LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE JOB DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION:

The Licensed Practical Nurse, under direction of the Case Manager or Director of Clinical Services, provides skilled nursing services to a private duty patient. This includes direct and indirect care.  Responsibilities include planning, giving and evaluating nursing care.  The functions performed require judgment based upon established policies of the institution.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

·       Reports directly to the Case Manager (Medicare) or Director of Clinical Services (Private).

·       Oversees services provided by Home Health Aides and Companion Sitters.

·       Accountable to the nurse case manager in charge of the patient.

·       Works closely with patient, visitors, hospital staff and volunteer workers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Graduate of a State accredited nursing program and licensed to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Florida or possess an endorsement from the Florida State Board of Nursing while awaiting nursing license.
• Maintains current CEU’s including CPR, OSHA, AIDS and Medical Errors.
• Must have IV Therapy/Medication course of equivalent.
• Must receive a passing grade of Agency’s assessment test.

Experience

• Must have at least one year of experience in a hospital/clinical setting.

Health

• Evidence of good health as stated by a physician.
• Negative PPD or Chest X-Ray.
• Physically able to perform duties without limitations.
• Mentally and emotionally able to perform duties.

Abilities

• Must have physical abilities to adequately perform described duties.
• Ability to identify problems, learn and apply professional training, , follow physician’s orders, produce accurate records of activities and services provided,  analyze nursing situations and plan a reasonable course of action in an organized manner consistent with standard nursing practices.
• Able to see and hear adequately to respond to auditory and visual requests which relate to the coordination of Agency activities.
• Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate direction for Agency activities and staff.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians and staff.
• Demonstrates adequate mental acuity to perform duties stated under Responsibilities and Duties.
• Demonstrates exceptional assessment skills.
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge regarding exposure to body fluids, and chemicals, and some hazardous equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides patient care assigned by and under the direction of the registered nurse who provides on site supervision as needed, based upon severity of patients, medical condition and training and experience according to the Agency’s policies and procedures.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to nursing.
• Provides skilled nursing care as outlined in the patient care plan to include the following:

-  Nursing services, treatments and preventive procedures requiring substantial, specialized skill as directed by the RN Case Manager.

-  Observing signs and symptoms and reporting to the RN Case Manager reactions to treatments, including drugs, and changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition.

-  Teaching, supervising and counseling the patient and family members regarding the nursing care needs and other related problems of the patient at home under the RN Case Manager’s direction.

-  Assists patients in learning self care techniques.

-  Participates in multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

-  Orders from the physician must be signed by the RN Case Manager.

-  Assists the MD and RN in performing specialized procedures.

-  Administer treatments and medications to the patient in the home setting.

• Prepares equipment and materials for treatment using sterile and aseptic techniques.
• Maintains and submits written clinical and agency records as deemed necessary to include:                      

-  Care plan

-  Daily notes

-  Weekly schedules

-  Discharge summary

• Discusses and plans with the RN Case Manager, at least weekly, the following:                 

- Next week’s schedule including necessary frequency of visits.

-  Patient’s general condition and required care and necessary changes on the Plan of Treatment.

• Communicates with other team members in order to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her nursing knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organization meetings and individual research and reading.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and agency matters.
• Performs other duties assigned by the registered nurse pursuant to Chapter 464, F.S.

Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G179, G180, G181, G182, G183

Regulatory Reference: Florida AHCA Tag H235, H236