LPN Community Nurse

SUMMARY:

The Community Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) supplements the nursing care needs of participants as established in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) plan of care. The LPN assists the primary care providers in the collection of specific assessment data that is used by the IDT in the planning of care needs. The LPN performs acts, task or functions under the direction of the RN, physician, or nurse practitioner, and acts only within the scope of his/her authority to practice.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

• The LPN works under the direction of the RN or primary care providers in the collection of specific assessment data, upon the initial visit to PACE of SE Michigan and upon routine re-evaluations; this data is used by the Interdisciplinary Team to plan for and evaluate participant needs.
• The LPN works with the participant, the family and all members of the interdisciplinary team in implementing the participants’ plan of care.
• The LPN assists with data collection for routine as well as episodic visits to the clinic; the LPN communicates his/her findings to the medical provider or the team for evaluating or modifying the plan of care.
• The LPN prepares and administers medications as ordered by the physician he/she administers, in a safe, accurate, and timely manner.
• The LPN demonstrates knowledge of the medications he/she administers, including actions and side effects, and instructs the participant/family in safe administration of medications at home.
• The LPN signs, dates, and performs all charting/documentation of medications; the LPN reports and follows up on any medication errors in accordance with the policies and procedures of PACE; the LPN participates in the collection of information and maintains accurate records of participant functional status and care given.
• The LPN advocates to others on behalf of the participant and demonstrates accountability in resolving participant concerns or issues.
• The LPN understands, complies with and promotes the Participant Bill of Rights and assesses and works toward achieving high levels of participant satisfaction.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• The LPN participates in annual, mandatory in-service training and screening, including but not limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training.
• The LPN assumes responsibility for self-development through continuing education, utilizing resources, within the health care system or elsewhere.
• Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse with current Michigan licensure.
• The ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdisciplinary relationships.
• The LPN assists the RN with the implementation of nursing research studies through gathering of data.
• The LPN reviews current periodical literature relevant to the general practice of nursing well as information pertaining to the PACE model of care.
• Must have one (1) year of experience with frail or elderly population.
• Must meet a standardized set of competencies before working independently.
• Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Manual dexterity is required to complete tasks; walking, stooping, standing, reaching, bending and lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed in the performance of duties.
• Working conditions are variable with exposure to communicable diseases, due to patient environment.