LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE-HOME HEALTH

Overview

Job Summary

Provides skilled nursing services to patients in their homes under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and in accordance with the established plan of care, authorized practitioner orders, agency policies, the Indiana Nurse Practice Act and Medicare Conditions of Participation.  Observes and reports patient needs and changes in condition, performs assigned treatments and procedures, prepares accurate clinical documentation, and educates patients and caregivers regarding care and self-management techniques. Collaborates with the supervising registered nurse and interdisciplinary team to support safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. Exemplifies the INURSE values through integrity, nursing excellence, unity, respect, scholar, and evidence based practice.

Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

 

Provides skilled nursing care to patients in their homes under the direction of a registered nurse and in accordance with the established plan of care, authorized practitioner orders, agency policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Collects and documents focused patient information, monitors physical and psychosocial status, and promptly reports findings and changes in condition to the supervising registered nurse.

Administers medications and treatments within the LPN’s scope of practice, demonstrated competency, authorized practitioner orders, and agency policies. Monitors patients for treatment effectiveness and adverse reactions.

Provides assigned skilled nursing services, including disease management, wound care, catheter and drain care, specimen collection, patient monitoring, and other procedures within the LPN’s scope of practice and demonstrated competency.

Assists the registered nurse or authorized practitioner with specialized procedures and prepares equipment and treatment materials using appropriate infection-prevention and aseptic techniques.

Reviews the patient’s medication regimen within the LPN’s scope of practice and reports medication discrepancies, adverse reactions, non-adherence, or other concerns to the supervising registered nurse and appropriate practitioner.

Reinforces education provided to patients, families, and caregivers regarding disease management, medications, treatments, safety measures, and appropriate self-care techniques.

Observes, recognizes, and documents changes in the patient’s condition. Consults with the supervising registered nurse before notifying the physician or other authorized practitioner of identified changes and needs, except when immediate emergency action is required.

Accepts and carries out oral and written orders from authorized practitioners in accordance with Indiana law and agency policies and communicates all orders to the supervising registered nurse.

Collaborates with the supervising registered nurse and other interdisciplinary team members to support continuity of care and achievement of established patient goals.

Prepares accurate and complete clinical notes and other required documentation within established agency timeframes, including completion of visit documentation in the EMR/EVV system within 24 hours of the visit.

Maintains patient confidentiality and protects health information in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.

Adheres to infection-prevention, patient-safety, emergency-preparedness, and quality standards while maintaining a safe environment for patients, caregivers, and staff.

Participates in care conferences, staff meetings, quality-improvement activities, in-service education, annual competencies, and required regulatory training.

Maintains nursing supplies, equipment, and other agency resources responsibly and in accordance with agency procedures.

Performs other duties and responsibilities within the LPN’s scope of practice, demonstrated competency, and direction provided by the supervising registered nurse.

 

Qualifications

Job Specific (Minimum Requirements)

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of practical nursing principles, practices, and standards of care.
• Knowledge of the Indiana Nurse Practice Act and the LPN’s role within the home-health setting.
• Ability to provide nursing services under RN direction and in accordance with an established plan of care.
• Ability to collect, document, and communicate focused patient information accurately.
• Ability to recognize and promptly report changes in patient condition to the supervising registered nurse.
• Ability to administer medications and treatments safely and accurately within the LPN’s scope of practice, demonstrated competency, practitioner orders, and agency policies.
• Knowledge of wound care, catheter and drain care, specimen collection, medication monitoring, and other assigned skilled nursing procedures.
• Ability to assist the RN or authorized practitioner with specialized procedures and use aseptic technique appropriately.
• Ability to operate medical equipment commonly used in home-health care.
• Ability to reinforce patient and caregiver education regarding medications, treatments, safety, disease management, and self-care.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently in patients’ homes while maintaining communication with and following direction from the supervising RN.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound practical-nursing judgment.
• Proficiency with EMR and EVV systems, including completion of visit documentation within 24 hours of the visit.

 

Education, Experience & Licensure

Graduate of a state-approved practical nursing program required.

Current, unrestricted Indiana Licensed Practical Nurse license or valid multistate LPN license with authority to practice in Indiana required.

One year of medical-surgical, skilled nursing, home-health, or other relevant clinical nursing experience preferred.

Current Basic Life Support certification required.

Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance meeting agency requirements required.

Completion of agency orientation and successful demonstration of required home-health clinical competencies.

Model of Care and Conduct

Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.