JOB SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the direction of a qualified Registered Nurse (DON) and participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, within the objectives, standards and policies of the Assisted Living Program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited School of Practical Nursing.
• Current LPN license valid in the State of New Jersey.
• Two years of clinical and supervisory experience preferred.
• Education and/or experience in rehabilitative or geriatric nursing preferred.
• Participates annually in continuing nursing education.
• Flexibility in working schedule, to include evenings & weekends if needed.
• CPR and First Aid certified.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Has a knowledge and understanding of the Assisted Living Program rules and regulations.
• Under the direction of the RN develops and maintains written objectives, standards, procedures and organizational plan for delivery of nursing services.
• Maintains a working relationship with the RN & the assisted living Administrators.
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate channels of communication.
• Provides supervision to CMA's, CHHA's, CNA's (Nursing Aides) & Housekeeper.
• Oversee that staff are in attendance according to schedule.
• Check phone messages & return calls as needed.
• Review any new faxes, fax new orders to MD's, Pharmacy etc.
• Read e-mails, communication book & daily log books and address any concerns.
• Check list of residents scheduled for MD / other appointments and complete progress reports to be sent to the MD with the resident.
• Review Narcotic count
• Make sure Nursing Aides document in communication book properly, that they are reading communications and following through on communications as needed.
• Supervise Nursing Assistants to assure implementation of resident care plan / service plan
• Prepares, administers and records medications in accordance with policy.

• Review new MARS, address any changes & review with RN prior to RN signing.
• Order new medications as needed and document appropriately.
• Assure that Nursing Aides complete monthly weights and vital signs as assigned.
• Review monthly weights and vital signs, report any deviation from resident's norm to RN and MD, document appropriately.
• Make weekly contact with each resident either in person or via telephone
• Document any unusual incidents, change in condition, new orders, change in medications, etc. in resident's medical record and communicate any concerns directly to RN.
• Review all labs, x-rays, etc. fax copies to MD and review with RN.
• Share responsibility with RN for developing & implementing Care plans & Health Service Plans and coordination of all health care services required.
• Assess, observe, and monitor residents' response to treatment and nursing care and document information concisely, accurately and completely via wellness notes/checks monthly when RN assessment is not due.
• Complete face sheet, UTF form, mini service plan upon admission and update as needed.
• Keep emergency binder up to date.
• Keep Immunization form updated
• Teaching, supervising, consulting with other personnel, resident, family members, regarding methods of meeting nursing care needs and other related problems of the resident.
• Assure that transportation arrangements are scheduled in advance for resident's medical appointments & residents are sent written reminders of medical appointment. If a medical office assistant is on site, task is delegated to that position.
• Respond to and participate in emergency situations, call 911 if needed and notify RN, residents' MD & Administrator.
• Assure that the resident has an initial Physician Certification (PA-4), History and Physical with listed diagnosis on admission to program. Document annual physicals.
• If PA-4 form is not returned by a physician, send request form for physician program service approval & document efforts.
• Assure that resident emergency packets are updated and maintained. If a medical office assistant is on site, task is delegated to that position.
• Communicate routinely with RN and Administrator, in regards to resident and staff issues.
• Attend monthly team meetings with Admin, and RN.
• Review charts for accuracy, completeness and thin as needed.
• Ensure that there is a discharge plan in place. Upon discharge assure that the discharge summary is complete.
• Encourages independence in activities of daily living.
• Abides by established guidelines of the facility and governing regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of verbal and written information pertaining to residents, facility operations and personnel.
• Has a full understanding of fire, emergency and safety procedures.
• Assist in the orientation of new personnel.
• Any other responsibilities deemed necessary by the RN, the Administrator, Regional Director, or Director of the Assisted Living programs.