Licensed Practitioner Nurse

Reports To: Nurse Manager

Department: Scofield Manor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Full-Time)

Shift: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday – Friday)

Date Adopted: September 13, 2024

Revision Dates: January 1, 2027, October 18, 2017, June 12, 2026

Position Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) serves as the primary day-to-day clinical operator under RN/Nurse Manager direction within the Residential Care Home. The LPN ensures that all care delivery, documentation, and communication meet state regulatory standards, while supporting a safe, organized, and resident-centered environment. Responsible for executing and maintaining high- quality resident care and ensuring clinical systems run efficiently and compliantly. Acts as an extension of the RN/Nurse Manager, the LPN assumes ownership of daily clinical operations, including medication management, care plan execution, documentation, appointment coordination, and staff guidance. This role plays a critical part in reducing operational burden on the RN by proactively managing routine clinical workflows; identifying issues early and ensuring timely follow-through.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Daily Clinical Operations & Execution

• Lead and manage day-to-day clinical care delivery for residents under RN/Nurse Manager oversight.
• Serve as the first point of contact for routine clinical issues, changes in condition, and care coordination needs.
• Conduct routine and ongoing resident assessments, including vital signs, condition monitoring, and post-hospital evaluations.
• Identify and escalate changes in resident condition(s) to the RN/Nurse Manager in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ensure completion and follow-through of all daily clinical tasks and assignments.

Care Planning & Coordination

• Update care plans in real time based on observed changes and RN/Nurse Manager direction.
• Ensure execution of care plans
• Translate physician orders and RN direction into actionable care tasks for staff.
• Coordinate and track all medical appointments, lab work, and specialist consultations, ensuring documentation is obtained and filed.
• Support admission and discharge processes, including assessments and service coordination.
• Arrange and follow up on referrals (home care, therapy, behavioral health, etc.).

Medication Management & Oversight

• Oversee and execute daily medication administration processes, including ordering, storage, inventory, and documentation.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date Medication Administration Records (MAR/eMAR).
• Monitor and report medication effectiveness and report concern(s) to the RN and providers.
• Oversee and validate medication administration performed by trained staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Proactively identify and resolve discrepancies in medication systems.

Training & Competency Coordination

• Lead and manage monthly in-service training programs, including identification, development, scheduling, and documentation.
• Track and monitor staff certifications (CNA, medication administration, CPR/BLS).
• Ensure all staff remain compliant with certification and training requirements.
• Follow up with staff who miss required training to ensure completion.

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain documentation in an audit-ready state; resident records, assessments
• Identify and correct documentation gaps in real time.
• Maintain compliance with Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) requirements and organizational policies.
• Review logs, reports, and documentation regularly and take corrective action as needed.
• Prepare documentation to support regulatory reviews and audits.
• Ensure timely filing and tracking of physician orders, assessments, and clinical records.

Staff Support & Clinical Guidance

• Provide day-to-day guidance and task directions to CNAs and care staff during shifts.
• Reinforce proper care techniques, documentation standards, and medication practices.
• Support staffing needs, including assisting with schedule gaps when necessary.
• Serve as a resource and mentor to direct care staff, promoting accountability and quality care.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain consistent communication with the RN/Nurse Manager regarding:
• Changes in resident condition
• Medication concerns
• Compliance risks or documentation gaps
• Collaborate with residents, families, physicians, and external providers to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
• Communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of staff and stakeholders.

Emergency Response/Other

• Respond to clinical emergencies with calm, sound judgment and appropriate action.
• Initiate necessary interventions and escalate to RN/Nurse manager or emergency services as required.
• May be required to work different shifts, per direction from the RN/Nurse Manager, based on business needs.
• May be required to perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of gerontology, chronic conditions, and mental health care.
• Solid understanding of clinical documentation and regulatory compliance standards.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in medication and documentation processes.
• Strong organizational and task ownership mindset.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and drive completion of responsibilities independently.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with residents, families, staff members or members of the community in a respectful, patient manner.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with healthcare providers and community members.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma required; Associates Degree preferred
• Minimum of four (4) years’ LPN experience is mandatory; two (2) of which are in managerial roles are strongly preferred.
• Experience in geriatric, behavioral health, and/or residential care settings strongly preferred.
• Active Connecticut Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license required.
• Current CPR certification is required.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is mandatory.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including extended shifts as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, including reference checks, physical, drug screening, and background checks.