LPN (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Freetown, MA

1d

About The Position

Provides direct service and daily nursing care in a clinically intensive program for people diagnosed with brain injury, including individuals with complex medical needs. The LPN assumes overall responsibility for the program during the designated shift as charge nurse and ensures that care is respectful, dignified, high quality, and promotes individual choice. The primary work location is assigned, but coverage at other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs.

The role includes developing and implementing person-centered care plans; assisting with activities of daily living and clinical care; monitoring health status; administering medications and treatments; supervising and mentoring CNAs; maintaining communication with healthcare providers, families, guardians, and colleagues; and completing accurate, timely documentation. The LPN also supports a safe and welcoming residence, community participation, advocacy, treatment planning, and compliance with accreditation, licensing, fire, and safety requirements.

Requirements

• LPN license in Massachusetts is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid driver's license must be presented at employment; applicants must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driver screening background check.
• Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle; personal vehicle users must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire.
• Safety Care certification is required within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift and to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time as needed and to move around the facility.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Ability to meet the stated vision requirements, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and adjustment of focus.
• Strong commitment to the rights and abilities of people with brain injury and complex health issues.
• Knowledge of LPN practice standards, intervention techniques, teaching and learning modalities, evidence-based practices, assessment practices, documentation standards, proper body mechanics, and community health and mental health services.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, age, gender, and disability issues.
• Skills to develop supportive, trusting relationships with clients.
• Ability to supervise and mentor CNAs; use communication, learning, and supervisory techniques; and apply organizational, strategic, participatory, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions and work professionally and confidentially.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals with brain injury.
• One to two years of supervised practical experience, including internships, in a clinical or rehabilitation setting.
• Experience working with people with developmental and/or psychiatric disabilities, medical illnesses, and other co-occurring disorders.
• Associate's degree.
• Bilingual/bi-cultural background or lived experience.
• May be asked to obtain CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement person-centered treatment and care plans.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living in accordance with their care plans, including personal care, diabetes care, wound care, GT/JT care, tracheostomy care, and nutritional support.
• Monitor and observe clients for changes in status, conduct individualized assessments, and provide skilled nursing interventions as indicated.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by the primary care provider.
• Provide transportation and accompany individuals to medical, dental, or other appointments as needed.
• Ensure nutritional needs are met and order pharmacological, medical, nutritional, and equipment supplies in a timely and safe manner.
• Use behavioral strategies and follow prescribed clinical plans when indicated.
• Supervise CNAs during the designated shift and ensure care is timely, accurate, aligned with ISP goals, and responsive to the whole person.
• Ensure the program meets quality-control standards and provide relevant nursing education and training to CNAs as needed.
• Communicate with the Program Nurse Administrator, primary care providers, families, guardians, Vinfen employees, outside agencies, community agencies, and neighbors as appropriate.
• Use emergency and on-call systems when appropriate and report changes in an individual's status to appropriate people and agencies.
• Document nursing care, treatments, medication administration, shift notes, daily communications, treatment plans, medical records, and incident reports in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, welcoming, and regulation-compliant environment that respects clients' preferences and supports their active participation.
• Store medications and treatment supplies safely and maintain clients' medical equipment and supplies, including wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, and hospital beds.
• Support individuals' participation in community outings and events while respecting their preferences.
• Advocate for people served and collaborate with Vinfen departments, outside agencies, and community providers.
• Attend and actively participate in treatment-plan, ISP, and other planning meetings as warranted.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, neighbors, and other significant people in their lives.
• Model positive professional behavior, participate in Vinfen trainings, and attend conferences and educational opportunities as indicated.
• Comply with accreditation and licensing requirements and ensure the residence meets fire and safety requirements.
• Perform other assigned duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution.
• Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for qualifying employees.
• Flexible spending reimbursement accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED