-call systems when appropriate.
  • Report any change in status of individuals served to appropriate parties, including Program Director, primary care provider, family, and outside agencies.
• Documentation
  • Document nursing care, treatments, and medication administration according to Vinfen policy and procedure.
  • Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate, including shift notes, daily communication, treatment plans, and medical records.
  • Document incident reports, including medication errors, in a timely and effective manner.
  • Ensure all documentation meets regulatory standards and Vinfen policy.
• Environment
  • Ensure the environment is safe, clean, comfortable, and welcoming to individuals, families, and visitors.
  • Ensure the environment meets all regulatory requirements and Vinfen policies.
  • Promote an environment conducive to client participation and respect client preferences and choices.
  • Safely store medication and treatment supplies.
  • Maintain clients’ medical equipment and supplies, including wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, and hospital beds.
• Community Integration
  • Ensure individuals served are involved in community outings and events such as dances and local activities.
  • Respect individual preferences in community integration.
• Advocacy/Relationships
  • Advocate effectively for people served.
  • Act as a liaison and collaborate with other Vinfen departments, outside agencies, and community providers.
  • Attend and participate actively in treatment plans, ISP, and other planning meetings.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, neighbors, and other significant relationships.
• Professional Development
  • Act as a positive role model for colleagues and staff.
  • Actively participate in trainings offered by Vinfen.
  • Attend conferences and educational opportunities as indicated.
• Other
  • Comply with all accreditation and licensing requirements.
  • Ensure the residence meets all fire and safety requirements.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license valid in Massachusetts.
• 1-2 years supervised practical experience, including internships, in a clinical or rehabilitation setting preferred.
• Experience working with people with brain injury or behavioral conditions preferred.
• Strong time management and writing skills.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid US driver’s license for at least 6 months.
• Must become CPR certified within defined timelines and MAP certified within 90 days of employment.
• Must successfully pass a CORI, reference, multi-state background, and driving record check.

Skills

• Experience working with individuals with brain injury preferred.
• Strong commitment to the rights and abilities of individuals with brain injury who have complex health issues.
• Knowledge of LPN practice standards and intervention techniques.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, age, gender, and disability issues.
• Skills and competency to develop supportive, trusting relationships with clients served.
• Knowledge of teaching and learning modalities.
• Ability to supervise and mentor C.N.A.s.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and commitment to adherence.
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles and supervisory techniques.
• Knowledge of organizational, strategic, participatory, and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• Knowledge of documentation standards requirements.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics.
• Knowledge of available community health and mental health services.

Physical Effort

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; this is a very physically active position.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• For positions in day programs or group residences, ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Certifications

• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire.
• May be asked to obtain CBIS certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist).

Pay

USD $38.44 per hour.