Licensed Nurses (LPN or RN)

PT day hours (weekend shifts only)

On-call hours for all shifts

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The primary purpose of the position is to provide direct nursing care to the residents, and to monitor the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants and trained medication aides. Such monitoring must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing, Clinical Coordinator, or Charge Nurse to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. The practice of practical nursing includes services in observing and caring for the ill, injured, or infirm, in applying counsel and procedure to safeguard life and health, in administering medication and treatment prescribed by a licensed health professional, which are commonly performed by licensed practical nurses and which required specialized knowledge and skill such as are taught or acquired in an approved school of practical nursing, but which do not require the specialized education, knowledge, and skill of a registered nurse. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY: The Licensed Practical Nurse is delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out the assigned duties. FUNDAMENTAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Essential Functions: 1. Administrative Functions

Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants and trained medication aides

Ensure that the written policies and procedures that govern the nursing department are adhered to, as they pertain to the position

Cooperate with ancillary services to ensure that the residents’ total regimen of care is maintained

Participate in the facility’s quality assurance program

Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required

Be a helpful and supportive “team” member

Contribute to and be an example of team work

Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive resident emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the care center and shift2. Charting and Documentation

Accurate and timely completion of required documentation

Report to and collaborate with appropriate physicians to ensure continuity of residents’ care3. Medication Administrative Functions

Prepare and administer medications as ordered by physicians in compliance with facility policies and procedures and as required by the appropriate licensing and regulatory agencies

Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary

Notify the Charge Nurse of all medication and narcotic discrepancies noted4. Personnel Functions

Participate in determining and ascertaining shift staffing requirements

Develop work assignments

Make daily rounds of neighborhood(s) to ensure that nursing personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards

Review the nursing department’s work force as directed

Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned

Give/receive the nursing report upon reporting in and ending shift5. Nursing Care Functions

Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards

Administer professional services as indicated by the Nursing Department Policies and Procedures

Consult with residents’ attending physicians and Charge Nurse in providing the residents’ care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., as necessary

Inform nursing personnel of new admissions

Ensure rooms are ready for new admissions6. Staff Development

Attend and participate in orientation and training offerings

Keep license and CPR certification current. Provide documentation to the Nursing Office7. Safety and Sanitation

Provide and maintain safe caring practices of residents

Provide and monitor the provision of resident appropriate assistance with activities of daily living skills

Ensure that assigned personnel participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner8. Care Plan Functions

Review and update care plans daily to reflect change in residents’ conditions. Follow residents’ plans of care

Ensure that documentation in the Interdepartmental Notes reflect that the care plan is being followed

Ensure that assigned nursing personnel are aware of the residents’ plans of care and that they are used in administering daily care to the resident9. Resident Rights

Adhere to the Resident Bill of Rights

Protect resident’s confidentiality

Ensure that all nursing personnel are knowledgeable of the residents’ rights, and responsibilities

Review complaints and grievances made by the resident and make a written/oral report to the Charge Nurse indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint and grievanceIn addition to the previous essential functions, employee(s) must treat residents, staff and visitors with dignity and respect, and must know Resident’s Bill of Rights. Employee(s) must also adhere to good working habits. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: Must be able to work efficiently with frequent interruptions, be able to distinguish priorities in resident care and follow through with them, must be able to handle difficult and emotionally upsetting circumstances which involve the resident and/or family members. WORKING CONDITIONS: Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials will occur. Exposure to environmental conditions including dust, fumes, gases, and marked changes in temperature and humidity will occur. Job involves working on unprotected heights and around moving machinery. EQUIPMENT USED: Medical equipment such as patient lifting devices, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscope, thermometer, oximeter, blood glucose monitoring devices, IV equipment, syringes, otoscope, transfer belts, wheel chairs, geri-chairs, commodes, walkers, scales and oxygen equipment. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, and goggles or shields. QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:

Must be, at a minimum, a graduate of an approved LPN program

Must possess a current, unencumbered, license to practice as an LPN in the state of Minnesota

Must demonstrate leadership abilities to develop and motivate people

possess good critical thinking and problem solving skills

exhibit the ability to prioritize responsibilities

be flexible and able to work under stressful situations

possess good verbal and written communication skills

be self-directed and work autonomously

have the necessary management skills to plan for and oversee the utilization of resources and the design of work processes

Must be able to read, write, and speak English