Job Description
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for providing clinical nursing services to home care clients.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs focused nursing assessment of clients to determine appropriate interventions to maintain or improve the client’s health status.
- Provides interventions for clients with episodes of potentially life-threatening instability.
- Provides nursing care to clients who are ventilator-dependent, require complex nursing care or have other complex medical equipment/needs.
- Provides nursing visits and direct care to clients in their homes as directed by the RN
- Sets up medications for clients according to the medication management program, as indicated
- 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
- Coordinates medical appointments for clients, including follow-up with any new orders or changes after visit with direction from RN as needed
- Accepts and implements physician orders with direction from RN as needed
- Responds to phone calls from other providers related to clients with RN direction as needed
- Documents, as indicated, in the clinical record
- Communicates with families, responsible parties, case managers and other health care providers regarding the clients with direction from the RN as needed
- Is aware of and uses good safety practices, including but not limited to:
- Body mechanics
- Falls prevention
- Reporting of defective equipment or hazards
- Wiping spills or wet floors immediately
- Using Standard Precautions and appropriate infection control measures
- Knowledge of emergency procedures
- Reporting incidents/accidents to the Director of Nursing or Administrator on the day of occurrence
- Participates in care conferences with other members of the health care team
- Maintains absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to clients, families, and employees
- Promotes a safe and comfortable environment for the client and family
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Licensed Practical Nurse
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- Recognizes and manages own stresses, which may affect work performance
- Participates in team meetings
- Participates in in-service educational programs, as required by state regulations
- Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing or Administrator
- 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