TAWL Health Care


Policy and Procedure Manual
Title: Licensed Vocational Nurse


POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for the provision of nursing care to clients according to an established physician plan of care, with service delivery under the direction of a registered nurse and in compliance with applicable state Nurse Practice Act regulations and agency policy and procedure.


POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Valid licensure as LVN through the Texas State Board of Nursing.
2. Two (2) years minimum clinical experience in an acute care setting. Exposure to geriatric client care preferred.
3. Good verbal and written communication skills.
4. Valid driver's license in the State of Texas, with available and dependable transportation and proof of current automobile liability insurance.
5. Ability to meet minimum agency hiring standards which include evidence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate and
willingness to perform such procedures in the home setting.
6. Essential physical, mental, and / or environmental working conditions:
a. Must be able to meet the physical demands which including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transferring.
b. Must be able to utilize good judgement, demonstrate patience, and maintain a professional demeanor.
c. Must be able to work in a busy and stressful environment.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Delivers visits to assigned clients and performs direct care in accordance with physician-ordered plan of care.
a. Assists supervising RN in ongoing observation and care of assigned clients.
b. Maintains communication regarding client progress with physician, supervisor, staff and family members as appropriate to the situation.
c. Documents all nursing obsrevations, interventions and evaluations in a concise, accurate and timely manner.
d. Reports client-related observations to supervising RN on a daily basis or as needed.
e. Participates in rotating call responsibilities as assigned.
f. Participates in evaluation of clients in a preparation for discharge.
g. Uses supplies appropriately and demonstrates a cost-conscious awareness by practicing careful, efficient and non-wasteful use of supplies.
h. Maintains equipment and supplies in proper functioning order and reports any malfunction immediately.
i.  Demonstrates willingness to assist co-workers whenever needed.
j.  Maintains a good working rapport with all client care personnel and other departments requiring frequent interaction to deliver quality services.
k. Participates in teaching clients, family members and / or significant others as appropriate to the physician-ordered plan of care.
l.  Refers to other members of the health care team to meet specific learning needs of the client as appropriate.
m. Notifies RN Supervisor of changes in client condition as necessary.
n. Addresses clients, families and co-workers in a responsive and respectful manner.
o. Delivers safe care at all times that is in concert with physician orders, home health policy and established nursing care standards.
 
2. Participates in communication and case conference activities to promote maximum continuity and quality of client care services.
a. Attends and contributes to both formal and informal client care planning conferences.
b. Completes all agency forms concerning client visits and mileage information according to agency policy.
c. Communicates new ideas and suggestions for agency operation and performance.
d. Maintains and respects client confidentiality.
e. Understands the client's medical record is a legal document and maintains accurate documentation and respects confidentiality of same.
f. Acquires ten (10) education contact hours per fiscal year and documents those hours with the education and training department.
g. Attends ongoing infection control education programs plus a minimum of 95% of staff meetings per year.
h. Reads and initial staff meeting minutes if unable to attend such.
i. Successfully completes annual recertification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills.
j. Improves client care through participation in ongoing education and CQI activities.
 
3. Exhibits sound judgment and technical skills necessary to perform assigned nursing treatments and procedures.
a. Serves as home health care nurse and effectively communicates with team members to keep them informed of changes in client condition and needs.
b. Notifies RN Supervisor immediately whenever unable to complete client care assignment.
c. Communicates concerns and problems through proper channels via written and verbal modalities.
d. Demonstrates awareness through safe practice of established nursing policies and procedures related to every tehcnical procedure performed.
e. Demonstrates knowledge of underlying disease processes, surgical procedures or injuries of assigned home care clients.
f. Seeks individual information from primary RN, supervisor or coordinator to provide safe and effective home care.
g. Displays adequate knowledge of safe administration of medications and the instruction of clients in same.
h. Implements care by setting priorities based on the client care plan and immediate client need.
i. Evaluates the response of clients to nursing interventions and revises care plans with supervising RN as necessary.
j. Performs all treatment and procedures with consideration for the client's condition, safety, comfort and privacy.
k. Notes normal and abnormal conditions and reports accurately to primary RN, supervisor, and/or coordinator.
l. Demonstrates awareness of infection control policies and procedures and the practice of asepsis in the performance of all personal client care and treatment procedures.
m. Observes universal precautions when caring for all clients.
n. Practices isolation techniques according to established agency policies and procedures.
o. Complies with OSHA regulations and recommendations.
p. Practices good body mechanics when lifting or transferring clients or equipment.
 
* Since it is difficult to identify all essential functions of a job because of changes in the workplace, this job description will be reviewed periodically to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.*


I understand I am not eligible for employment if I have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or under criminal indictment / charge of an offense that did or would have endangered a client or fellow employee or property of a client, employee or employer.


I have read and understand this job description and agree to the condition set forth herein.