Licensed Practical Nurse

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Provides direct nursing care and other services to residents in the health care network under the direction of a registered nurse or physician.

Also included in this position is the expectation that the person in this role will:

Uphold and put into daily practice the values of Carol Woods.

• Support the well-being and quality of life of every individual Resident.
• Function as a good steward to Resident resources.

Contribute to CWs approach to continual quality improvement.

• Support the concepts of a learning organization.

REPORTS TO: Senior Director Higher Levels of Support

SUPERVISES: N/A

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Clinical Functions:
  • As identified in the Nursing Practice Act, State of North Carolina (March 2025): “The practice of nursing by a licensed practical nurse consists of the following seven components:

• Participating in the assessment of the patient's physical and mental health, including the patient's reaction to illnesses and treatment regimens.
• Recording and reporting the results of the nursing assessment.
• Participating in implementing the health care plan developed by the registered nurse and/or prescribed by any person authorized by State law to prescribe such a plan, by performing tasks assigned or delegated by and performed under the supervision or under orders or directions of a registered nurse, physician licensed to practice medicine, dentist, or other person authorized by State law to provide the supervision.
• • Assigning or delegating nursing interventions to other qualified personnel under the supervision of the registered nurse.
• Participating in the teaching and counseling of patients as assigned by a registered nurse, physician, or other qualified professional licensed to practice in North Carolina.
• Reporting and recording the nursing care rendered and the patient's response to that care.
• Maintaining safe and effective nursing care, whether rendered directly or indirectly.

b. In addition to the above the role of the LPN also includes:

• Communicating effectively with residents, family, and other members of the health care team.
• Delegating nursing care activities to other LPNs and unlicensed nursing personnel qualified to perform the activity.
• Utilizing established lines of communication to necessary support services, including dining services, therapies, transportation, supply, etc.
• Participating with the multidisciplinary team in addressing resident/family needs.
• Following established policies of the organization including, but not limited to, nursing, infection control, pharmacy, and environmental controls.
• Point Nurse: Performing emergency after-hours house calls to Carol Woods residents on the CWs campus; providing services, including health care counseling to such residents, as ordered by the physician and/or deemed necessary following the nursing assessment. (serves in this role as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Resource for questions and concerns from residents, family, staff, and other visitors in the Higher Levels of Support
• Provide back up to the House Call Nurse as needed.
• Function as a point of contact for other departments during emergencies
• Assist staff with troubleshooting any unexpected issues affecting the ability to provide support to the residents in the Higher Levels of Support
• Initial contact for any resident/family concerns or needs, ensuring prompt attention and follow-up.
• Communicate effectively with Director of Nursing or Nurse Coordinator to ensure continuity of care/operations and follow-up on resident and staff questions and concerns.
• Assist with identifying staff to cover shifts for any staff call outs in the Higher Levels of Support; Notify On-call Nurse Leader of uncovered shifts.
• Other duties as assigned by Nurse Leadership or as necessitated “in the moment” to assure quality care.
• Participating in team efforts to monitor quality care issues.
• Be aware of staffing needs to cover 24-hour Care delivery.
• Document resident condition changes as pertinent to the LPN role.
• Update the plan of the day to reflect changes in areas of responsibility.
• Fiscal accountability, proper supply ordering and proper use/care of equipment
• Completion of mandatory On-line educational modules (monthly and as otherwise assigned).
• Attendance at required educational sessions, in-services, and staff meetings.
• Attendance at annual Culture Day session (Full-time mandatory)
• Involvement/understanding of Organizational Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing education program to prepare as a Practical Nurse.
• Current, unencumbered licensed as Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
• Current certification in CPR - Adult Module (American Heart Association or American Red Cross).

Experience:

• Six months to one-year experience as LPN.
• New graduates acceptable only for Full Time Position.

Physical:

• Able to:
  • Bend, stoop, squat, crawl reach, kneel and lift to assist residents using proper body mechanics for sustained periods of time.
  • Stand, walk for long periods.
  • Move equipment or small pieces of furniture.

Competencies:

• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Judgement
• Organization
• Problem Solving/Decision Making
• Technical/Function Expertise

Working Conditions:

• Climate controlled environment
• Potential for exposure to
  • Communicable illnesses
  • Hazardous materials, e.g., cleaning chemicals
  • Blood/blood products.
• Benefit position - Full-time position requires every other weekend scheduling commitment. Part-time positions may require every other weekend scheduling commitment.