The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides a wide variety of person centered supports and services with a strong emphasis on personal choice to the individuals they support. The LPN serves as an advocate and promote self-advocacy. He or she provides personal supports and services based on individual needs.
SUPERVISION
- The LPN reports to the Delegating Nurse, or the Agency Nurse who are most times called the Case Manager who also reports to the Co-Ordinator of Clinical Services or Director of Nursing Services.
QUALIFICATION:
Educational Requirements:
- Must have completed the Curriculum of the Lead Practical Nurse in a Nursing Training Institution.
- Must have a GED/High School Diploma.
Experience Requirements:
- Must have at least 1 year of related experience working with children or adults in a care-giving setting.
- Must have a good driving record, reliable vehicle, and valid, current Driver’s license for a minimum of 2 years with no more than 2 points on the license.
- Must be able to successfully complete training requirements of Centerbility.
- Must possess strong communication skills and demonstrated care-giving skills.
Credential Requirements:
- Must have a current valid LPN License from the State of Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).
- Must have a current valid CPR/BLS/First Aid certificate from American Heart Association (AHA)
Position Summary:
The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for the medical well-being of the individuals in the Nursing home and provides clinical leadership for staff during the course of the shift.
Key Competencies Required:
Advocacy (Encouraging and supporting people in expressing their choices, dreams, goals and rights)
Communication (Actively listening to the person we support based on their preferred method of communicating, and collaborating with their natural supports and community)
Relationship building (Creating opportunities for people to build friendships, make connections and develop meaningful relationships in an inclusive environment)
Essential Responsibilities:
- Clinical
Read and review each individual’s nursing care plan. Observe and assess each individual present during the shift and document any relevant findings in the nursing notes. Administer medications and document on the Medication Administration Record. Post all medication changes and clearly communicate these to staff and to the delegating nurse. Provide all therapeutic treatments that require a licensed practitioner. Contact professionals as needed to resolve acute problems (Delegating Nurse, Physician, Program Manager/Program Administrator) - Personal Care/Direct Support
- Implement nursing plans of care.
- Ensure that the home is comfortable and clean by assisting with household tasks and communicating needs to the supervisor.
- Provide training and support to individuals in the program to help them achieve greater independence in managing their health.
- Works in cooperation with a delegating nurse, Program Administrator and Program Manager to perform duties essential to providing quality healthcare to individuals receiving services through Centerbility of Maryland, Inc.
- Provides instruction, guidance, follow-up, monitoring, and assistance in personal grooming and hygiene to include assistance with toileting, oral hygiene, bathing, dressing, feeding, and lifting/transferring (when indicated).
- Assists with and/or dispenses medications and other medical treatments to the individuals as necessary
- Turns and repositions individuals, alone or with assistance, to promote skin integrity according to the individuals’ nursing plan of care.
- Community Participation and Social Life
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living and leisure activities within the home to promote independence.
- Encourage exercise to maintain optimum health.
- Promote family involvement via effective communication and positive interactions.
- Provide direct assistance so that the individuals can fully participate in community activities of their choice.
- Encourage and assist individuals with healthy nutrition, both at home and in the community.
- Professionalism
- Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior, modeling the agency’s philosophy.
- Demonstrates positive role-model behavior.
- Maintains confidentiality in regard to individuals and in relation to staff issues.
- Other Duties:
- Assist with medical appointments as needed.
- Serve as liaison to the pharmacy and to medical professionals as needed.
- Assist with coverage during medical emergencies.
- Maintain highest level of confidentiality in regard to the individuals’ care. Communicate in a positive and respectful manner with all members of the staff, family members, professionals and community members.
- Mental, Physical, & Visual Demands:
- Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry an individual of medium build with assistance (such as 2-person lift).
- The LPN may perform tasks that involve exposure to blood body fluid, or tissues and use protective equipment as required.
- Working Conditions:
- LPN normally is assigned to work in a Nursing/Residential Home, however there may be times where travel and assistance may be needed at other residential sites.
- Must be flexible and professional in responding to stress.