lvn

JOB DESCRIPTION

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Nursing Department

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt

Reports to: Director of Nursing

Overview of Job

The Licensed Vocational Nurse is responsible to assist the RN's in giving patient's services, organizing, developing and doing the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Service Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and facility policy and procedures and as may be directed by the Administrator, the Medical Director, and/or the Director of Nursing Services, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in a Skilled Nursing Facility is responsible for delivering high-quality nursing care to residents under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Manager. The LVN works collaboratively with the healthcare team to ensure the well-being and comfort of residents.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts initial and ongoing assessments of residents' health status.
• Monitors vital signs, administers medications, and observes any changes in condition.
• Notifies the RN or healthcare provider of any significant changes or concerns.
• Administers medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
• Ensures accurate dosage, proper route, and timely administration.
• Monitors and records residents' responses to medications.
• Provides basic wound care and other treatments as ordered by the healthcare provider.
• Monitors the healing progress of wounds and reports any complications.
• Works closely with Registered Nurses, Nurse Managers, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care.
• Participates in care planning meetings and contributes to the development of resident care plans.

Documentation Function:

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical records, including nursing assessments, care plans, and progress notes.
• Documents interventions, observations, and resident responses to treatment.

Education and Support:

• Provides education and support to residents and their families regarding health conditions, medications, and self-care.
• Assists in implementing therapeutic activities and programs.

Staff Development:

• Assist the Staff Development Director, as needed, in the development, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes that provide instructions on "how to do the job" and ensure a well-educated nursing service department.
• Ensure that these programs meet the continuing education requirements which allow licensed personnel (e.g., RNs, LVNs, CNAs, etc.) to keep their license on an active status.

Safety and Sanitation:

• Assist the RN and Safety Officer in developing safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Adheres to all relevant healthcare regulations and facility policies.
• Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
• Monitor nursing service personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies i.e. ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when moving or lifting a resident.
• Ensures a safe and clean environment for residents and staff.

Resident Rights:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with kindness, dignity, and respect. Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the resident's room.
• Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of the residents' responsibilities and rights including the right to refuse treatment.

Physical and Sensory Requirements: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical exam
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at time, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 3 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 10 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Working Conditions:

• Works throughout the nursing service area (i.e. drug rooms, nurses' stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Qualifications/Specific Requirements:

Education: Associates degree in Nursing

License: Must be a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state

Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Others must be able to understand your speech.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Environmental Conditions

Facility environment includes varying temperatures, varying workstations and varying interactions with long-term care residents and facility staff. The noise level is usually moderate. May include possible, but not probable, exposure to bloodborne pathogens.