Licensed Practical Nurse / Charge Nurse - SNF - Full-Time 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Overview:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for following the care plan for the emotional, mental, and physical care being given to skilled and long-term care residents and for observing that the care provided by CNAs is given according to the long and short term goals of the care plan within our 30 bed facility. The LPN.supervises the day to day nursing activities performed by the CNA. The LPN also mentors and provides guidance to the CNAs and staff within their assigned area. The LPN works under the Director of Nursing or designated RN. The LPN must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress in this position and to communicate with patients, families and visitors in a way that promotes a wholesome environment. The LPN administers medications and treatments within the scope of practice for the State of Tennessee.

The LPN is, along with other staff, an advocate for the patient’s right to obtain and receive the highest quality and level of care attainable in order to have the best outcomes. This is the driving principle of the care team.

Job Description:

Job duties include but are not limited to the following tasks:

• Administers medications and treatments according to physician orders and treatment plans. Documents this promptly and accurately on MAR, TAR and nurses notes as appropriate in line with industry standards and facility policy.
• Administers medications according to accepted guidelines in a timely fashion.
• Makes sure all patients are assigned to a CNA and informs CNA of anything that needs to be done for the patient (going to doctor appointment, change in food or liquid consistency, etc..)
• If deficient practices are observed, supports CNAs by teaching and providing support. Reports continued deficient practices to the DON or designee.
• Assures that assigned residents are covered while the CNA takes rest and meal breaks.
• Coordinates rest and meal breaks with other licensed staff in order to assure a licensed nurse is available at all times.
• Observes patients while dining and assigns trained staff to remain in the dining areas while meals are being served and eaten.
• LPN will respond immediately to accidents, incidents and allegation of resident abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property. The LPN will assess the resident and provide emergency treatment.. Notify the Director of Nursing or designee, the Administrator as appropriate, the physician and responsible party when the resident is involved in an accident or incident. The LPN charge nurse initiates an immediate investigation.
• Documents all pertinent clinical information reflecting the care provided to the patient as well as the patient’s response to the care.
• Is familiar with the patient care pan and any changes in care routine.  Communicates any of these changes to the CNA for that patient. 
• Communicates any changes or concerns regarding patient care to the RN Manager on duty, or to the following shift if no RN Manager on duty. Communicate timely with physicians or nurse practitioner related to resident’s care needs and concerns as delegated by the DON or RN Manager.
• Assures that resident rights are followed with all staff, visitors and families. If a violation of rights is observed or reported, the LPN charge nurse begins an immediate investigation according to facility policy.
• Uses universal precautions and follows special instructions for infection control and isolation.
• For safety of both employee and resident, uses gait belt, shower chairs, lifts, scales, electric controls on beds and equipment responsibly, appropriately and correctly for tasks as trained. Reports any malfunctioning, fraying or broken equipment immediately to supervisor.
• Answers call lights promptly and follows up on patient request/needs promptly.
• Observes privacy and dignity of residents and does not share resident medical or psychosocial information with other residents, visitors or any unauthorized persons.
• Develops and maintains a good working rapport with other departments with the faculty.
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism and confidentiality.
• Participates in quality assurance program and attends appropriate QA committee meetings as directed by supervisor. 
• Serves on other facility committees as requested.
• Attends all mandatory in service including annual fire, OSHA and CDC program.
• Maintains current CPR/BLS certification.
• Practices in adherence to national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and security, including passwords and user ID codes, in compliance with the Privacy Act and HIPAA. Notifies Administrator, or Director of Nursing in the absence of the Administrator, of any known violations.

Education and Certification:

• LPN must be a graduate of an accredited school for Licensed Practical Nurses and must have an unencumbered, active license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Tennessee. Must be certified in CPR. Other certifications (IV certification, special training certificates) should be current.

Job Skills and Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.
• This individual must maintain nursing education hours/credits necessary to satisfy state requirements. Must attend mandatory staff training and staff meetings; must attend assigned committee meetings.
• Must provide services without harassment or discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin or disability.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practice, working in the scope of practices as set forth by the state of Tennessee, as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long term care.
• Must possess the ability to deal with staff, residents and families members, visitors, government agency personnel and the public in general in all situation and act as liaison for the best interest if the person in their care. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, families, visitors, and visitors.
• Prior supervisory experience with supervising CNA’s and other personnel is preferred.
• Subject to frequent interruption. Moves intermittently during working hours. Works beyond normal working hours and other positions temporarily, when necessary. Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, including AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handing of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• May be subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors etc. during the workday.
• Must be able to implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must be willing to do participate in random drug testing and for cause. Declining to do so may result in termination of employment.
• Must pass drug screening and background check.