JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides quality care that is dependent on physician order or directed by the RN.  Delivers nursing interventions based on professional judgment in response to individualized patient needs.  Promotes restorative health and/or supportive care using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care.

Job Components

Professional Responsibilities:

o    Adheres to scope of LPN practice as outlined by the MS Board of Nursing, regulatory standards and hospital policy
o    Maintains profession and technical knowledge and pursues professional growth opportunities
o    Participates as an essential part of the nursing team, assists the RN and supports the Nursing Assistant
o    Serves as positive role model and in the preceptor role for new staff and students
o    Keeps access to protected health information secure and confidential
o    Collaborates with the RN, physician and multidisciplinary team to address patient needs
o    Appropriately seeks help or guidance from supervisor or other resource people
o    Adapts to change and prioritizes work
o    Demonstrates reliable attendance, reports on time and is ready to work at beginning of shift
o    Completes assigned duties, willingly accepts assignments and assist others to complete work on time
o    Willing to support unit’s staffing needs by occasionally adjusting work schedule, staying late or working extra
o    Establishes a safe, compassionate, caring environment for patients and their family 
o    Establishes a safe, supportive work environment that promotes teamwork 

Core Duties:

•    Employee should promote positive teamwork.
•    Verbalizes role in response to fire alarm (including responding to drills) and can locate fire pull alarm, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and Emergency Operations Manual (EOP).         
•    Able to verbalize role regarding Resident’s Rights, Resident Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and can locate Abuse Information Manual.        
•    Understands role regarding HIPAA and practices resident confidentiality.
•    Able to verbalize role regarding Resident Elopement and can locate Elopement  Information Manual. Responds to door alarms and drills.           
•    Able to locate and proficiently use job specific equipment and supplies.    
•    Participates in Service Excellence and QAPI process.         
•    Proficient with computer programs used for job specific tasks. Completes required in-service training in a timely manner.     
•    Communicates appropriately with residents, staff, visitors and others. Uses proper telephone etiquette.        
•    Verbalizes role and understands how to file an incident report or EOR.  
•    Able to verbalize role regarding Restraint Use and Resident Fall Management.  Can locate the Falls Information Manual if needed.         
•    Informed and Compliant regarding current phone number on file, breaks, assignments, attendance, call-in log, scheduling requests, and staffing requirements.          
•    Adheres to infection control policies. Practices proper hand hygiene. 
•    Understands role in Resident Self-Administration of Medication. 
•    Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment.     
•    Gives and receives shift report appropriately.     
•    Demonstrates knowledge of the survey process                                     
•    Performs assessments and documents accurately and in a timely manner.  (New Admit, Hospital Transfer, Hospital Return, Out on Pass, Nurse Progress Notes.) 
•    Accepts, Notes, Implements and Writes physician’s orders accurately.   
•    Maintains acute charting log.         
•    Communicates Resident Problems/Needs to other staff members, physician and responsible parties appropriately and consistently.  Properly uses Communication Books.    
•    Knowledgeable regarding care plan process and MDS documentation.  
•    Makes PT/OT/ST Referrals appropriately.     
•    Completes Refrigerator Temperature Logs accurately and consistently when RN not present.  Knowledgeable of role regarding Resident Code Status information. 
•    Understands role in Resident Behavior Monitoring and Documentation. 
•    Makes referrals for resident psychiatric services appropriately.          
•    Ensures vital signs for assigned unit are taken and documented weekly. 
•    Proficient in using mechanical lift. Has viewed the training video.     
•    Ensures call lights are answered promptly. Assists as needed.         
•    Locates and Accurately completes Death Certificate.      
•    Accucheck test completed.  Performs accu-check test, performs QC testing, documents, knowledgeable regarding facility diabetic protocol, use of Insulins, D50, Glucose, Glucagon. 
•    Knowledgeable and compliant regarding making appointments, arranging transportation, completing yellow charts, and appointment book. 
•    Knowledgeable and compliant regarding scheduling tests, x-rays etc.  
•    Able to perform catheter care, mini-catheter, foley insertion, documentation.         
•    Proficient in enema administration and documentation. 
•    Ensures medications are ordered and received in a timely manner.        
•    Ensures medication cart is stocked and organized at all times.    
•    If IV Certified:   IV Therapy: ( D/C and Start) documentation, pump use etc. 
•    Resp Therapy: 02, tubing, CPAP care, concentrators, neb machines, sign on doors, 02 Sats, masks, NBP etc.         
•    Compliant with proper waste disposal.     
•    Specimen collection per protocols.        
•    Proficiently completes capillary Protime Testing. 
•    Medication test.  Medication administration and documentation. 
•    Provides Resident Nail Care. 
•    Knowledgeable regarding feeding pumps: how to obtain, use, store, clean. 
•    Accurately completes Dialysis transfer form, intake records, etc.     
•    Knowledgeable regarding BRADEN, skin/wound assessment and care. 
•    Documents appropriately.  
•    Performs skin assessments appropriately, in a timely manner and documents.     
•    Performs Neurologic checks proficiently.     
•    Performs Orthostatic Vital Signs proficiently. 
•    Knowledgeable of role regarding discontinued medications.     
•    Demonstrates proper and safe handling of all controlled medications.    
•    Proficient in Phlebotomy.    
•    Supervises CNA’s on the unit.     
•    Ensures that resident’s personal care needs are met (hygiene, oral care, hair care, skin care, dressed appropriately, groomed, nail care etc.) and that care items are stored properly by CNA’s.
•    Monitors tray service and supplement administration.  Assists as needed. 
•    Completes staffing grids accurately when no RN present. 
•    Ensures that the unit operates in a professional manner. 
•    Monitors CNA documentation for timely completion.     
        
              
Minimum Requirements:  Current LPN license by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Must be able to read, write, understand written and verbal communication.

Interaction Skills:  Effectively communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to provide instructions and education