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LPN

Employer
St Francis Health Services
Location
Thief River Falls, MN
Salary
Join our team!

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Industry
Healthcare
Role
Nurse
Job Type
Other
The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse is to provide direct nursing care to the residents and to monitor the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. The performance of these duties must be in accordance with the current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required and communicated by the Director of Nursing (DON) or Administrator to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Essential Job Functions
Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position. Essential functions are those duties listed below.
Organizational Responsibilities
  • Adhere to St. Francis Health Services' Mission and Core Values while performing company business.
  • Maintain confidentiality of company and resident related information at all times.
  • Serve on, participate in, and attend various committees of the facility as appointed by the Director of Nursing or Administrator.
  • Implement and promote quality improvement recommendations.
  • Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc. and submitting such to the Director of Nursing or Administrator as required.
Resident Care Responsibilities
  • Does not disclose resident's protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.
  • Ensure that all care is provided in privacy, as appropriate, and to knock before entering a resident's room or resident care area such as tub rooms.
  • Report all grievances and complaints made by the resident, family, or visitors to the appropriate supervisor following the facility's established procedures.
  • Provide direct resident care and monitoring.
    • Make prompt initial contact with the resident (upon admission, return from hospital, etc.).
    • Identify self to the resident and family, obtain history and observe resident's physical and emotional condition.
    • Report issues or concerns to appropriate personnel and document findings.
    • Delegate tasks to Trained Medication Aides (TMAs) and Nursing Assistants as appropriate.
  • Follow and recommend updates to the plan of care for residents, including immediate and long-term goals.
    • Initiate plan of care at time of admission for each resident; review care plans, and recommend revision as needed.
    • Maintain knowledge of current nursing care plan for each resident and inform the nursing assistants of objectives and/or goals, psycho/social needs, and physical needs.
    • Monitor nursing care to assure it is in compliance with the care plan.
    • Monitor residents for significant changes, report to Nursing Supervisor any observed changes in resident's condition and complete documentation.
  • Perform basic nursing procedures safely and efficiently and maintain technical skills.
    • Possess knowledge about techniques and principals involved in procedures and appropriate use of equipment.
    • Comply with facility policies and procedures.
    • Perform lab draws as necessary and as training allows.
  • Ensure medications are safely administered as ordered by the physician.
    • Discern the dosage and effects of medication prior to administration and is alert to potential side effects.
    • Know and practice the eight rights of passing medications (i.e. right resident, right reason, right medication, right dose, right time [includes right order], right route [includes right technique], right documentation, right response).
    • Clarify with physician regarding unusual dosages or routes of administration.
    • Correctly chart medication administered for that shift.
    • Observe and document resident response to medication (especially as needed (PRN) medications, new or adjusted doses).
    • Report medication errors as soon as discovered and complete written report according to policy.
    • Follow established procedures for drug control (e.g., locking medication carts, reordering medications, returning unused drugs to pharmacy, signing out controlled drugs, locking medication room door when unattended, etc.).
    • Ensure that the counting and starting of narcotics meets State and Federal regulations and report discrepancies to the DON and Administrator.
    • Clean and stock medication cart at the end of the shift.
  • Maintain a complete clinical record of each resident's stay.
    • Accurately relay information concerning a resident's condition. Write clear and concise nurse's notes containing necessary and relevant information.
    • Complete pertinent daily charting. Chart concisely, descriptively, legibly and in logical sequence, resident's progress, using proper terminology.
    • Document changes in resident medical condition, incidents, and responses to treatment and resident and/or family concerns in accordance with facility policies and practice.
    • Ensure accurate completion of resident's vital signs, neuro checks, weights and records.
    • Document treatments. Monitor and document residents' physical and emotional response during and after procedures as necessary.
    • Transcribe new physician orders correctly. Ensure physician's orders are carried out.
  • Accurately monitor residents' needs and implement appropriate intervention.
    • Observe and monitor residents at regular intervals.
    • Notify physicians, DON, Administrator and other department heads of resident's conditions as necessary.
  • Take direct appropriate action in emergency situations.
    • Recognize potential emergencies and take the appropriate action (e.g., shock, respiratory distress, diabetic coma, etc.).
    • Notify DON and/or Administrator of any observed potential or actual emergencies.
    • Ensure the coordination of care of any acutely ill residents (e.g., vital signs, feeding, oxygen therapy, charting, transfers to hospital, etc.).
  • Communicate clearly and appropriately, both verbally and in writing.
    • Communicate with the physician or ensure that the physician is notified regarding resident progress, physical and emotional status, interventions, and family interactions. Communicate changes in resident condition to health care provider utilizing a systematic method describing situation, background, appearance and request for orders.
    • Ensure that the family is notified of changes in a resident's condition and new orders.
    • Inform nursing assistants of residents care plan and special needs.
    • Show good judgment in the use of confidential information and follow HIPAA guidelines. Release information only in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Educate the resident and family about the resident's conditions and communicate to staff the general knowledge of the residents' conditions and needs.
    • Document resident and family education.
    • Ensure that nursing staff personnel honor residents' refusal and treatment requests. Ensure that such requests are in accordance with the facility's policies and governing advance directives.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care, based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria for adult and geriatric residents.
Individual Responsibilities
  • Report all complaints and grievances, according to company policies and procedures, which are made by the resident, family, or visitors and make a written/oral report to supervisor indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint or grievance.
  • Report any communicable or infectious disease that you contract to the appropriate supervisor.
Personnel Responsibilities
  • Review departmental complaints and grievances from personnel and make written reports to the Administrator of action(s) taken. Follow facility's established procedures.
  • Counsel/discipline nursing personnel as necessary.
  • Participate in performance evaluations by objectively discussing the employee's progress, attempting to integrate mutually agreed upon goals.
  • Demonstrate employee management skills.
  • Understand the hierarchy of the person in charge of the facility and act accordingly.
  • Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • When acting as Nurse in Charge, notify DON, Administrator, physician, Social Worker, and other directors as necessary.
  • See that duties are assigned and completed to ensure compliance. Delegate tasks appropriately.
  • Assist with resident assignments based on their individual needs and of available staff.
  • Direct and monitor care given by nursing assistants to ensure compliance with facility's policies and procedures. Supervise the work performed and attitude of the nursing personnel.
  • Document resident and staff issues as outlined by the facility documentation policy.
Safety / AWAIR Responsibilities
  • Keep the call light system within easy reach of the resident.
  • Implement and promote resident safety recommendations. Know and practice nursing policies and procedures concerning resident ID bands, restraints, side rails, medications and precautionary measures such as seizures, O2, etc.
  • Utilize proper body mechanics.
  • Wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g. back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving residents.
  • Report and/or correct unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Report defective equipment to the supervisor.
  • Follow established safety policies and procedures regarding fire, weather related, and other potential disaster threats to residents and staff.
  • Know exact location of emergency equipment (e.g., alarms and fire extinguishers).
  • Operate all equipment that is used in the department and social areas accurately and in a safe manner according to established procedures.
  • Participate in fire safety and disaster preparedness drills.
  • Follow facility's established policies governing safety data sheets (SDS) and the handling of hazardous chemicals. Ensure that hazardous chemicals are labeled. Report missing/illegible labels and SDSs to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Promptly report all accidents, errors and unusual incidents to the supervisor no matter how minor they may be. Such occurrences must be reported on the shift in which they occur.
  • Demonstrate and practice correct sanitation techniques, such as hand washing, proper handling of supplies, cleansing and sanitizing equipment, per policy procedure.
  • Adhere to basic infection control practices, and use standard precautions.
  • Follow established policies and procedures in performance of duties such as safety, infection control and exposure to blood/body fluids.
  • Participate in appropriate in-service training programs prior to performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids or hazardous chemicals.
  • Use personal protective clothing/devices/equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
  • Practice nursing policies and procedures concerning resident restraints, side rails, medication and precautionary measures such as seizures, oxygen, etc.
  • Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials and hazardous chemicals to the Director of Nursing or designee.
Regulatory Responsibilities
  • Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards of practice, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Director of Nursing.
  • Understand and follow the Vulnerable Adult and Abuse Policy and reporting procedure.
  • Understand and adhere to Resident Bill of Rights.
  • Know and follow the resident's Abuse Prevention Plan.
  • Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long term care.
Environmental Responsibilities
  • Maintain a clean, attractive, safe and sanitary work environment.
  • Keep work areas free of hazardous objects, unnecessary equipment, supplies, etc.
Fiscal Responsibilities
  • Be a good steward by using supplies and resources entrusted to you in an efficient manner.
  • Participate in the annual operating budget for department, including estimating needs of supplies, staffing levels, capital & minor equipment purchases and ongoing maintenance of equipment.
Attendance
  • Attend departmental and staff meetings as directed.
  • Attend and participate in in-service educational classes, on-the-job training programs, workshops, seminars, etc., as directed.
  • Give adequate notice to appropriate person when absence is necessary.

Education and Experience
  • Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota.
  • Must possess current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Specific Requirements
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language while conducting company business.
  • Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Must adhere to the Corporate Compliance Program Code of Conduct.
  • Must adhere to company policies and procedures.
  • Must have a positive and friendly attitude.
  • Must be able to solve diverse procedural problems and plans.
  • Must be able to communicate directives to others.
  • Must be able to communicate, coordinate, and facilitate with other departments, families, and the general public.
  • Must respect the residents' personal and property rights.
  • Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, visitors and the general public.
  • Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with other personnel and departments.
  • Must be able to relate to and work with the disabled and elderly individuals within the facility who may at times be ill, confused, uncooperative, emotionally upset, or hostile.
  • Must be willing to work beyond normal working hours when necessary and on other shifts/days.
  • Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
  • Must demonstrate concern and empathy for residents, family members, and others
  • Must be able to request and/or accept direction/education as needed to develop new skills.
  • Able to operate the following equipment:
    • Alarms and other safety interventions/devices;
    • Call light systems;
    • Walkie talkies and/or pagers, if provided by facility.
  • Must be able to accurately relay information concerning a resident's condition. Able to write clear and concise nurse's notes containing necessary and relevant information.
  • Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Display initiative in prioritizing and completing assigned tasks. Understand and demonstrate teamwork.
  • Able to operate the following equipment:
    • Glucose testing
    • Hemocult testing
    • Dressing changes
    • Nebulizer treatments
    • Oxygen administration
    • Medication administration
    • Metered dose inhalers
    • Tube feedings
    • Care of ostomy and urinary catheters
    • Ear lavage
    • Suction machine
    • Negative pressure vacuum systems
    • Tracheotomy care
    • Diabetic nail care
    • Lab, venipuncture, and IV therapy
    • Facility bathing tubs/showers
    • Facility mechanical lifts
    • Safety interventions/devices
    • Charting
    • Transfer belt
    • Specialized chairs, wheelchairs, and positioning equipment
    • Dental care
    • Hearing aids
Working Environment
  • Work in all areas of the facility and its premises.
  • Move intermittently during working hours.
  • Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under a variety of conditions and circumstances.
  • Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
  • Is subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reschedule work activities.
  • Is subject to strain in lifting, moving and supporting residents.
  • Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
  • Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g. severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster etc.).
  • Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions etc., including TB and the Aids and Hepatitis B viruses.
  • Communicates with all employees and other department directors.
Physical and Sensory Requirements
  • Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
  • Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
  • Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately, so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
  • Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
  • Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 30 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
  • Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility.
  • May be needed to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
  • Must be able to walk, stand and sit for 4-8 hours in an 8-hour shift.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, twist, reach above shoulders and push/pull frequently. Must be able to push 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to lift 31- 60 pounds with assistance.
  • Must follow facility policy and procedures when using a mechanic lift is warranted.
  • Must be able to kneel, crawl and crouch occasionally and climb rarely.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, twist, reach above shoulders and push/pull frequently.
  • Must be able to push 50 lbs.

St. Francis Health Services of Morris, Inc. and it's affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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