Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Care - Eastern Connecticut Health Network

General Summary of Duties: The Home Care Nurse (LPN) is responsible to provide nursing care consistent with plan of care established by the RN Case Manager.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to a Team Leader. Performs nursing care under the direction of the RN Case Manager

Supervision Exercised: None.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing, walking, and the ability to ascend and descend stairs. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 30 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under stressful conditions. Requires some exposure to communicable diseases and/or bodily fluids.

Typical Work Conditions: Work is performed in patients' homes, community settings, clinics and in an office environment. Some exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, and medicinal preparations.

Essential Duties: (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

The Home Care Nurse (LPN) functions under the direction of the RN Case Manager.

C4, F4 1. Provides intermittent skilled nursing service to patients and their families in compliance with state and Medicare regulations, incorporating the following:

a) Assesses the physical and psychosocial status of the patient.

b) Follow-through of an appropriate care plan and therapeutic goals with the patient/family and RN Case Manager.

c) Referral to appropriate therapies with approval of the RN Case Manager.

d) Periodic review of progress toward the therapeutic goals in conference with the RN Case Manager.

e) Use of Agency and community consultants/resources.

f) Instruction of patient/family in procedures or responsibilities they are assuming.

C4, F3 2. Documents all services provided in the clinical record in accordance with state and federal regulations and Agency policy:

a) All visits are documented within 24 hours.

b) Documents all physicians' telephone orders, informing nurse/therapist of all changes to the plan of care before implementation and obtains their signature.

c) Complies with all reporting requirements.

C4, F3 3. Visit responsibilities:

a) Confers regularly with the RN Case Manager assigned.

b) Remains flexible in daily planning, allowing time for emergencies or unexpected visits.

c) Reports any cases to the supervisor where goals can not be met or unsafe home situations exist.

d) Maintains required productivity as established by the Agency.

C3, F1 4. Develops and maintains sufficient professional skills to meet the needs of patient care:

a) Attends a minimum of 12 hours of in-service per year.

b) Participates actively in self-appraisal and the formation of a plan for self-development.

c) Knowledgeable of Agency policies and procedures.

d) Seeks appropriate supervision.

e) Projects professional image through attitude and compliance with dress code.

f) Functions as a team member with consideration to all staff.

g) Maintains CPR certification.

h) Adheres to Agency Corporate Compliance Plan and HIPAA Privacy Plan as per written agreement.

Ancillary Duties

C3, F1 1. Performs other duties as necessary to support Agency programs as assigned by the clinical supervisor:

a) Agency committees as requested.

b) Flu/special clinics as needed.

c) Adult Consultation Hours as assigned.

d) Special Agency or community programs during and/or after regular working hours.

C4 , F1 2. Performs other duties as necessary to maintain current Agency personnel policies:

a) Time worked is recorded regularly and accurately.

b) Personnel records are complete with but not limited to current professional license, auto and malpractice insurance.

c) Abides by Agency weekend/holiday rotation of nurses.

HIPAA and Privacy: Properly direct any complaints and/or grievances as indicated per VNHSC policy. Comply with HIPAA regulations, specifically the Privacy and Security Rules. Protect personal health information (PHI), electronic personal health information (EPHI) and financial information by limiting the use and disclosure of health information and financial information to the minimum amount necessary with only those who must know how to get the job done. Follow the department's specific policies and procedures to protect health information. Help one another to ensure confidentiality at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements: Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice and the skills to provide competent patient care. Knowledge of Agency policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care. Knowledge of medical equipment currently used to provide patient care. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment. Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing to provide ongoing patient care. Skill in identifying patient-related problems and recommending solutions. Skill in documentation in clinical records. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and the community. Ability to maintain quality control standards. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly.

Possess adequate transportation to carry out job requirements. Must show proof of satisfactory automobile insurance with minimum coverage to be $100,000/300,000 determined by agency policy.

Education: Graduate of NLN approved school of licensed practical nursing.

Experience: One (1) year of recent medical/surgical nursing experience, additional experience in community health nursing preferred.

Certificate/License: Possession of a current license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in the State of Connecticut.

Alternative to Minimum Qualifications: None.

PI248418589