Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Job Title:  Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Department:  Residential
Reports To:  Registered Nurse
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Supervising RN, will provide skilled nursing care to residents residing in New Horizons residential homes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provide skilled nursing services within the ICF scope of services to residents that include, but not limited to G-tube feedings; Catherizations; IM, SQ, or Intradermal injections; wound and skin treatments; and medication administration.
2. Coordinate scheduling of medical appointments, follow-up visits, accompanying staff, vehicles, and required documentation for ICF and CCF residents.
3. Conduct and record quarterly summaries on assigned residents.
4. Interact with the physicians as needed.  May attend clinical visits as directed by RN.
5. Conduct nursing assessments for New Horizon residents that have complaints of illnesses.  Communicate with resident RN, Supervising RN, Guardian/Parent/Conservator and document in the client case records. Notify the RN of any changes in signs, symptoms, or client behavior.
6. In the absence of Direct Support Staff, on occasion may have to perform the following duties:

• Assists with implementation of living skill development and personal care needs of the residents as established in the resident’s individualized service plan (ISP).  This may include the supervision and/or assistance of cooking, shopping, doing laundry, showering, feeding, dressing, toileting, and mobility (this may include lifting a resident from a seated or lying down position) as indicated by each resident’s need.

7. Attends all nursing meetings as scheduled by Supervising RN.
8. Provides documentation for Quarterly Pharmacy Audit.
9. Orders over-the-counter medications for residential use.
10. Generates and submits Medi-Cal biannual documentation included Tar’s.  Assists Accounting staff in resolving any discrepancies with Medi-Cal and EDS.
11. Receives medical bills for services rendered and resolves them with the Accounting Department.
12. Coordinates staff transport for clients annual, monthly, quarterly and as needed Labs.
13. Provides supervision/direction to trained and/or certified non-licensed staff in  provision of clinical care.

Other Nursing Duties & Responsibilities

1. Assists carrying out new orders from Attending Physician/Clinical Consultant.
2. Assists the RN in coordinating resident care between Pharmacy, Therapist, and Physician/Consultant.
3. May act as a contact person for the Pharmacy as directed. Orders new medication as needed and receives Cycle Medication.
4. Assists RN in developing and implementing short term Nursing Care Plans.
5. Attends meetings as directed by the Registered Nurse.
6. May coordinate and conduct initial Medication Administration Training of ICF staff.
7. Believes in and supports the agency’s core values, mission and vision. The individual needs to work effectively with co-workers, consumers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; addresses others by name, title or other respectful identifiers; and respects the diversity of the New Horizons workforce in actions, words and deeds.
8. Maintains the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In the absence of the RN, must be capable of pursuing a course that is consistent with the direction established by the Supervising RN and the Board of Directors.  The LVN must have an in-depth understanding of the organization’s goals and the methods by which those goals must be realized.  The LVN must be able to effectively fulfill the ethical and professional expectations of the position, as stated in the job description.  She/He must be able to communicate effectively with management and professional staff outside of the facility, and must be a team builder and leader capable of providing cohesion and direction to other staff in the realization of the agency’s purposes.

Must pass a criminal background check approved by the California Department of Public Health.  Must have a valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.  Must obtain agency driving certification within 90 days of employment and maintain certification in good standing while employed.  Must have current CPR and First Aid certifications.  Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays if needed.

Education and/or Experience

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.  Licensed in the state of California as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.  At least one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret in English general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write in English reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond in English to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with dis-Abilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  On rare occasions may be required to lift a client, up to 200 pounds.  Assistance from other staff should be sought in these instances.