JOB SUMMARY
A qualified Licensed Practical (Vocational) Nurse administers skilled nursing care to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse. Services are furnished in accordance with Agency policies.

LINE OF AUTHORITY
Reports to the Clinical Manager / RNs

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Furnishes services, treatments and diagnostic and preventive procedures as assigned per the plan of care, in accordance with agency policies.
• Prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Assists the physician, the intermediate care provider and RN in performing specialized procedures.
• Prepares equipment and materials for treatments observing aseptic technique as required.
• Assists the patient in learning appropriate self-care techniques.
• Understands and adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Implements the nursing care plan for each patient as directed by the RN.
• Initiates preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures as appropriate as directed by the RN.
• Observes signs and symptoms and reports to the physician and registered nurse reactions to treatments, including drugs and changes in the patients physical or emotional condition.
• Teaches and counsels the patient and family/significant others regarding the nursing care needs and other related problems of the patient at home in accordance with the plan of care.
• Evaluates with the registered nurse the effectiveness of the LPN/LVNs nursing service to the patient and family under the guidance of the registered nurse.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of observations, treatments and care of patient.
• Participates in medical record audits, peer reviews and QM activities as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings, patient care conferences and in-services as scheduled.
• Takes on-call duty, nights, weekends and holidays as assigned in collaboration with the on-call RN.
• Submits any changes in schedule to Clinical Manager/RN on a daily basis.
• Participates in patient care conferences to discuss the need for involvement of other members of the health team, such as physical therapist or speech language pathologist.
• Observes aseptic technique as required.
• Accepts, writes and executes orders; orders are cosigned by RN.
• Assures that the patient/family is involved in implementing the plan of care.
• Assists in reviewing, evaluating and updating the patient plan of care as appropriate in collaboration with the RN.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered.
• Provides appropriate information regarding patient to other agencies/individuals involved in patients care as needed.
• Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information.
• Completes documentation and paperwork in a timely manner as per Agency policy.
• Immediately reports to Clinical Manager/RN any patient incidents/variances or complaints.
• Demonstrates competent performance of technical skills according to established procedures before performing new skills
• Adheres to Agency standards and consistently interprets and accurately performs all assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains acceptable attendance status, per Agency policy.
• Reports all incomplete work assignments to Clinical Manager/RN.
• Appearance is always within Agency standards; is clean and well-groomed.
• Demonstrates effective time management skills through daily documentation and infrequent overtime for routine assignments.
• Maintains clean and neat work environment.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, critical thinking and decision making.
• Maintains current CPR certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Works indoors in the Agency office and patient homes and travels to/from patient homes.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

• Supervised by: Clinical Manager/RNs

RISK EXPOSURE
High risk

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Graduate of an approved school of practical (vocational) nursing and currently licensed in the state(s) in which practicing.
2. Minimum of one (1) year experience in nursing, preferred.
3. Acceptance of philosophy and goals of this Agency.
4. Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position without compromising patient care.