PRN LPN

About the role

Responsible for the direct and indirect nursing care of patients in the home under the supervision of an RN. In collaboration with the patient, family and health care team, the LPN will implement and evaluate with the RN the nursing care according to the following systems/functions.

Responsibilities

• Performs and monitors basic patient care according to policies and procedures
• Uses nursing process including assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating to meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs
• Provides a safe and comfortable environment in the patient’s home
• Ensures privacy and demonstrates concern for the dignity of patient in performing all patient care
• Completes assignments in a timely manner
• Communicates patient care problems or potential problems to the primary RN, Administrative Staff and/or other IDT members as identified/occur to assure continuity and coordination of care
• Maintains patient confidentiality according to policies and procedures
• Functions effectively as a LPN in respect to organization, communication, and prioritization
• Develops and upgrades problem list based upon continuing assessment with RN and record/update care plan
• Reports significant observed changes in patient condition to primary RN and Administrative Staff and or physician
• Follows a plan of care based on the assessed findings and update under physician orders and primary RN
• Demonstrates competency in technical and clinical skills, completes skills checklist, and correctly performs these skills daily as required
• Administers medications by all acceptable routes as ordered by physician and authorized by RN according to accepted policy and procedure
• Communicates plan of care and patient needs effectively, in a multi-disciplinary fashion to any and all involved persons and/or departments
• Anticipates, modifies and adapts the teaching plan to accommodate the patient and family
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan on a regular basis
• Collaborates with the primary RN in order to facilitate a change in the level of care in compliance with the change in level of care standard
• Reports changes in level of care to primary RN and Administrative staff
• Understands the stages of death and dying as it relates to home health patients
• Understands nursing care needed for terminally ill, acutely ill patient
• Performs post mortem care as needed
• LPNs are responsible for the following technical skills and duties:
• IV Therapy including Ports, PICCs, TLC catheters, sterile dressing changes, antibiotic therapy-no PPIs, TPN and Chemo Infusions, no titration of pain pumps
• Wound vacs, all aspects of sterile wound care, Pleurx drain care, Ostomy care, Trach care, Gtube care, and Foley and suprapubic caths
• LPN cannot pull PICC
• Labs via peripheral and central access
• Revolution Device changes
• Complete head to toe assessments

Qualifications

• Current Licensed Practical Nurse license issued by the state in which services will be provided or current multi-state Licensed Practical Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
• Valid driver’s license
• CPR certification within 30 days of hire date

Experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: One year of Home Care Nursing preferred

Skills and Abilities

• RN performs the initial assessment upon admission and the LPN does continuing assessments, thereafter, implementing and evaluating with the RN patient care, according to policy using judgment to determine the physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and documents this in the chart
• Demonstrates competency in technical and clinical skills, completes skills checklist, and correctly performs these skills daily as required
• Administers medications by all acceptable routes as ordered by physician and authorized by RN according to accepted policy and procedure
• Communicates plan of care and patient needs effectively, in a multi-disciplinary fashion to any and all involved persons and/or departments
• Anticipates teaching of needs of each patient, modifying, adapting, executing and evaluating the plan on a regular basis

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and feeling are necessary body movements utilized in performing nursing duties throughout the work shift
• Must be able to lift, move, and position patients of all weights, with varying amounts of assistance in a fair manner on a regular and recurring basis
• Hearing within normal range is required (i.e. To assess breath sounds, bowel sounds, apical pulse, monitors, etc.)
• Visual acuity must be within normal range
• Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work
• Must be able to operate motor vehicle with a safe practice

Working Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job
• Exposure to bodily fluids, human tissues, contagious diseases, sharps, and explosive gases
• Exposure to toxic gases, fumes, and odors
• Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions
• Exposure to electrical current
• Exposure to radiation from x-rays
• Exposure to bad road conditions
• Exposure to wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud, high and low temperatures, animals and insects, and hazardous roadways
• The majority of work is performed in the patient’s home and may require extensive travel
• Subject to unpredictable situations
• May be exposed to adverse or unpleasant home environments