Position Summary
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care to medically complex pediatric residents in accordance with physician orders, facility policy, and scope of practice. The LPN performs focused nursing assessments, administers medications, manages enteral feedings, performs treatments, monitors resident condition, and documents care in the electronic medical record. The LPN works collaboratively with the Charge Nurse and interprofessional team, escalating clinical concerns requiring RN assessment and supporting respiratory care within nursing scope of practice. The LPN supervises Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), may serve as Charge Nurse/Night Lead Nurse when assigned, and serves as preceptor for newly hired staff and nursing students. The LPN provides patient- and family-centered care that promotes safety, dignity, and developmental support.
Essential Functions
Resident Care and Nursing Interventions
- Performs focused data collection and observations within scope of practice and reports findings to the RN for clinical interpretation when required;
- Provides bottle feeding, oral feeding, and enteral feeding;
- Performs treatments and clinical procedures;
- Escalates changes in condition to Charge Nurse (RN).
Monitoring and Reporting
- Monitors respiratory status and collaborates with Respiratory Therapist;
- Responds appropriately to call lights, alarms, and emergency situations.
Medication Administration
- Administers medications safely via approved routes;
- Maintains accurate medication documentation and controlled substance records in accordance with facility policy and regulatory requirements.
Team Collaboration and Delegation
- Provides clinical direction to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other support staff as assigned;
- Delegates tasks consistent with CNA training, certification, and scope of practice;
- Works collaboratively with nurses, therapists, educators, and other interdisciplinary team members to support resident care plans.
Documentation
- Documents care accurately, completely, and timely in the electronic medical record (EMR) and point-of-care documentation systems in accordance with facility policy;
- Maintains resident confidentiality in accordance with federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA.
Infection Control and Safety
- Follows infection prevention and control procedures including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Complies with OSHA safety standards including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030);
- Follows facility isolation and infection control protocols;
- Maintains medication cart safety and organization;
- Reports occupational exposures, workplace injuries, or safety hazards promptly.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
- Maintains professional conduct and ensures resident safety, dignity, and respect at all times;
- Reports suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents in accordance with facility policy and applicable law;
- Performs duties in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing healthcare facilities, as well as facility policies, procedures, and clinical operations manuals;
- Works collaboratively with nurses, therapists, educators, and other interdisciplinary team members to support resident care plans;
- Provides family education and discharge training;
- Performs other related duties as assigned consistent with training, certification, and scope of practice.
Qualifications
Education
- Graduate of accredited practical nursing program
Certification / Licensure
- Active, unencumbered Nevada LPN license;
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including infant, child, and adult CPR, AED use, and choking rescue.
Experience
- Prior healthcare or long-term care experience preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Ability to perform nursing assessments and recognize changes in resident condition;
- Ability to administer medications safely and accurately;
- Ability to provide bottle feeding and enteral feeding safely;
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and healthcare team;
- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively;
- Ability to provide clinical direction to CNAs and precept nursing students;
- Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations;
- Ability to maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Technical Skills
- Basic computer and mobile device skills sufficient to use electronic medical records (EMR), scheduling systems, and other facility software applications.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift (up to 12 hours);
- Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching;
- Lift up to 50 pounds independently;
- Lift or move more than 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical equipment;
- Ability to assist with transferring or repositioning residents;
- Ability to respond quickly to resident needs or emergencies;
- Frequent repetitive motions;
- Ability to safely lift and transfer pediatric residents; stand and walk for extended periods; bend, kneel, squat, and reach frequently; respond quickly to emergencies; perform extended grooming tasks; perform laundry handling, stocking supplies, and cleaning equipment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Work Environment
- Work is performed primarily in patient care areas including patient rooms, nursing stations, and common areas;
- Employees may encounter emotionally distressed residents or family members;
- The position may require evening, weekend, holiday, or overtime work;
- Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous substances.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Silver State Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Nevada state, or local law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary. Employment is at-will unless otherwise specified by written agreement.