Licensed Practical Nurse FT

Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) under the supervision of the Registered Nurse is involved in the direct treatment, guidance and training of people receiving Day Habilitation or Prevocational services. Duties will include providing nursing services, administering medications and performing personal care tasks in program and community settings.

Essential Functions:

Program Specific Functions:

* Provide nursing services under the supervision of the Registered Nurse including medication administration within the scope of the LPN licensure.
* Secure and maintain all medications and Medication Administration Records (MAR) as per agency policy.
* Organize and schedule administration of medication on-site and in community settings.
* Check for response/effectiveness of new, changed, or discontinued medications.
* Maintain all necessary medical paperwork in the electronic health record (EHR) such as physicals, med orders, med assessments, vaccination records etc.
* Maintain excellent communication between program managers, program staff, families, the individual and doctor's offices to coordinate program medical care as needed.
* Attend Life Plan/Intake meetings as needed to advocate/gather medical information.
* Attend program community activities as required for medical oversight.
* As applicable, provide input to the RN for formulation and implementation of care plans to meet the medical needs of each person supported.
* Provide training to staff and individuals on health-related topics i.e., signs of illness/injury, contagious health conditions, wellness topics, diabetes and insulin injections, medication administration etc.
* Observe for signs and symptoms of dysfunction of a person, document and collaborate next steps of care with the RN, complete hands-on care for people supported alongside staff to include all ADL's
* Recognize and respond in a timely manner to medical emergencies. Provide any necessary follow-up in conjunction with the individual, family and team.
* Provide personal hygiene and health care assistance to people supported as needed including: toileting, showering, oral hygiene, shaving, hair care, nail care, changing of adult protective garment etc.

General Functions:

* Provide supports, assessment and training to persons supported according to their written Staff Action Plan (SAP) and individual Safeguards Plan or Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP). Implement goals as written by the Individual and their team.
* Ensure necessary level of supervision (LOS) is met by following the individual's Safeguard Plan, Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) dietary guidelines and any other applicable plans.
* Accurately document services contemporaneously in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or with paper note (as applicable) in accordance with the Agency, OPWDD, Medicaid and other funder requirements.
* Treat all protected health information consistent with HIPAA.
* Properly utilize and store all agency electronics such as chrome book, laptop, cell phone and/or hot spot.
* Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, evaluating data and submitting in a timely manner in the appropriate format including: daily goal notes, checklists, progress notes, injury/fall reports, seizure reports, attendance records, incident reports, behavior documentation etc.
* Provide input into the development and implementation of the SAP in accordance with the Life Plan (LP) as developed by each person receiving services, family, advocate and Care Coordinator.
* Assist in purging paperwork as required.
* Participate in developing and delivering remote services to individuals as necessary.
* Assist individual's in receiving needed/desired medical services and communicating/documenting pertinent information as per Agency policy, as designated (i.e. medication administration, transportation to appointments)
* Support the safety of all individuals in everyday situations.
* Work as a team to support positive behavioral strategies.
* Provide transportation to people supported as necessary and follow proper safety procedures.
* Drive Agency vehicles, complete necessary paperwork and report any accidents or maintenance issues immediately to the transportation department and your supervisor. Ensure agency vehicle is kept tidy and follow all routine cleaning procedures.
* Assist people supported to build positive relationships in their community.
* Support people to make personal choices and to advocate for themselves. Respect matters related to diversity and inclusion.
* Communicate professionally with co-workers, people supported, families and the community as necessary.
* Complete all required Agency Training per agency policy and apply knowledge and skills gained to job.
* Demonstrates professionalism in the workplace including: demeanor, appearance, attention to punctuality and attendance policies, reliability, flexibility and pleasantness.
* Report for duty as scheduled. The location of a scheduled shift may be subject to change according to program needs.
* Check employee email/schedule and other correspondence each scheduled shift.
* Attend and participate in meetings, as requested
* Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the Agency Code of Conduct and Arc Brand
* Adhere to all Agency and Program Policies and Procedures.
* Participate in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required.
* Other related duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:

* Participate on Agency committees.

Reporting Responsibilities:

* Supervision: Senior Director of Day & Vocational Services
* Clinical: Agency RN

Supervisory Responsibilities: None exercised

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Ability to instruct others and maintain composure during emergency/conflict situations and be able to use sound judgment in decision making.
* Actively listen and be able to communicate, verbally and in writing.
* Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
* Maintain composure under pressure.
* Serve as a role model and represent the agency positively in the community.
* Ability to use a computer or mobile device to access email and required software.
* Ability to self-initiate projects and function autonomously as a leader when needed

Physical Requirements:

* Ability to lift 50 pounds, and to stand, sit, kneel, and stoop
* Ability to assist an adult with personal care needs
* Be physically able to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchair to other seat when needed
* Ability to assist individuals with ambulation
* Ability to physically load, unload and secure wheelchairs during transport
* Ability to move chairs, tables and access storage areas
* Ability to drive safely
* Ability to assist people when they are having behavioral challenges

Working Conditions:

* Generally working in a typical program environment
* May involve frequent travel to off-site locations including job/volunteer locations, community recreational sites and personal residences.
* May require evening and weekend work.
* May require use of personal vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in New York State. Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting. Experience with people with developmental disabilities.
* Valid NYS driver's license with a safe driving record per agency policy