Licensed Practical Nurse

New HIGHER wage rates for LPNs. $3000 sign on bonus available for full and part time (at least 24 hours per week) LPNs. $2 differential for pms. (see HR for details). No in-house pool available.

General Purpose:

Provide direct nursing care to the residents whom have sustained a traumatic brain injury, and supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Such supervision must be in accordance with current Federal, State, and Local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing to maintain the highest degree of quality care at all times.

Administrative Functions

* Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants in accordance with rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care industry as well policies specific to traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
* Confirm that all nursing personnel assigned to you comply with the written policies and procedures established by this facility.
* Meet with your assigned nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the shift's services, programs and activities.
* Verify that all nursing personnel comply with the procedures set forth the in the Nursing Policies and Procedures Manual.
* Make written and oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of your shift, as required.
* Cooperate with other disciplines to coordinate nursing services and appointments to be certain that the resident's total regimen of care is maintained.
* Review the residents' care plans, care cards, therapy orders and discharge plans on a daily basis to ensure proper care is being rendered.
* Verify that all nursing service personnel are in compliance with their respective job descriptions.
* Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility's quality assurance program for the nursing department.
* Participate in surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
* Periodically review the resident's written discharge plan. Participate in the updating of the resident's written discharge plan, as required.
* Assist the nurse manager, as needed, in the admission and discharge plan in admission and discharge planning process of residents.
* Admit, transfer, and discharge residents, as required.
* Complete accident/incident reports, as necessary.

Charting and Documentation

* Complete and file required forms/charts upon resident's admission, transfer, and/or discharge.
* Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans, record and sign their orders, progress notes, etc., in accordance with established policies.
* Receive telephone orders from physicians and record on the Physicians' Order Form.
* Transcribe physician's orders to resident charts, Kardex, medication cards, and treatment/care plans, as required.
* Write nurses' notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, in accordance with the care plan, as well as the resident's response to care.
* Record new/changed diet orders. Forward information to the Dietary Department.
* Report all discrepancies noted concerning physician's orders, diet change, charting error, etc., to the Nurse Supervisor.
* Fill out and complete transfer forms in accordance with established procedures.
* Enter appropriate documentation concerning unauthorized discharges in the resident's medical record in accordance with established procedures.
* Perform routine charting duties as required and in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures.
* Sign and date all entries made in the resident's medical record and medical treatment.

Medication Administrative Functions

* Prepare and administer medication as ordered by the physician.
* Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication/treatment.
* Verify that prescribed medication for one resident is not administered to another.
* Verify that adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment is on hand to meet the nursing needs of the residents. Report needs to the Nurse Supervisor.
* Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary, and in accordance with established procedures.
* Verify that narcotic records are accurate for your shift.
* Notify the Nurse Supervisor of all drug and narcotic discrepancies noted on your shift.
* Review medication cards for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of the physician's order and adherence to stop order policies.
* Notify the attending physician of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage being administered.
* Immediately notify the Nurse Supervisor and attending physician of any medication administration errors.

Nursing Care Functions

* Deliver and maintain optimum resident care and comfort by demonstrating knowledge and skills of current nursing practices.
* Promptly respond to call lights and other resident needs.
* Make rounds with physicians, as necessary.
* Consult with the resident's physician in providing the resident's care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., as necessary.
* Review the resident's chart for specific treatments, medication orders, diets, etc., as necessary.
* Make periodic checks to confirm that prescribed treatments are being properly administered by CNAs and to evaluate the resident's physical and emotional status.
* Notify the resident's attending physician and POA (if applicable), and emergency contact when the resident is involved in an accident or incident.
* Notify the resident's attending physician and responsible party when there is a change in the resident's condition.
* Administer professional services such as: catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy, and drainage bags, taking blood, giving massages and range of motion exercises, care for the dead/dying, etc., as required.
* Monitor seriously ill residents, as necessary.
* Review care plans daily to confirm that appropriate care is being rendered.
* Confirm that CNAs are aware of the resident care plans. Verify that the CNAs refer to the resident's care plan prior to administering daily care to the resident.
* Initiate and provide behavior modification strategies as needed.

Other Duties

* Engage with residents when not providing cares. This includes, but is not limited to: game playing, coloring, working on puzzles, etc.
* Attend in-service education programs in order to meet facility educational requirements.
* Seek other opportunities to educate self about traumatic brain injury, and dual diagnosis.
* Be familiar with Standard Precautions, Exposure Control Plan, Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures and know how to use the information.
* Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility records/information.
* Protect residents from neglect, mistreatment, and abuse.
* Protect the personal property of the residents of the facility.
* Others as directed by the supervisor or administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

* Licensed Practical Nurse with current state license.
* Excellent technical, assessment and documentation skills.
* Good Leadership qualities.
* Organized and detailed in work performance.
* Good communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
* Genuine caring for and interest in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
* Comply with the Residents Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures.
* Perform work tasks within the physical demand requirements as outlined below.
* Perform Essential Duties as outlined above.