Licensed Practical Nurse

General Function:

The licensed practical nurse is responsible for providing nursing care for the clients by using the nursing process.

A.Assessment

  1. Assist in identifying a wide range of problems and helps to determine and prioritize care plan approaches, goals, and objectives.
  2. Assists the RN supervisor in assessing the performances of other nurses assigned to the client.
  3. Uses previous knowledge to address existing and potential client/family problems.
  4. Communicates diagnostic data to the physician in timely manner.
  5. Documents all findings.

B.Planning

  1. Recognizes the client/family as primary units of care and seeks opportunities to involve each in the developing of the plan of care.
  2. Assists the RN in developing the nursing care plan with client/family output that address problems identified in the assessment
  3. Assists the RN in planning and organizing services needed to facilitate the care of the client (i.e.) conferences with other professional staff.
  4. Ensures that an optimal level of nursing care is being met.
  5. Provide care which reflects awareness of legal responsibilities and consequences of nursing actions.
  6. Listens attentively to all family/client complaints and assists the family in putting their complaints in writing utilizing a client complaint form. Assists the RN supervisor in investigating and resolving the complaint.

C.Implementation

  1. Assists the RN in prioritizing client/family needs, responds appropriately and assists other nurses and family to do the same.
  2. Performs nursing procedures safely.
  3. Implements the medical care plan as ordered, documents appropriately and communicates any questions or observations related to the physicians order to other nurses on the case and the family.
  4. Documents actions and patient responses.
  5. Monitors, educates, and supports care given by others assigned to the client.

D.Evaluation

  1. Evaluates clients response to the plan of care and determines to what extent goals have been met- ongoing.
  2. Evaluates patient responses to nursing interventions-ongoing.
  3. Assists with revising the plan of care based on client responses and changing needs- ongoing.
  4. Assists the RN in revising short and long- term patient goals.

E.Other Duties

Performs a wide variety of nursing care functions.

  1. Administers medications orally, subcutaneous, intramuscularly as ordered by the physicians.
  2. Knows drug actions, interactions, and side effects. Monitors and evaluates the client reactions.
  3. Transcribes physicians orders accurately Explains treatment plans, plan rationales, and expected outcomes to family members and other private duty nurses.
  4. Maintains patient safety, comfort, cleanliness, and well-being.
  5. Practices Universal Precautions and proper hand washing according to policy and procedure.
  6. Has knowledge of and adheres to safety practices and emergency plans.
  7. Consults the physicians to determine problems and evaluate patient responses to treatment.
  8. Writes progress notes that clearly reflect nursing observations and interventions.
  9. Has knowledge of the use of equipment, 02, and mechanical devices that are being utilized by clients.
  10. Has knowledge of uses of home cleaning disinfectants for the cleaning of equipment used by the client in the home and uses them properly.
  11. Communicates with other members of the home care environment verbally or through the communication book. Read the communication book at the beginning of each shift for relevant information.
  12. Plans for clients for discharge from services.
  13. Participates in in-service programs.

Responsible to: RN Supervisor

Qualifications:

  1. Current unrestricted valid LPN license.
  2. Current CPR certification
  3. At least 1 year or pediatric experience in the past two years; pediatric home care or hospitals.
  4. Ability to perform relevant nursing skills.
  5. A High School Diploma.
  6. Graduate from accredited nursing program.
  7. CEU-12 hours of continuing education per year.
  8. Health Clearance – Physical Exam, TB, HEP B
  9. Criminal and employment Background Check
  10. Two professional, one character reference

Signature:______

Date:______