Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Overview:

The position is designed for an LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse) responsible for:

1. Direct Nursing Care: Administering direct care to residents.
2. Supervision of Nursing Assistants: Overseeing daily activities of nursing assistants in compliance with regulations.
3. Maintaining High Standards of Care: Ensuring quality care through adherence to federal, state, and local standards and facility guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administrative Functions:

• Staff Oversight: Supervise nursing assistants to ensure proper care and adherence to guidelines.
• Policy Review: Regularly evaluate and recommend updates to the nursing policies and procedure manuals.
• Documentation: Maintain required administrative records, including medical forms, evaluations, and resident charts.
• Accident/Incident Reporting: Document and report any accidents or incidents involving residents.
• Compliance with Regulations: Assist in facility surveys and audits by external regulatory agencies.

2. Charting and Documentation:

• Physician Orders: Receive and transcribe physician orders into resident charts.
• Nursing Notes: Document nursing assessments, care provided, and resident responses in the medical record.
• Discrepancies: Report any errors or discrepancies noted in physician orders or charts.

3. Medication and Drug Administration:

• Medications: Prepare and administer medications according to physician orders.
• Medication Records: Ensure accurate recordkeeping of narcotics and drugs, and report any discrepancies.

4. Personnel and Leadership:

• Staff Management: Participate in performance evaluations and staff scheduling.
• Training and Development: Assist in the orientation and ongoing education of nursing staff.
• Problem Solving: Address performance issues, resolve grievances, and promote a positive team environment.

5. Nursing Care Functions:

• Resident Care: Administer direct nursing care (e.g., catheterizations, feeding, wound care).
• Care Coordination: Work with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
• Resident Monitoring: Monitor resident health and wellness, and report any changes in condition.

6. Safety, Sanitation, and Infection Control:

• Compliance with Safety Protocols: Ensure safe use of equipment, adherence to infection control policies, and maintaining sanitary environments.
• Staff Safety: Oversee proper handling of hazardous materials and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

7. Care Plan and Assessment:

• Review and Update Care Plans: Ensure nursing care is in line with the resident’s individualized care plan.
• MDS & RAPs: Participate in Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments and implement necessary revisions to care plans.

8. Staff Development and Training:

• In-service Training: Lead or participate in educational sessions on various topics like infection control, HIPAA, and safety.
• Mentoring and Orientation: Provide orientation for new staff and assist in training programs.

9. Equipment and Supplies:

• Supply Management: Ensure the unit is well-stocked with necessary medical supplies and equipment.
• Proper Use of Equipment: Ensure nursing equipment is properly maintained and operated safely.

Skills and Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with staff, residents, families, and regulatory agencies.
• Leadership: Must be able to lead and supervise a team while maintaining high standards of care.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to make decisions independently, especially in challenging or emergency situations.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including administrative tasks, patient care, and supervision.

Education and Experience:

• Required: Must possess a nursing degree (LPN/LVN) from an accredited institution and a valid, unencumbered state license to practice as an LPN/LVN.
• Preferred: Experience in long-term care or supervisory roles is often preferred.