Description

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of a registered nurse, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) will deliver care to residents utilizing the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The LVN will also interact effectively with residents, families and other ID team members while maintaining standards of professional nursing.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Utilizes the nursing process by demonstrating basic nursing techniques and procedures.
• Closely observes residents for changes in physical and mental condition and accurately reports to nursing coordinator.
• Evaluates data and assists in developing a health care plan.
• Ensures all clinical activities are carried out in accordance with the health care plan.
• Sets priorities for nursing action in a logical sequence according to residents’ needs.
• Evaluates a given situation and makes decisions within the scope of licensed practice.
• Documents accurate, timely, and legible ongoing evaluation of resident status.
• Documents resident care, which reflects nursing intervention, resident response to care provided, and resident needs, problems, capabilities, limitations, and progress toward goals.
• Documents include evidence of appropriate resident/staff teaching and the understanding of the instructions noted in the resident’s record.
• Maintains up to date information in resident’s record regarding all appointments and procedures.
• Documents all communication with physicians, families, case managers program personnel, etc. in resident’s record.
• Documents and notifies changes in resident’s condition to all appropriate parties.
• Participates in resident/staff education regarding health information.
• Observes and documents resident’s response to pertinent medications.
• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge to provide care for residents according to their needs.
• Demonstrates ability to handle emergency situations in a prompt, precise and professional manner.
• Provides personal resident care to promote comfort and well-being of the resident, acknowledging physiological and psychological needs.
• Communicates pertinent information to the appropriate person in a timely manner.
• Promotes effective communication with all staff members.
• Demonstrates accurate and timely documentation.
• Accurately transcribes physician orders according to policy and procedure.
• Interacts with residents, family members and staff with concern and empathy, respects their dignity and privacy, and communicates with them in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Answers and refers telephone calls or other inquires to ensure accurate and timely communications:
  • Identifies oneself in a pleasant and positive manner.
  • Takes responsibility for helping the caller.
  • Handles all requests with a positive attitude at the time the request is made.
• Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members.
• Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team Conferences and provides input into program planning by interpreting residents for nursing care and response to therapy.
• Assists other Team Members in the performance of their duties.
• Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked.
• Considers the impact of one’s actions on Team Members.
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility to perform duties wherever necessary.
• Takes on-call on a rotating basis according to the needs of the department.
• Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings and concerns.
• Confers with registered nurse appropriately.
• Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests.
• Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents.
• Maintains confidentiality of all resident or physician related information.
• Performs nursing care using sound judgment.
• Implements physician’s orders in a safe and accurate manner.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner assessing current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices with little direct supervision.
• Organizes job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments in established time frames.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all departmental policies and procedures and ability to reference from appropriate books and manuals.
• Ensures that the department is operated in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Adheres to Agency attendance policies.
• Demonstrates adherence to Agency dress code.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding for all Agency, OSHA, and CAL/OSHA safety guidelines and regulations when performing job duties related to but not limited to, blood borne pathogens, hazard communications, needle sticks and other possible exposure incidents.

Values

Innovation – We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Our drive for success is shared by all. Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo. We challenge our team to be ahead of industry trends as we strive to lead and not follow.

Collaboration – We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business, both internally and externally, and strengthens our community.

Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. We believe that by being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders.

Respect – We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment. We treat others as we would want to be treated.

Empathy – We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Education

• Valid license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.) in the state of California.
• 2 years of experience in professional nursing required.
• Experience providing services to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test within 24 hours of a job offer.
• Must pass a pre-employment health screening/TB Test; and annually thereafter.
• Have a criminal records clearance from DHS and/or DSS (Live Scan fingerprinting).
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license, proof of safe driving record, personal vehicle to drive during work day and have 24 months of licensed driving experience.
• Must provide proof of and maintain proper automobile insurance coverage as required by state law and be an approved driver with HGH insurance company to be eligible for mileage reimbursement.
• Valid CPR certification for Healthcare Professionals required.
• Must maintain confidentiality of resident Protected Health Information (PHI) used for treatment, payment, health care, etc. and personal information of residents.
• Access to restricted Protected Health Information (PHI) limited to residents under direct care only.
• Must be available as On-Call Nurse on a rotating schedule.
• Must maintain a valid LVN license in the state of California.
• Satisfactorily demonstrate the following knowledge and skills under a RN Director or Supervisor:

1. Basic Bedside Nursing
   1. Ambulation Techniques
   2. Intake and Output
   3. Bedmaking
   4. Neurological Check
   5. Catheter Care
   6. Personal Hygiene and Comfort Measures
   7. Collection of Specimens
   8. Positioning & Transfer
   9. Diabetic Urine Testing
   10. Range of Motion
   11. Enema
   12. Skin Care
2. Aseptic Technique (May be demonstrated in classroom, lab, and/or patient care settings)
   1. Urinary Catheterization
   2. Sterile Dressing Change
   3. Sterile Irrigations
3. Pharmacology:
   1. Knowledge of commonly used drugs and their action.
   2. Computation of dosages.
   3. Preparation of medications.
   4. Principles of administration.

Per the California Department of Human Resources Schematic Code: TL78, Class Code: 8249, Licensed Vocational Nurses:

May perform nursing procedures as regulated by licensure and certification such as: administering medications by any route except intravenous and intrathecal; performing treatments and procedures including passage of nasogastric tubes, administration of enteral feedings, monitoring of blood glucose, urinary catheterization, and administration of enemas; maintaining infection control by using universal precautions; collecting and documenting in the interdisciplinary notes data such as vital signs, patient/client behavior, patient/client response to medications, nursing care, and treatment plan; documenting significant changes in patient's/client's behavior and health status in the interdisciplinary notes and reporting those significant changes to both a registered nurse or physician and the assigned supervisor; demonstrating competent and safe utilization of unit and hospital emergency care equipment and techniques; participating as part of the treatment team with other disciplines by contributing to the overall treatment program for the patient/client; participating in patient/client activities, including unit routines and specific group activities, as outlined in nursing care plans/Individual Program Plans; using therapeutic nursing interventions and modalities to assist patients/clients in regaining and improving their physical adaptive skills and decreasing maladaptive behavior; assisting rehabilitation therapists in occupational, recreational, and industrial therapy programs for patients/clients; motivating and assisting patients/clients to develop self-reliance in activities of daily living; escorting patients/clients to intramural or extramural medical, health, or other community services; demonstrating awareness of patient/client rights and the potential for patient/client abuse; and promptly reporting any adverse behavior, patient/client abuse, or suspected abuse by staff.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to perform physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, lifting, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling; and will assist with lifting, moving, and transferring residents from wheelchairs. The employee will potentially be exposed to virus and/or infection in this role. The employee may frequently move to interact with fellow employees and/or clients. Additionally, the individual may be required to lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

About HGH

Home of Guiding Hands is a non-profit organization that was established in 1967 by a small group of dedicated and ambitious community members. The Mission of HGH is "to improve the lives of those we serve". We support children and adults in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. We provide a full continuum of care including residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, and adult foster home services. Additionally, we provide early childhood assessments and services, tailored day support, Life Planning workshops, county-wide transportation services, and on-site activities at our resource center.

To see all our available career opportunities please visit: https://www.guidinghands.org/careers/