PRN - Home Health Licensed Vocational Nurse LVN

Summary

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse provides skilled nursing care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse. S/he performs selected skilled interventions in the provision of curative, rehabilitative, palliative or preventative nursing care. S/he is responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based on the individual's nursing experience and educational preparation and other duties as deemed necessary.

Responsibilities

1. Provides services in accordance with agency policies and procedures and regulations that define scope of practice.
2. Assists the Registered Nurse or physician in performing specialized procedures and duties as directed by the Registered Nurse under physician’s orders.
3. Assists the Registered Nurse in carrying out the plan of care.
4. Assists the client in learning appropriate self-care techniques.
5. Assesses patient/family response to care.
6. Ensures communication of information with appropriate team members.
7. Assists with the preparation, implementation and continuing evaluation of the client care plan.
8. Recognizes and understands the effects of social and economic problems upon clients.
9. Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of clients.
10. Prepares and submits clinical and progress notes for the client record per agency policies.
11. Observes, records, and reports to the appropriate person symptoms, reactions and changes including:
    • the general physical and mental condition of clients and signs and symptoms which may be indicative of untoward changes.
    • stresses in human relationships between the clients, between clients and personnel, and between clients and their families and visitors.
12. Assists with the rehabilitation of clients according to the plan of care by:
    • being aware of and encouraging the interests and special aptitudes of the client.
    • encouraging clients to help themselves with their own capabilities in performing activities in daily living.
    • knowledge and application of the principles of prevention of deformities, the normal range of motion, body mechanics and body alignment.
13. Fosters cooperative effort among personnel by understanding the functions of other persons involved in client care and by active participation in team and staff conferences.
14. The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse with the education and proven clinical competence may perform certain treatments/procedures provided the Home Health Agency's and the State's regulatory acts allow their performance.Only Licensed Advanced Trained Practical/Vocational Nurses with documented skill in performing these functions may:

• administer medications
• calculate and adjust flow rates
• observe and report signs of adverse reactions
• inspect insertion sites, change dressings, remove peripheral I.V. needles/catheters
• hang hydrating fluid without medications
• hang I.V.'s premixed with medications
• start peripheral I.V.s
• flush peripheral lines with saline or heparin solutions

15. Assumes responsibility for personal and vocational growth and development through:

• active participation in nursing organizations
• by promoting and participating in in-service programs or other learning on the job

16. Performs other duties as necessary.