Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) - PRN
STGi is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse to provide services to our Georgia War Veterans Home.
JOB SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of the lead LPN/LVN is to provide direct nursing care to the residents.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ensure the facility meets the minimum staffing levels for nurses and nurse aides; complete required posting of nursing staff data as required.
- Ensure that each resident who experiences a significant change in status is assessed using the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process.
- Assist to develop a dementia care program involving an interdisciplinary approach with a holistic focus on the needs of the resident living with dementia.
- Verify resident census accuracy and report new admissions, discharges, leaves of absence and bed-holds per facility policies; document census as established for billing and clinical purposes.
- Assist with safe and orderly resident transfers and discharges in accordance with facility policies.
- Coordinate Pre-certification and recertification in accordance with facility policies for Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance payers.
- Interpret the department’s policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors and government agencies as required.
- Participate in developing, maintaining, and updating written facility policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing services department.
- Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested.
- Audit nursing documentation in the clinical record for appropriate and relevant entries.
- Attend and contribute in facility “triple check” process for reviewing coding for accuracy.
- Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
- Periodically review the department’s policies and procedures manuals, job descriptions, etc., and make recommendations for revisions to the Director of Nursing.
- Coordinate the completion of resident billable charge sheets in accordance with billing policies.
- Provide licensed nursing care to residents that is consistent with the written plans of care.
- Communicate with primary care physicians and members of the comprehensive care planning team regarding the status of residents; follow up on critical labs, order requests and physician notifications.
- Arrange for an interpreter or translation services in accordance with facility policies for those with limited English proficiency (LEP).
- Obtain orders to provide essential care to the resident consistent with the resident’s mental and physical status upon admission to the facility.
- Ensure that all residents are treated with dignity, respect and consideration and have the right to exercise their choice and self-determination.
- Ensure that residents receive culturally competent trauma-informed care in accordance with professional standards of practice.
- Evaluate residents’ response to care.
- Coordinate nursing care to accommodate resident’s person-centered plan of care including sleep schedule, social activity, and participation in other resident-directed activity; minimize interruption of activities as much as possible.
- Ensure that residents are free from physical or chemical restraints imposed for the purposes of discipline or convenience that are not required to treat the residents’ medical symptoms.
- Assist in coordinating nursing services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents’ plan of care.
- Identify the learning needs of residents and families and provide individualized and comprehensive resident/family education.
- Educate residents and families on the risk and benefits of a treatment or choice when consent is needed.
- Monitor residents for patterns of decreased social interaction or signs of distress.
- Implement individualized approaches to dementia care including meaningful activities addressing the resident’s customary routines, interest preferences and choices.
- Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs including restorative nursing, activities of daily living (ADLs) teaching, bowel and bladder retraining and education for self-help as appropriate.
- Provide pain management for residents in accordance with established pain management protocols.
- Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
- Assist the interdisciplinary team (IDT) with establishing nutrition, hydration and body weight parameters for residents; help facilitate the responsibilities of the food and nutrition services department.
- Keep the Director of Nursing informed of the status of residents and other related matters through written/oral reports, document reportable events and notifications in accordance with facility policies.
- Cooperate with and coordinate social and activity programs with nursing services schedules.
- Periodically review the resident’s written discharge plan; participate in updating the resident’s written discharge plan as required.
- Ensure that the discharge needs of each resident are identified and result in the development of a discharge plan for each resident including regular re-evaluation to identify changes that require modifications.
- Make periodic checks to ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are properly administering prescribed treatments and to evaluate the resident’s physical, psychosocial and emotional status.
- Report problem areas to the Director of Nursing; assist in developing and implementing corrective action.
- Arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services as ordered by the physician and in accordance with established facility procedures.
- Provide information to the QAPI Committee as requested.
- Coordinate transfer or discharge of residents including arranging transportation, compiling the discharge summary, reconciling medication and reviewing upcoming appointments with resident in a language understood by the resident with the goal of a safe discharge.
- Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon the resident’s admission, transfer and/or discharge; provide notifications to the ombudsman and responsible party per requirements.
- Document reports of accidents/incidents involving residents; follow established procedures.
- Perform routine charting duties as required and in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures.
- Audit clinical record for appropriate consents and assessments including advance directives, living wills and other documents required for the delivery of person-centered care with respect to rights and choices.
- Review the controlled substance and drug disposal records for accuracy and notify the Director of Nursing and pharmacy of discrepancies.
- Monitor medication administration process and provide appropriate feedback or changes to prevent medication errors.
- Ensure that the medication carts and medication rooms are clean, sanitary, and well stocked.
- Assess residents for appropriate self-administration of medication in coordination with the IDT.
- Reconcile medication delivery from pharmacy by verifying the medications, quantity, and accuracy.
- Collaborate with the IDT to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications for all residents.
- Administer medications in accordance with physician orders, regulations, and facility policies.
- Support the objectives of the infection prevention and control program including antibiotic stewardship.
- Work with the IDT to review unnecessary medications and coordinate gradual dose reductions as appropriate.
- Reconcile resident medications (pre/post-discharge) as part of the discharge process.
- Order prescribed medications, supplies and equipment as necessary and in accordance with established facility policies.
- Meet with assigned nursing staff as well as support personnel in planning the shifts’ services, programs, and activities and to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and/or improving delivery of person-centered care and services.
- Assist the Director of Nursing in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
- Direct the day-to-day functions of the CNAs in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
- Coordinate with the scheduler to ensure a Registered Nurse (RN) is on duty at least 8 hours a day/7 days a week and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is on duty 24 hours a day.
- Ensure that services provided or arranged are delivered by individuals who have the skills, experience, and knowledge to do a particular task or activity; this includes proper licensure or certification if required.
- Assess residents for conditions which may be aided by assistive or adaptive devices; recommend/request in accordance with facility policies; monitor for proper utilization and application of assistive devices.
- Ensure that all nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
- Develop positive professional relationships with nursing students, teachers/professors, and other visitors.
- Prepare and deliver nursing report at change of shift or in situations requiring a coordinated effort.
- Assist in the grievance process in coordination with the grievance officer; assist residents with filing grievances, investigating allegations, and coordinating an appropriate response; respond to resident or family grievances in accordance with facility policies.
- Review complaints and grievances made or filed by your assigned personnel; make appropriate reports to the Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor as required or as necessary.
- Collaborate with the Staff Development Coordinator for team member training, skill development and competencies in accordance with facility policies (e.g., proper hand-washing techniques, proper operation of Hoyer lift or assistive device); educate in a manner or format understood by the team member.
- Assist the Director of Nursing in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees, nursing students and newly hired nurses.
- Assist in training department personnel.
- Ensure that all nursing services personnel comply with established departmental policies and procedures.
- Ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving residents in accordance with plan of care and facility policies; order and stock personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.
- Ensure that the resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as possible, and that each resident receives adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents.
- Ensure that nursing services personnel follow established infection prevention and control procedures.
- Ensure that assigned personnel participate in all Life Safety Code and emergency preparedness and response drills in a safe and professional manner and in accordance with facility policies.
- Monitor nursing staff to ensure adherence with manufacturer’s recommendations and established safety protocols during the use of equipment, supplies or resources.
- Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
- Recommend to the Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor the equipment and supply needs of your unit/shift.
- Maintain list(s) of equipment repairs or needs required for resident care.
Required Skills
- Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
- 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,