LPN

About the position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team (IDT) and assists with the assessment, planning, and implementation of nursing services; administers medications, treatments, and enteral feedings; monitors each client's physical and psychological status; and facilitates medical follow up as needed. The LPN provides education to the IDT related to each client's individualized health care needs, promotes client independence, and sets nursing priorities in accordance with professional judgment within scope of New Jersey's Nurse Practice Act and in accordance with Elwyn's policies and procedures and those of Elwyn's regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Complete a comprehensive nursing exam to include but not limited to physical, social, psychological, and neurological examination, upon admission/readmission and as changing health needs indicate to ensure quality of care
• Upon discharge, complete a Discharge Summary that includes all relevant medication, medical follow up, and pertinent health care information for the transition and care of the individuals to receiving facility
• Present clinical data obtained through direct observation, interview, physical exam, data collection and other reports to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to be used in the development of the care plan, present information in a concise and organized manner
• Implement the health care plan for clients requiring 24/7 nursing care that includes specific nursing goals and directions for meeting the client's health care needs at admission and throughout the course of care
• Review and revise the health care plan under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) at a minimum of every 90 days and incorporate data gathered through nursing exams and communication with the IDT to ensure continuity of care
• Communicate with Day and Work Services to ensure that the health care needs of the client are communicated, and the necessary documentation forwarded
• Refer clients to physicians when assessment indicates further medical evaluation is required; facilitate transfer to the hospital/Emergency Department as needed
• Complete hospital and Emergency Department transfer sheets; copy and forward the annual physical exam, current Medication Administration Records (MARs), and other pertinent information to the receiving facility to ensure continuity of care
• Monitor weight and blood pressure measurements at a minimum of monthly and more frequently, per the nurse's professional judgement and/or as indicated by physician orders
• Prepare and administer medication as ordered by the physician in accordance with Elwyn New Jersey's medication policies and procedures; obtain verbal orders when necessary and transcribe the information as per policy
• Administer and document prescribed medications and treatments on hard copy MARs or in an electronic format (eMARs); use discretion during administration to provide as much client privacy as possible
• Administer enteral tube feedings, perform blood glucose testing, nebulizer treatments, skin care, ostomy care, foley insertion and care, suprapubic tube change, tracheostomy care and suctioning vital signs (VS) and pulse ox monitoring as ordered by the physician to ensure individual care
• Instruct direct care staff on the administration and documentation of specific treatments including but not limited to topical creams and other over the counter (OTCs) agents for continuity of care
• Reports observed medication and treatment side effects and relevant laboratory values to the Nursing Administrator as soon as possible; contact the physician as directed by the Nurse Manager
• If using hard copy MARs, review the monthly MAR and validate that all medication and treatment orders are correct and updated as needed; remove old MARs from the medication binder and replace with new MARs at the start of every month to ensure quality of care
• Observe client progress with the self-administration of medication and work to actively promote increased independence in client function, collect and record data related to client progress and medication goals
• Complete monthly medication exchanges with the pharmacy provider; immediately reconcile the medication received and any identified issues (e.g. incorrect counts, overage of meds received)
• Administer and document immunizations as ordered by the physician; ensure that necessary consents for the individuals have been completed prior to administration
• Prepare clients for medical appointments through communication and maintenance of NPO (nothing by mouth) status, procedural preps, and the administration of pre-sedation medication
• Validate that all lab work has been completed as scheduled and document in the nursing progress note; if not completed, schedule follow up and document that follow up has been completed
• Document all behavioral and physical changes in the client's status and other pertinent information in the nursing progress notes; document all changes from baseline status
• Contact family members/guardians to report any new injuries that require more than basic First Aid or as otherwise requested by the family, within twenty-four (24) hours, document to the progress notes that the communication has been made
• Communicate health issues (e.g. medication changes, dietary changes) to staff in the program's Communication Log to ensure continuity of care
• Document all relevant information in the MAR, nursing progress notes, and 24-Hour Change in Status Report as the method of hand off to the next shift to ensure continuity of individual care; communicate all pertinent client and unit information to the incoming nurses through written report
• Inspect the general living areas for present and potential hazards and report to the Unit Director, and Nurse Manager as soon as possible
• Monitor for potential infectious disease among clients and staff and report to the Nurse Manager as soon as possible; institute appropriate protocols, as needed, to ensure individuals' safety
• Provide clear and concise direction to Elwyn staff during a medical emergency (e.g., vital signs, injury, individual positioning, location of individual in the home) pending the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS)
• Order medical and nursing supplies for assigned unit; restock supplies upon arrival, ensure expired medications are removed from inventory
• Maintain medical equipment in proper working order in every medication dispensary; clean equipment per manufactures guidelines and facilitate equipment repair as necessary to ensure safe and effective use of the equipment
• Maintain medication dispensary in a clean and orderly fashion and all times, disinfect medication carts, counter tops, and work surfaces at the end of every shift with antibacterial product
• Assist with the training and orientation of new LPN employees through onsite training
• Provide nursing coverage to all units as needed; demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork when nursing assignments must be modified to ensure quality of individual care
• Ensure timely reporting of all injuries or occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials and hazardous chemical in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Collaborate with Risk Management as needed to ensure individual care
• Adhere to Elwyn's policies and procedures related to Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act and the disclosure of health protected information to ensure confidentiality of individual records, information
• Complete all Elwyn mandatory educational requirements by the annual due date
• Maintains current state-mandated training and certifications
• Follows all current policies and procedures of Elwyn New Jersey
• Cooperates with Elwyn New Jersey and the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, or any other authorized investigating body during an inspection or investigation
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), safe crisis management, and medication administration using agency-trained protocols
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Licensed as a Practical Nurse in the Commonwealth of New Jersey
• One (1) year general nursing or medical surgical experience required; developmental disabilities nursing experience preferred
• Demonstrated skill using an electronic medical record system
• Excellent planning, communication, customer interaction, collaboration, and documentation skills required
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
• Must be able to perform CPR and safe care using agency-trained protocols, current CPR certification
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
• Must submit to a criminal background check and be determined to be not disqualified by the New Jersey Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served
• Must agree to have their name checked against the New Jersey Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and NJ Child Abuse Registry (CARI)
• Must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer