TITLE OF POSITION: LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE
TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Nursing
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse provides skilled nursing care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse. The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse performs selected skilled acts in the provision of curative, rehabilitative, palliative or preventative nursing care. The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse is responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based on the individual’s nursing experience and educational preparation and other duties as deemed necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Licensed Vocational Nurse supplements the nursing care needs of the client as provided by the Registered nurse.
2. Provides services in accordance with agency policies which include:
a. providing services in accordance with Agency policies;
b. preparing clinical and progress notes;
c. assisting the Registered Nurse or physician in performing specialized procedures and duties;
d. assisting the Registered Nurse in carrying out the plan of care;
e. assisting the client in learning appropriate self-care techniques.
2. Assists with the preparation, implementation and continuing evaluation of the client care plan.
3. Recognizes and understands the effects of social and economic problems upon clients.
4. Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of clients.
5. Prepares clinical and progress notes for the client record (not to include admission). Observes, records, and reports to the appropriate person symptoms, reactions and changes including:
a. The general physical and mental condition of clients and signs and symptoms which may be indicative of untoward changes, and
b. stresses in human relationships between the clients, between clients and personnel and between clients and their families and visitors.
6. Assists the Registered Nurse in performing specialized procedures as directed by the Registered Nurse under physician’s orders,
7. Assists with the rehabilitation of clients according to the medical care plan by:
a. being aware of and encouraging the interests and special aptitudes of the client
b. encouraging clients to help themselves with their own capabilities in performing activities in daily living,
c. knowledge and application of the principles of prevention of deformities, the normal range of motion, body mechanics and body alignment.
8. Assists the client in learning appropriate self-care techniques.
9. Fosters cooperative effort among personnel by understanding the functions of other persons involved in client care and by active participation in team and staff conferences.
10. Assumes responsibility for personal and vocational growth and development through:
a. active participation in nursing organizations; and
b. by promoting and participating in in-service programs or other learning on the job.
The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse with the education and proven clinical competence may perform certain treatments/procedures provided the Home Health Agency’s policies and the State’s regulatory acts allow their performance. Only Licensed Advanced trained Practical/Vocational Nurses with documented skill in performing these functions may:
l. Administer medications.
2. Calculate and adjust flow rates.
3. Observe and report signs of adverse reactions.
4. Inspect insertion sites, change dressings, remove peripheral I.V. needles/catheters.
5. Hang hydrating fluid without medications.
6. Hang I.V.’s premixed with medications.
7. Start peripheral I.V.’s
8. Check blood with a Registered Nurse.
9. Flush peripheral lines with saline or heparin solutions.
l0. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse may monitor client receiving blood and blood products, medications, cancer chemotherapy, investigational drugs and plasma expanders.
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited School of Practical/Vocational Nursing. Must be licensed in the State as a licensed practical/vocational nurse.
Experience: One or more years in home health agency or in a hospital setting. Home health experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledgeable of Medicare and Medicaid guidelines. Good communication skills and ability to establish good rapport with other staff members. Working knowledge of home health care and the principles and techniques of professional nursing and required documentation thereof.
Skillful in organization of work and in principles of time management; and knowledge of management process. Ability to contribute to the quality of care being rendered through constructive communication with nursing managers and nursing staff.
JOB CONDITIONS
The position requires the ability to drive extensively in a geographic area. Must be able to access clients’ homes which will not be routinely wheelchair accessible. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client’s condition and to perform and demonstrate client care. There must be the ability to give and receive information orally. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
Use of 10 line telephone, calculator and medical nursing equipment, i.e., glucometer, etc.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Access to all client medical records which may be discussed with Director of Nursing, the Administrator, the Executive Director, the Director of Finance, and the Quality Assurance department staff, including medical records and outside government agencies.
