Respiratory Licensed Practical Nurse (Respiratory LPN)

Position Summary

The Respiratory Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a member of the Respiratory Therapy Department and works collaboratively with Respiratory Therapists as part of an RT-led team care model.

The primary responsibility of the Respiratory LPN is to assist the Respiratory Therapy team in providing routine tracheostomy and respiratory care to residents with tracheostomies and residents requiring mechanical ventilation.

The Respiratory LPN reports directly to the Director of Respiratory Therapy and performs assigned respiratory-related LPN functions within applicable scope of practice, facility policy, physician/provider orders, and demonstrated competency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Tracheostomy Care

- Work collaboratively with the Respiratory Therapist to provide routine tracheostomy care for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent residents.
- Perform scheduled and as-needed tracheostomy site care.
- Remove and replace tracheostomy dressings according to facility policy and established infection-prevention practices.
- Clean and assess the skin surrounding the tracheostomy site.
- Observe the tracheostomy site for redness, drainage, bleeding, irritation, skin breakdown, swelling, or other abnormalities.
- Report abnormal findings or changes in resident condition promptly to the Respiratory Therapist and Nurse.
- Assist the RT with tracheostomy-related care and procedures as appropriate within LPN scope and competency.
- Maintain appropriate infection-control practices during tracheostomy care.

Nebulizer Treatments

- Administer prescribed nebulizer treatments as ordered and within LPN scope of practice and facility policy.
- Verify the appropriate medication, resident, order, route, dose, and scheduled treatment.
- Observe the resident's tolerance and response to nebulizer treatment.
- Report respiratory distress, intolerance, adverse reactions, or significant changes to the Respiratory Therapist.
- Document completion and resident response to treatment.

Respiratory Team Care

- Work in collaboration with the assigned Respiratory Therapist to complete respiratory care for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent residents.
- Follow daily assignments established by the Respiratory Therapy Department.
- Communicate changes in respiratory status or tracheostomy condition to the assigned RT.
- Assist the Respiratory Therapist with respiratory-care activities within LPN scope and demonstrated competency.
- Immediately notify the Respiratory Therapist of acute respiratory concerns or changes in condition.
- Participate in Respiratory Therapy Department education, orientation, competency validation, and quality-improvement activities.

Documentation

The Respiratory LPN is responsible for accurate and timely documentation of respiratory care provided, including:

- Tracheostomy care.
- Tracheostomy dressing changes.
- Condition of the tracheostomy site and surrounding skin.
- Nebulizer treatments.
- Resident tolerance and response to treatments.
- Relevant respiratory observations.
- Abnormal findings.
- Notification and communication with the Respiratory Therapist and Nurse.
- Other respiratory-related care performed by the Respiratory LPN.

All documentation must be completed in accordance with facility policy and the facility's electronic medical record requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

- Current, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse license.
- Current BLS certification.
- Experience caring for tracheostomy and/or ventilator-dependent residents preferred.
- Successful completion of facility-approved Respiratory LPN orientation.
- Successful competency validation in tracheostomy care, tracheostomy dressing changes, nebulizer administration, infection prevention, respiratory observation, emergency recognition, and respiratory documentation.

Professional Expectations

The Respiratory LPN shall:

- Function as a collaborative member of the Respiratory Therapy Department.
- Follow assignments and direction established by the Director of Respiratory Therapy.
- Maintain clear communication with Respiratory Therapists.
- Provide safe and consistent tracheostomy care.
- Complete assigned respiratory treatments and documentation in a timely manner.
- Follow infection-prevention and resident-safety standards.
- Immediately escalate respiratory deterioration or other significant clinical findings to the Respiratory Therapist.
- Maintain professional conduct and resident confidentiality.

Scope-of-Practice Statement

All duties assigned to the Respiratory LPN must be consistent with applicable laws and regulations governing LPN practice, facility policy, provider orders where required, and documented competency.

The Respiratory LPN position is intended to support the Respiratory Therapist in delivering team-based respiratory care to tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent residents while maintaining clear professional scopes of practice.