Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Clinical Support

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides skilled nursing services to patients in their homes under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with the established plan of care, physician/provider orders, agency policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
In addition to direct patient care responsibilities, the LPN may assist with clinical and administrative functions that support the efficient operation of Graceful Aging Home Health Care. These duties may include physician order tracking, medical record follow-up, referral coordination, chart review, scheduling support, documentation monitoring, and communication with patients, caregivers, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
The LPN must practice within the scope of his or her license and promptly escalate changes in patient condition, clinical concerns, or matters requiring Registered Nurse assessment or judgment.

Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Director of Nursing/Clinical Manager and works collaboratively with the Director of Home Health Operations, Registered Nurses, therapists, aides, and administrative staff.
 

Essential Responsibilities

Skilled Nursing and Patient Care

• Provide skilled nursing services in accordance with the patient's plan of care and authorized practitioner orders.
• Perform nursing procedures and treatments within the LPN's scope of practice and demonstrated competency.
• Obtain and document vital signs, pain assessments, blood glucose readings, weights, and other patient information as ordered.
• Administer medications and treatments as permitted by law, agency policy, and the patient's plan of care.
• Observe patients for changes in physical, functional, or psychosocial condition and promptly report significant findings to the supervising Registered Nurse and appropriate practitioner.
• Reinforce patient and caregiver education initiated by the Registered Nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.
• Monitor patient response to treatments and interventions and document findings accurately and timely.
• Assist with wound care, medication management, disease-management support, and other skilled services as ordered and within scope of practice.
• Maintain infection prevention and safety standards during all patient care activities.
• Communicate with physicians, pharmacies, medical equipment providers, and other members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
• Participate in care coordination and interdisciplinary communication regarding patient needs.
• Notify the supervising Registered Nurse of patient concerns, missed visits, hospitalizations, falls, medication issues, or other significant events.

Clinical Documentation and Care Coordination

• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation for all patient visits and services provided.

   

• Review physician orders and plans of care applicable to assigned patients and ensure care is provided accordingly.
• Assist with obtaining updated medication lists, medical records, and other clinical information needed for patient care.
• Assist with tracking outstanding physician orders, signed plans of care, certifications, recertifications, and other required clinical documentation.
• Follow up with physician offices and healthcare providers regarding outstanding documents, signatures, or requested information.
• Upload and appropriately file clinical documentation in the electronic medical record as assigned.
• Assist with coordinating laboratory services, medical equipment, appointments, referrals, and other ordered services.
• Communicate documentation deficiencies or clinical concerns to the Registered Nurse or clinical leadership.

Administrative and Office Support

When patient care needs permit, the LPN may also assist with administrative and clinical support functions, including:

• Assist with processing new patient referrals and obtaining required clinical documentation.
• Enter or update patient information within the electronic medical record.
• Assist with scheduling nursing visits and coordinating services with patients and clinical staff.
• Monitor incoming clinical communications and route information to the appropriate team member.
• Follow up with physician offices regarding unsigned orders, medical records, and other required documentation.
• Assist with maintaining admission, hospitalization, transfer, discharge, order, and other clinical tracking logs.
• Assist with chart audits and review records for completeness.
• Identify missing documentation and follow up with the appropriate staff member.
• Assist clinical leadership with preparation for surveys, audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Support agency leadership with reports, tracking spreadsheets, documentation projects, and other operational needs.
• Answer and appropriately route patient, caregiver, physician, and referral-source communications.
• Perform other clinical or administrative duties as assigned and within the LPN's scope of practice.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Follow all Graceful Aging Home Health Care policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement and performance improvement activities as assigned.
• Assist with chart audits, documentation reviews, and corrective action follow-up.
• Report patient safety, compliance, documentation, or operational concerns to clinical leadership.
• Complete required education, competency assessments, and in-service training.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable nursing standards and agency requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Current and unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
• Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Minimum of one (1) year of nursing experience preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, health screenings, and competency requirements.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to patient homes as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous home health or community-based nursing experience.
• Experience working within a Medicare-certified home health agency.
• Experience with skilled nursing visits, wound care, medication management, and chronic disease management.
• Familiarity with home health plans of care, physician orders, admissions, resumptions of care, recertifications, transfers, and discharges.
• Experience assisting with medical record audits, physician order tracking, or quality assurance activities.
• Experience communicating with physician offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and referral sources.
• Experience using Axxess or another home health electronic medical record system.
• Strong administrative and computer skills.

Employment Requirements

• Current LPN license in good standing.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Successful criminal background check.
• Required TB testing and health screening.
• Drug screening as required by agency policy.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license.
• Compliance with all agency training and competency requirements.