Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the supervision of the registered nurse.  The licensed practical nurse

assists in utilizing the nursing process (assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating) in

Home Health according to policies and procedures.  Assists the registered nurse with the

implementation of the plan of care for patients in all developmental stages throughout the

life span including : Neonates - 0-28 days, Infant - 1-12 months, Child - 1-12 years,

Adolescent - 13-17 years, Adult - 18-72 years, Geriatric - 72 + years, according to

established policies, procedures, guidelines and nursing standards of care.  Provides

nursing care to patients in all stages of life based on experience and competency

evaluation.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1.     Assisting with the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process according to the patient’s age and diagnosis.

2.     Effectively and efficiently assisting with patient care management in coordination with a multidisciplinary team.

3.     Appropriately communicating information in accordance with agency policies and procedures and discipline specific guidelines.

4.     Contributes to program effectiveness.

5.     Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

6.     Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance agency performance.

7.     Demonstrates a daily commitment to the values of the agency.

8.     Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the agency.

9.     Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

10.   Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the Agency on a daily basis.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1.    Education :   Graduate of an accredited or approved school of practical nursing.

2.    Licensure / Certifications : Current license to practice practical nursing in the State of North Carolina.  CPR certification required.

3.    Experience :   Minimum one year practical nursing experience required.  Home health experience preferred.

4.    Essential Technical / Motor Skills :   Hand / eye coordination in order to give injections, use computer, etc.  Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language.  Able to manipulate patient care equipment, to properly transfer and guard patients.

5.    Interpersonal Skills :   Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, patients’ families, physicians and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.

6.    Essential Physical Requirements :   Ability to transfer and / or maneuver objects weighing at least 50 pounds in the assessment and implementation of patient care.  Requires frequent pushing, moving, lifting of patients.  Positioning of patients, giving patients baths and ambulating patients expending much physical effort.  Occasionally requires reaching overhead, stair climbing and fine motor manipulation.

7.    Essential Mental Abilities :   Must be able to assess a patient’s condition, formulate a plan of care, select appropriate interventions, evaluate patient’s response to care / treatment, and to explain / teach patients about their condition / recovery.  Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short-and long-term memory.  Able to prioritize duties, learn new skills and techniques in patient care.  Able to learn and use supportive services.

8.    Essential Sensory Requirements :   Ability to visually assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate plan of care (changing dressings, perform phlebotomy, regulating IV’s, maintain equipment as to readouts, etc.)  Utilize hearing to auscultate lung sounds, bowel sounds, hear alarms and effectively communicate with patients, families, physician, and staff.

9.    Exposure to Hazards :   Noise, exposure to blood borne pathogens and body fluids, needle puncture wounds.  May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting.  May encounter patients and other situations which present a potential threat to personal safety.  May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10.    Hours of Work : Variable Mon-Fri, weekends and holidays as needed.

11.    Population Served :   Adolescents, adults, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

12.    Must have a valid North Carolina driver’s license and an operational vehicle.