Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Basic Summary:
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care to home health patients in their place of residence under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The LPN delivers care based on ongoing assessment, physician orders, and the established plan of care, ensuring compliance with home health regulations and agency policies. The LPN assists in patient education, self-care techniques, and skilled nursing procedures, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. 

 

Primary Responsibilities:

 

Data Collection & Plan of Care 

• Performs ongoing patient visits and collects data on physical, psychosocial, emotional, family support, and environmental status for appropriateness of home care. 

• Follows the written plan of care developed by the RN in collaboration with the physician and interdisciplinary team. 

• Identifies and reports patient care needs based on home visits. 

• Assists the RN in developing patient goals and interventions to achieve expected outcomes. 

• Assists in coordinating care with other members of the healthcare team. 

• Complies with home health documentation and communication standards. 

Intervention 

• Provides skilled nursing procedures as ordered by the physician and in accordance with home health policies. 

• Assists in the preparation of equipment and materials for treatments while following aseptic technique. 

• Educates patients and caregivers on medical conditions, medications, and self-care techniques. 

• Documents patient care, interventions, and response to treatment in accordance with agency policies and regulations. 

• Submit clinical notes on the day of the visit, ensuring timely documentation. 

• Reports changes in patient condition to the RN and physician immediately. 

Evaluation of Outcomes of Care 

• Documents patient progress toward goals and modify care plans in collaboration with the RN. 

• Notifies the physician and RN of significant patient changes. 

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary team meetings. 

Resource Utilization & Compliance 

• Ensures compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and agency regulations. 

• Orders and uses medical supplies efficiently in accordance with payer requirements. 

• Maintains accurate medication profiles and updates them as needed. 

• Ensures all verbal physician orders are documented immediately and submitted timely. 

Leadership & Professionalism 

• Adheres to the Code of Ethical Behavior and maintains professionalism in all interactions. 

• Participate in home health performance improvement programs (QAPI) to enhance patient care quality. 

• Completes a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year. 

• Comply with HIPAA regulations and maintains patient confidentiality.