Position: Licensed Practical Nurse
Department: Nursing Department
Responsible To: Director of Resident Care
Date: June 2008

Position Summary: In collaboration with the multidisciplinary team including the registered nurse, the LPN practices within the scope of their professional license. The LPN provides professional nursing care to residents in keeping with the philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of the Nursing Department. The mission, vision and values of the Home provide the direction for the provision of nursing services.

Core Competencies:

1. Accepts responsibility for decisions made and for achieving the expectations of the LPN role in the organization.
2. Communicates effectively with residents, coworkers, managers, families and volunteers.
3. Displays attitudes in work performance that are in keeping with the mission statement and are resident focused.
4. Works cooperatively and respectfully with others to further the values and mission of the organization.
5. Participates in continuous quality improvement by seeking ways to improve resident care and service delivery.
6. Demonstrates ability to adapt to change by taking responsibility for self learning, receptive to new ideas and willingness to try new methods and approaches.
7. Demonstrates respect and caring by accepting others values and opinions, displaying compassion and empathy, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of others.
8. Promotes safety by taking responsibility for safe work practices and implementing the concepts of PACE in daily practice.

Responsibilities:

1. Promote and maintain the safety of residents, staff and visitors as a priority at all times.
2. In collaboration with the Registered Nurse, provides nursing care in accordance with administrative policies, physician's orders, established standards of nursing practice and the individual's Resident Care Plan.
3. Carries out admission procedures, discharge of residents and internal transfers.
4. Maintains accurate and complete clinical records. Files reports on the chart.
5. In accordance with the standards of nursing practice for LPN's, administers medication and treatments.
6. Supervises nursing care.
7. Ensures resident care is administered according to the care plan.
8. Actively participates in a multidisciplinary approach to resident focused care.
9. Responsible for proper care and control when operating unit equipment - mechanical and electric lift and whirlpool bath.
10. Responsible for monitoring the care provided by the CCA/PCW staff and addressing any concerns in collaboration with the R.N.
11. Promotes and maintains the safety of residents at all times.
12. Attends departmental and staff meetings.
13. Seeks/participates in opportunities to maintain/increase clinical competency.
14. Practices standard precautions and adheres to infection control procedures. Is familiar with all facility Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and provincial guidelines and standards.
15. Knowledgeable regarding WHMIS, Fire/Emergency Plan and use of fire equipment. Required to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergency situations.
16. Works within full scope of practice/employment.
17. Maintains confidentiality and privacy of residents according to policy.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• LPN Diploma from an approved college.
• Registration with College of Licensed Practical Nurses.
• Current BCLS Certificate (annual update).

Other Requirements:

• Good general health which allows for the ability to attend work on a regular basis and meet the physical demands of the position.
• Excellent rapport with elderly people.
• Must have a good attendance record.
• Good personal hygiene.
• Personal police record check clearance and negative Vulnerable Sector Check.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to cope with change and fluctuating work demands.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with residents, family, staff and other members of the health care team.
• Organized and able to set priorities in a constantly changing work environment.

Accountability:

• Knowledgeable of and implements the mission and values of the Home in the delivery of resident care.
• Knowledgeable of departmental policies and procedures.
• Practices and promotes occupational health and safety.
• Knowledgeable of Protection of Persons in Care legislation.

Continuing Education Responsibilities:

• Attends in-services and educational and training sessions for self development.
• Attends compulsory CPR, fire safety and WHMIS training as required.
• Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings.

Hours of Work: Shift rotation - required to work weekends, holidays and all three shifts.