Staff Nurse, LPN (Part-time and Per Diem)

Functions as the second licensed nurse on nursing unit during the day shift, or as the charge nurse on the evening and night shifts. Responsible for the administration and documentation of all medications and treatments, for acting as, or relieving the Charge Nurse as assigned, for assisting with the supervision of Nursing Assistants, and assisting with delegated administrative work of the unit. Reports directly to the Patient Care Coordinator or charge nurse on the day shift, or to the shift Assistant Director of Nursing on evenings or nights. Required to use skilled judgment in evaluating residents, staff and unit needs, in seeking professional consultation with a supervisor as needed, and in working to improve care and the quality of life for the residents on the unit to which they have been assigned. Performance of this job description may entail exposure to blood and body fluids or other potentially infectious materials. This position carries a Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Risk Level I.

 

Special Necessary Requirements: 

Must possess Connecticut LPN License at time of application

Knowledge of geriatric nursing and geriatric pharmacology.

 

Skilled in clinical competency and effective communication abilities.

 

Knowledge of geriatric pharmacology with ability to recognize the different lab values for geriatric residents.

 

Knowledge of CPR.

 

Ability and skilled in the use of specialized equipment needed to perform functions of the position including but not limited to the use of intravenous supplies/pumps/equipment, gastric feeding tubes/pumps/supplies, stethoscope, syphygmomanometer, electrocardiograph, ambu bag, halter monitors, glucometers, manual/electric beds, stretcher, air/water mattresses, wheelchairs/gerichairs, hoyer/transaide lifts, C-tub chair lifts, chair/sling/ramp scales, unit call bell system, unit alarm system, beeper/page system, food cart, laundry cart, emergency box/night medicine cabinet, oxygen tanks/equipment and suction equipment/supplies.

 

Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including physical restraint, CPR and patient care.

Administers medication to all residents on the unit, following the policies and procedures of this institution; accurately records all medications given, and notes those which have been withheld.

 

Completes all treatments as ordered by the physician; provides accurate documentation for procedures performed.

 

Reports any significant changes noted in a resident, together with his/her assessment of the reasons for the change.

 

Performs physical care of residents either because of residents’ needs, staffing needs, or in order to provide training to a Nursing Assistant.

 

Assists in charting and required documentation in regard to residents on the unit.

 

Maintains records and forms as required.

 

Provides resident and family education regarding health issues; documents education content provided.

Provides on-the-job training to Nursing Assistants as requested or needed; documents education provided.

 

Maintains an awareness of potential environmental factors related to safety, infection control, and quality of life, and acts to correct deficiencies promptly when possible, or reports the problem to the appropriate person for correction.

 

Assists charge nurse in making unit rounds; reports findings to the nurse in charge/assumes full responsibility for charge duties on evenings and nights.

 

Knows and supports the policies of the institution and other governing authorities, i.e., Town, State, and Federal/interprets policies to residents, families and staff members.

 

Participates in orienting new staff to unit and facility routines.

 

Informs the nurse in charge of identified problems and needs.

 

Recommends improvements in care, changes in routines, procedures, etc. based on current trends in nursing, and on skilled observations.

 

May participate in additional non-required in-service education programs; serves on committees, and participates in studies involving the nursing unit as assigned.

 

Performs related work as assigned.