Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Community-Based Role

Are you an LPN looking for meaningful work and a role that keeps you actively engaged in the field? We’re seeking a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse to join our team and support individuals across our community-based residential programs. This position is fully in-person, with work performed either in our office or directly at program locations.

What You’ll Do

As an LPN in this role, you will play a key part in ensuring high-quality medical care and regulatory compliance across our programs. Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating medical services, including psychiatric and medication-related care, in alignment with regulatory standards and individual care plans.
• Serving as a clinical resource for program teams, offering expert guidance on healthcare practices, risk areas, and ongoing training needs.
• Training direct care staff on the specific medical needs of individuals, including targeted remedial training as assigned by the Nursing Manager.
• Providing direct nursing care, which may include:
  • Health assessments
  • Administering injections
  • Wound care
  • Monitoring for medication side effects
  • Evaluating changes in physical or mental health
• Carrying out additional duties as delegated by the Nursing Manager or ordered by a licensed physician.

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is ideal for an LPN who enjoys:

• Being hands-on and present in the field
• Collaborating closely with program staff
• Making a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of individuals we support

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Every effort has been made to make the job description as complete as possible; however, in no way is it stated or implied that these are the only duties the LPN is responsible for performing. Other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIONS-

1. Ensure the implementation of all health-related directions from health professionals.

1. Implementation of health services so that all individuals have the best possible health.

1. Promote the safety and well-being of all individuals.

1. Ensure delivery of emergency services, including staff training, and serve as an emergency contact.

1. Develop plans to ensure that the medical and health needs of individuals are met, including coordinating annual physical examinations; ensuring proper medical follow-up; providing special instructions related to medical diagnosis; coordinating care with clinics, physicians, and hospitals; and consulting on allergies, medications, diet, and plans related to medical conditions.

1. Provide ongoing consultation to staff and teams regarding medical problems or health care.

1. Promote individual empowerment and self-care activities, including self-medication.

1. Ensure the implementation of bloodborne pathogen services and infection control.

1. Ensure that necessary medical supplies and equipment are stored in an organized and efficient manner.

1. Maintain and update Medication Administration training materials to ensure quality training material.

1. Serve as the primary trainer for Medication Administration and final med passes and serve as a secondary trainer for CPR/First Aid.

1. Ensure training attendance and records are maintained per policy for courses LPN is responsible for.

1. In coordination with the Medical Coordinator, ensure medical quality assurance by reviewing medication check-in, medication ordering, medication destruction, and medication documentation procedures are maintained and followed per policy

1. Complete quarterly medication reviews for all individuals served.

1. Monitor individuals’ weights on a monthly basis and maintain weight spreadsheet to monitor changes.

1. Monitor medication errors. Issue corrective action for medication errors and retrain the employee on proper procedure.

1. Maintain annual medication error spreadsheet and monitor for trends to address any site-specific training needs.

1. Review and approve all medication errors, fall, and injury GERs and submit to the IDT.

1. Serve as a contributing member of the Safety Committee and attend monthly Safety Meetings.

1. Review monthly Site Safety Checklists to ensure site compliance in medical and health areas.

1. Demonstrate correct and safe techniques in the use of equipment according to specific product information.

1. Follow appropriate procedures for obtaining and returning or cleaning/disposing of equipment and supplies.

1. Participate in economic utilization of supplies and ensure that equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner.

1. Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding concerns.

COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION-

1. Advise the Residential Director on the ability of the staff to meet the medical needs of individuals referred to the organization for services.

1. Read the reports of medical appointments and advise the HS/RSM/SM on follow-up services that are needed.

1. Contact health care providers to be sure that proper care is being delivered to individuals.

1. Advises program staff on policy and procedure revisions that are necessary to meet the needs of individuals.

1. Attend seminars and classes to stay up to date in the field.

1. Represent the organization; establishes and maintains positive working relationships with staff and the general public.

1. Represent the organization’s mission, philosophy, and goals.

1. Maintain a positive, professional demeanor in daily contacts.

1. Obtain a working knowledge of organizational policies and procedures.

CONSULTING SERVICES-

1. Ensure the delivery of all approved psychiatry, psychological, OT, PT, speech, or other ancillary services.

1. Ensure the implementation of all ancillary service appointments, treatments, assessments, programs, counseling, and evaluations.

1. Coordinate all consulting service duties with the RD and keep them informed of pertinent issues and problems.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Every effort has been made to make the job description as complete as possible; however, in no way is it stated or implied that these are the only duties the LPN is responsible for performing. Other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS-

1. Valid Licensed Practical Nurse licensure issued by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
2. CPR/First Aid certified (BLS preferred).Experience with individuals with disabilities, mental health, or long-term care preferred.
3. Knowledge of medication administration and documentation standards.
4. 1-2 years’ experience in a nursing position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES-

1. Knowledge of the nursing process and its application, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care.

1. English skills (reading, writing, and speaking) sufficient to perform all job duties and responsibilities.

1. Ability to conduct training classes to satisfy the requirements of staff. This would include, but is not limited to, overriding and non-overriding medical training, such as diabetic classes, G Tube class, etc.

1. Ability to assess and monitor individuals’ needs and to address those needs.

1. Ability to communicate with physicians and understand and communicate their instructions accurately and in a timely manner.

1. Ability to mentor and consult with staff.

1. Ability to develop and maintain professional, therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and agency personnel.

1. Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant and demonstrate initiative, creative problem-solving, and adaptability.

1. Ability to operate a computer, calculator, and any other necessary equipment and devices.

1. Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license and a clean driving record.

1. Possess daily access to a reliable vehicle with state-mandated insurance coverage.

1. Demonstrates positive demeanor.

1. Willingness to work varied hours and in a variety of settings provide care levels or needs without direction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS-

1. See or hear, with or without prosthetic devices, sufficiently to perform the duties and communicate effectively with management, staff, individuals, family members, guardians, and medical personnel. Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
2. Move intermittently during working hours; sit, stand, and walk for periods of time; frequently bend/stoop, squat, crouch, and kneel; lift carry, and support up to 50 pounds; and use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.
3. Lift and/or transfer individuals as needed; implement required therapeutic interventions, if required.
4. Ability to master the use of all physical intervention and assistance techniques, including exempt and controlled procedures, necessary to meet the needs of assigned individuals with developmental disabilities.
5. Possess good health and demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to perform the duties.
6. Willingness to travel the Brainerd area for staff training and site medical/health oversight.

WORKING CONDITIONS -

1. Work flexible hours, including split shifts, varied days and times. This may include mornings, evenings, and weekends, depending on the needs of the individuals and the Company.
2. Travel regularly into the community and work in a variety of settings both inside an outside the office, at group homes, at other company sites, and in the community.
3. Have regular contact with individuals, staff, family members, federal and state or county regulatory personnel, other provider personnel.
4. Subject to frequent interruptions, crisis management, and imposed deadlines.
5. Subject to hostile and emotionally upset individuals, staff, family members, and others, as well as physically aggressive individuals.
6. Subject to infectious diseases, odors, and dust.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE-

1. Incumbent must meet all required state education and licensure requirements in order to maintain Licensed Practical Nurse licensure from the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
2. All policies, procedures, guidelines and practices must meet or exceed requirements under local, state, and federal laws and regulations to retain compliance and licensure.
3. Risk management measures must be implemented to avoid and/or ameliorate risky practices, non-practices/incorrect practices, or violations of any sort.
4. All information must be secure and safe.
5. Communications must be clearly and promptly provided to appropriate persons.
6. All interactions and service delivery must promote customer relations.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.