Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Dexter House HealthCare

Job Overview Summary:   

Under the direction and supervision of the RN, Nursing Supervisor, Unit Manager, DON and/or ADON, the licensed practical nurse delivers efficient and effective nursing care while achieving positive clinical outcomes and patient family satisfaction.  The LPN operates within the scope of practice defined by the state nurse practice act.  The LPN contributes to nursing assessments and care planning, provides direct patient care, and supervises patient care provided by non-licensed staff. 

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below. 

Functions: 

• Patient Evaluation: 
• Collects, reports and documents objective and subjective data 
• Observes conditions and reports changes in condition(s) to RN and Nursing Management 
• Care Planning: 
• Contributes to establishing individualized patient goals 
• Assists in developing interventions to achieve goals 
• Implements the plan of care 
• Evaluates effectiveness of interventions to achieve patient goals and minimize re-hospitalization. 
• Participates in review and revision of plan of care 
• Provision of Direct Patient Care: 
• Administers medications and performs treatments per physician orders 
• Communicates pertinent data to RN and or physician 
• Documents accurately and thoroughly 
• Consults and seeks guidance from the RN as necessary 
• At the direction of the RN, participates in utilization management or interdisciplinary care management meeting to facilitate appropriate discharge planning 
• Communicates team’s recommendations for discharge to the attending physician, patient and family 
• Prepares patient/family for discharge including patient and family education 
• Assists physician in rounds and examination of patients as needed 
• Participates in shift to shift communication between incoming and outgoing nursing staff 
• Monitors patient care provided by non-licensed staff: 
• Assigns duties as specified by State Nurse Practice Act, Facility’s policy, and staff training 
• Communicates patient information with non-licensed staff during and between shifts 
• Monitors, evaluates and follows up on assigned responsibilities of non-licensed staff 
• Ensures that assigned tasks are performed in accordance with policies and procedures 
• Performs drug count when beginning and ending shift and whenever necessary 
• Collaborates and coordinates with other departments to provide timely effective care consistent with patient needs, choices and preferences 
• Contributes to an environment that is respectful, team oriented and responsive to the concerns of co-workers, patients and families 
• Enhances nursing practice by attending all mandated in-service programs 
• Assists with the orientation of newly hired nursing employees 
• Promotes a culture of safety 
• Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive Protected Health Information (HIPAA) at all times 
• Participates in quality improvement activities (QAPI) as requested 
• Stays and works beyond scheduled shift if needed to meet state staffing requirements and or needs of patients 
• Must have the ability to work a schedule that requires an every other weekend commitment 

Qualifications: 

Graduate of an accredited school for practical or vocational nursing. Valid LPN license in the state employed. Valid CPR certification. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the spoken English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors at the work site when responding to their medical and physical needs. Prior skilled nursing experience preferred. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Demonstrates organizational and critical thinking skills 
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently, problem solve and make decisions as necessary 
• Basic knowledge of computers 
• Ability to be patient while interacting with challenged or difficult residents 
• Ability to create a resident-centered environment 
• Ability to react decisively and quickly in emergency situations 
• Knowledge of policies and procedures and state and federal regulations 

Required Responsibilities: 

Successful demonstration of work standards, quality work product, productivity, and job knowledge are standard expectations for all company employees. 

Core Competencies: 

• Caring/Compassion 
• Accountability 
• Dependability 
• Adaptability/Flexibility 
• Effective Communication  
• Detail Oriented 
• Confidentiality  
• Team Player 
• Dedication 

Physical Demands

Shoe the amount of time on-the-job in the following physical activities by checking the appropriate boxes below.

Amount of Time

This job requires that force be exerted by weight being lifted, carried, pushed, or pulled. Show how much and how often by checking the appropriate boxes below.

This job has special vision requirements.

• Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance Vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral Vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to Adjust Focus (ability to adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
• No Special Vision Requirements

This job has special hearing requirements.

• Ability to hear alarms on equipment
• Ability to hear client call
• Ability to hear instructions from physician/department staff