Qualifications:

• Graduation From an accredited school of nursing and has a current License to practice as an LPN
• Clean background check

Scope of Practice of the LPN:

1. The LPN shall provide nursing care only under the supervision of the RN, as defined by the Nurse Practice Act, and state Board of Nursing.
2. The scope of practice for an LPN shall include planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of the following:
3. Providing for the emotional and physical comfort of clients
   • Hygiene, ADLs, incontinent care, environmental cleanliness.
4. Observing, recording and reporting the condition of the client including signs and symptoms which may be indicative of change in the client’s condition to the RN supervisor.
   • All LPN nurses must remain awake and alert at all times while on duty to adequately monitor and care for the patient
   • The LPN will observe physical changes such as lung sound, vital signs, changes in pain status, and skin integrity. She will document these changes, and report them to the RN Supervisor. She is to call 911 if she perceives the situation to be emergent, then notify the Office of ANCS.
5. Performing those nursing activities for which the LPN has been prepared through basic education and those additional skills which are obtained through approved continued education programs.

Skills/Duties:

• Administer meds to clients according to ANCS Policy
• Store Medication appropriately
• Document Accurately
• Report Medication Errors
• Follows proper medication disposal procedure
• Order in a timely manner
• Participate in narcotic counts at the beginning and end of shift
• Care of trachs, suctioning
• Gastrostomy, ostomy and wound care
• Other Skills which require additional training would include, managing a client who uses a ventilator, wound vac, peripheral IV, percussion and postural drainage

Assisting with the rehabilitation of clients in accordance with their Condition.

• • Physical and occupational therapy as directed by the Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. Participating in the training of parents/guardians to learn to provide care for the client according to their care plan.

The LPN’s main responsibility is to observe, document, report, take action, follow-up and to promote the quality of life for people with even the most complex health issues in a home setting.

Medications:

1. Medications are properly stored and organized.
2. Order on MAR matches physician’s order.
3. Administers medications and topical treatments to each individual as prescribed and according to individual medication protocols and follows the 6 step procedures each time.
4. Documents immediately following med administration.
5. Records any med errors and submits reports according to policy.
6. Observes individuals for possible side effects or med adm. Problems to the RN.
7. Follows proper drug disposal procedures regarding outdated meds, d/c’d meds, and controlled substances.
8. Participants in controlled substances (narc) count at the beginning and end of each shift. Documents missed meds or over count and follows reporting procedures.

Hygiene:

1. Supports individuals in maintain good oral hygiene.
2. Assures that individuals who are incontinent are changed immediately using proper peri-care and observe for rashes. Monitor bowel movements and record on individual flow chart according to individual protocols for intake and output.
3. Bathe or shower individuals according to individual protocols and observe for signs of skin breakdown when necessary.
4. Men and women are shaved as necessary.
5. Nails are clean and well-manicured.
6. Assure that wheelchairs, prosthetics, adaptive equipment, and exercise supplies are kept clean.
7. LPNS’s must be properly trained and pass competency prior to performing any therapies.

Tube Feeding and Care, Oxygen Therapy, Ventilator Use, Tracheostomy Care:

Training and demonstrated competency must be successfully completed before the LPN is assigned to work at any client home.

IV Care:

1. The LPN must provide documentation that they are IV certified before they can start a peripheral line.
2. The LPN must provide may hang plain IV solutions, IV antibiotics as long as the medication is pre-mixed by the pharmacy and they may d/c a peripheral IV site.
3. It is outside the LPN’s scope of practice to provide any care whatsoever to any type of centrally placed IV line.

Medical Appointments:

1. Schedules individuals for all doctor and dental appointments.
2. Fills out medical visit form.
3. Makes sure immunizations are current and documented.
4. Informs RN of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
5. Provides current and accurate medical information as needed.
6. Follows through with recommendations.
7. Completes all documentation of medical visit outcomes.

Privacy/ Rights:

1. Assure that all medical information is secured and kept private according to HIPPA regulations.
2. Bathing, dressing, toileting, changing, is all done in private.
3. Individuals participate in medical decisions according to their ability and/or have proper family/guardianship involvement.
4. Each person is entitled to his/her individualized health care plan and protocols.
5. A person’s confidential information should not be discussed in front of other people, including other client’s or their family members.