LPN- MILLER(PT Nights)

Riverside Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensed Practical Nurse to join our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care to residents in a skilled nursing facility, working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. The LPN is responsible for performing a range of clinical tasks, administering medications, and assisting with the overall care of residents. The LPN plays a vital role in ensuring that high standards of care are maintained and that residents' needs are met with compassion and professionalism. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

Direct Patient Care:

• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians or as directed by the RN within scope of practice.  
• Monitor and document residents' vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.
• Perform routine procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and insertion of feeding tubes.
• Assist in answering call lights. 

Assessment and Monitoring:

• Conduct ongoing assessments of residents health status and response to treatments under direction of RN within scope of practice. 
• Observe and report changes in residents conditions to the supervising RN or physician.
• Document all care activities, observations, and interactions accurately and in a timely manner.

Care Coordination:

• Collaborate with the RN, physicians, and other healthcare team members to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Participate in care planning meetings and contribute to the development of care goals and interventions.
• Assist in coordinating resident care with other departments and external healthcare providers.
• Assist with scheduling and managing nursing staff to ensure adequate coverage and effective care delivery.
• Participate in staff meetings, care conferences, and other facility-related activities.
• Contribute to the development and review of care policies and protocols.

Medication Administration:

• Prepare and administer oral, topical, and injectable medications as prescribed.
• Monitor residents for side effects or adverse reactions to medications and report findings as needed.
• Ensure accurate documentation of medication administration and adherence to facility protocols.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Follow infection control practices and protocols, including proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of resident environments, including adherence to hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Report any safety hazards or concerns to the supervisor or facility management.

Resident and Family Interaction:

• Provide compassionate and respectful care, maintaining the dignity and privacy of residents.
• Communicate effectively with residents and their families regarding care plans, changes in condition, and other relevant information.
• Address residents and families questions or concerns promptly and professionally.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all aspects of care, including assessments, treatments, and resident interactions.
• Ensure compliance with facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to nursing care.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives to support high standards of care.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with best practices and advancements in nursing through continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in in-service training and skill development as required by the facility.
• Maintain licensure and certification requirements as mandated by state regulations.

Emergency Response:

• Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies and changes in resident conditions.
• Implement emergency protocols and procedures as needed to ensure resident safety and well-being.
• Report and document any emergencies or incidents according to facility policies.

Organization Compliance:

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to infection control, safety, and resident privacy (HIPAA).
• Mentor and guide less experienced nursing staff and assist with training new employees.
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
• Regularly complete all assigned training modules and courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to stay up to date on required skills, policies, and industry standards.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in a skilled nursing or long-term care environment, is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, and proficiency in performing nursing procedures.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach with a commitment to providing high-quality care and adhering to facility policies.

Required Licensure/Education

• Completion of LPN program 
• Active LPN license in the state of Illinois 
• BLS 

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS sheets
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: A diagnostic composite of patients, frequent contact with intravenous devices, and high potential for contact with contaminated body fluids (blood, stool, vomitus) and administration of blood does create a high risk. use of needleless IV systems, universal precautions, and protective equipment to minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Patient diagnostic presentations do pose a high risk; however usage of protective wear, appropriate size TB mask from fit test and universal precautions reduce risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patient/families/staff/MD's. Ability to ask for help.
• Vision: Required to observe patients and their physical assessment, ability to read reports, and ability to read machines.
• Smell: Helpful to note the presence of incontinence, vomitus, blood; electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Necessary to hear alarms, calls for help and to hear patient verbalizations; ability to listen for lung, bowel, and heart sounds.
• Touch: Necessary to assess patients, need to distinguish between hot and cold.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 4%
• Stand: 40%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 25%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 10%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 30%
• Reach above shoulders: 3%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Further lifting and carrying requirements:

Lifting of patients off their beds that are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Horizontal movement of patients to and from carts/beds who are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Lifting equipment - carry 25'-150' waist high (IV bags, patient trays). Carry charts 25'-150' waist high. Filled laundry bags are filled half full so as not to weigh over 35 lbs. Carry fire extinguishers up or down 3-4 flights of stairs and several yards in an emergency.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 15
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 1
• Bend: 15
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: Often
• Pushing &pulling - 50-200 lbs:
• Fine Manipulation: Typing on computer, omnicell, using pens to chart, drawing up meds in syringe and administration, starting IVs.

Leg Strength - up to 50 lbs: Occasionally (repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: utilized in positioning beds during transport; x-ray, surgery or in an emergency from floor to floor, locking beds or cardiac chairs.)

Environmental Factors &Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 6-40
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:

Special Hazards: Radiation, Chemical, Explosive - Chemical-drugs; Explosive-oxygen; Radiation-cesium implants and radioactive iodine therapy.

Protective Clothing Required: As required for chemotherapy or in cases of isolation, i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles.