Licensed Practical Nurse - North Star Nursing

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:  The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for providing clinical nursing services to home care clients.    

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs focused nursing assessment of clients to determine appropriate interventions to maintain or improve the client’s health status.
2. Provides interventions for clients with episodes of potentially life-threatening instability.
3. Provides nursing care to clients who are ventilator-dependent, require complex nursing care or have other complex medical equipment/needs.
4. Provides nursing visits and direct care to clients in their homes as directed by the RN
5. Sets up medications for clients according to the medication management program, as indicated
6. Monitors staff as delegated by the RN to assure that they are following the care plan and that they are performing the tasks appropriately:

• Follows up with teaching protocols as established by the RN
• Answers questions for staff, as appropriate
• Refers problems to the RN

1. Coordinates medical appointments for clients, including follow-up with any new orders or changes after visit with direction from RN as needed
2. Accepts and implements physician orders with direction from RN as needed
3. Responds to phone calls from other providers related to clients with RN direction as needed
4. Documents, as indicated, in the clinical record
5. Communicates with families, responsible parties, case managers and other health care providers regarding the clients with direction from the RN as needed
6. Is aware of and uses good safety practices, including but not limited to:
   1. Body mechanics
   2. Falls prevention
   3. Reporting of defective equipment or hazards
   4. Wiping spills or wet floors immediately
   5. Using Standard Precautions and appropriate infection control measures
   6. Knowledge of emergency procedures
   7. Reporting incidents/accidents to the Director of Nursing or Administrator on the day of occurrence
7. Participates in care conferences with other members of the health care team
8. Maintains absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to clients, families, and employees
9. Promotes a safe and comfortable environment for the client and family
10. Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Licensed Practical Nurse

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1. Recognizes and manages own stresses, which may affect work performance
2. Participates in team meetings
3. Participates in in-service educational programs, as required by state regulations
4. Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing or Administrator
5. Adheres to all agency policies

EXPERIENCE/JOB SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• High School Graduate
• Graduate of practical nursing program and licensed as a practical nurse in the State of Minnesota
• Experience in home care or assisted living preferred
• Must be able to read, write, comprehend and carry out directions and instructions
• Able to function independently
• Good health status and emotional stability
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to service excellence

WORKING CONDITION REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  (Occasionally means 1-2 hours of an 8 hour workday, frequently means 2.5 to 5.5 hours of an 8 hour workday and continually means 6 to 8 hours of an 8 hour workday)

            Sit                                                                               Frequently

            Stand                                                                         Frequently

            Walk                                                                           Frequently

            Bend/Stoop                                                               Occasionally

            Squat                                                                         Occasionally

            Crawl                                                                          Occasionally

            Reach above shoulder                                           Frequently

            Reach below shoulder level                                   Frequently

            Lift, Carry, Push, Pull

                     Maximum 50 lbs.                                             Frequently

                     Over 50 lbs.                                                     Occasionally

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Licensed Practical Nurse

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

            Involves being:

                        Inside                                                             Continually

                        Outside                                                          Occasionally

            Exposed to temperatures of:

                        32 degrees F and less                                Occasionally

                        100 degrees F and more                            Occasionally

                        Wet and humid conditions                         Occasionally

                        Noise, vibration                                            Occasionally

HAZARDS/EXPOSURE:

            Infectious wastes                                                     Continually

            Toxic chemicals                                                       Occasionally

            Needles/Body fluids                                                Continually

            Radiation                                                                   Never

            Chemotherapeutics                                                 Never

            Mechanical Hazards-Driving                                 Frequently