Licensed Practical Nurse

Position:  Licensed Practical Nurse

Location: Murfreesboro, Smyrna TN

Duration: Fulltime

Salary: DOE

The LPN has the primary responsibility for providing medical services, counseling, supervision and program plan implementation to clients during scheduled shifts. 

Direct client care involves:

A. PROGRAMMING

1. Assist clients in developing their independent problem solving skills whenever possible.

2. Guide clients in interacting positively with friends, peers, family, the community, staff and other professionals and other individuals the client comes in contact with.

3. Document family contact in the general logs.

4. Look for ways for clients to improve their skills and increase self-sufficiency in all aspects of daily living on an ongoing basis.

5. Understand the purpose of and consistently implement all client programs scheduled during hours worked.

6. Accurately and thoroughly document day-to-day client progress on scheduled programs and record all data requested on the appropriate program charts, graphs and/or comment forms.

7. Provide the program manager with feedback on the success and appropriateness of programs being implemented. This can be documented in client general or program logs.

8. Objectively log all significant client activity (events, problems, accomplishments, etc.) in the appropriate logging section during each scheduled shift.

9. Get clarification from program manager or QMRP on program implementation when needed.

10. Submit input on assigned client(s) progress for quarterly and annual program reports.

11. Maintaining assigned program books (i.e. updating charting forms).

B. MEDICAL

1. Log all client medical occurrences (illness, injuries, reports of illness, etc.) in the clients medical logs. Documentation of an illness or injury must be made at least daily until the condition has resolved.

2. Monitor and document client seizure activity and perform follow up as indicated on seizure plan of care and/or as dictated by program nurse and/or physician. Follow plan of care to administer prn seizure medication and contact emergency services as needed.

3. Assure that the procedure for medication administration and documentation is clearly understood and implemented in full compliance with physician prescription, established policy and medication administration programming (if applicable). Request clarification and/or retraining from the program nurse immediately as needed.

4. Complete and document weight and vital signs checks as indicated by the program nurse, physician, or health care plan.

5. Chart other health related data (i.e. menses), as assigned.

6. Accompany clients to medical appointments as requested. A completed medical fact sheet should be brought for the physician to sign. All follow-up information from the appointment is documented in medical logs and communicated to the program nurse and program manager.

7. Perform respiratory therapy per health care plan for applicable clients after receiving training by the program nurse.

8. Administer prescribed/prn medication intramuscularly as indicated in physician orders for seizures or other conditions.

9. Conduct physical/occupational therapy as indicated by the therapist, physician, and/or health care plan.

10. Evaluate, treat and document clients skin conditions as specifically indicated in health care plans.

11. Monitor and maintain proper functioning of gastrostomy tubes, catheters, feeding tubes and pumps, and other client specific medical equipment.

12. Take/transcribe telephone orders from physicians for client medical emergencies and other needs as they arise.

13. Follow universal bloodborne precautions on a consistent basis.

14. Perform other medical duties as assigned by the program nurse.

C. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION/ACTIVITIES/SOCIALIZATION

1. Assist clients in developing and using effective and varied leisure time management skills.

2. Assist clients in selecting and participating in a variety of activities.

3. Provide/coordinate social/recreational/leisure activities per program procedure and according to the clients PIP.

4. Orient clients to available community services (shopping, restaurants), recreation, and promote their independent use of these services to the greatest extent possible.

5. Involve clients in appropriate social/recreational groups and events in the community and inform the program manager of the availability of these resources.

6. Facilitate client relationships with family and friends as much as possible, except when otherwise indicated in their individual service plans or provider implementation plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be 18 years or older.

Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current license for the State of Tennessee. Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.

Must be able to drive own vehicle, company vehicle (if available), and/or to use public transportation systems to perform job duties. He/she must have valid drivers license. He/she must pass the annual drivers record check required by insurance company. She/he must provide proof of insurance before driving her/his own vehicle while performing duties

An employee will be excluded from driving a vehicle while performing duties if she/he fails to maintain the required qualifications. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to have a valid drivers license, failure to maintain an acceptable driving record, or failure to provide proof of insurance for own vehicle.