Per Diem Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (Brain Injury)

Overview

Provides direct service and daily nursing care in a clinically intensive program designed to meet the needs of clients / persons served who have been diagnosed with a brain injury and may also have complex medical needs.

Ensuresthat care is provided in a respectful, dignified, high quality manner and that it promotes individual choices.

Helps clients / persons served to become participants in their communities.

This position may be eligible for a differential pay rate depending on assigned work hours, location, area, or division.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties / responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below :

• Participates in the comprehensive assessment of physical health of each client / person served upon admission, and with any change in medical status.
• Provides nursing care, teaching, and assistance in daily living activities according to each client's / person served care plan including, but not limited to wound care, diabetes care, mouth care, foot care, GT / JT care, nutritional management, catheter maintenance and care. Monitors and observes clients for any change in status.
• Implements IAPs. Uses recovery-oriented, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based rehabilitation approaches to help clients think through their current life circumstances compared with their hopes and plans for the future.
• Communicates any change in status of clients / persons served to appropriate individuals including Program Manager, primary care provider, family and / or guardian, and other outside agencies.
• Performs individualized assessments with any change of status and provide skilled nursing interventions, as indicated.
• Takes and documents client's temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure per IAP and as ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Collects sputum, urine, and stool samples as appropriate and ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Administers medication as ordered by primary care provider.
• Administers treatments as ordered by primary care provider.
• Maintains client's / persons served medical equipment and supplies that includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, and hospital beds.
• Provides transportation and accompanies individual served to medical, dental, or any appointment, as needed.
• Participates in trainings; attend supervision meetings, staff meetings, as needed.
• Adheres to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker's compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Complies with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as all regulations.
• Contributes to program's quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Uses crisis intervention techniques, when necessary. Access on-call back up, when needed. Completes incident documentation, as needed.
• Ensures maintenance and safety of physical site.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills :

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org / careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements :

Experience working with people with brain injury, psychiatric disabilities medical illnesses and other co-occurring disorders preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Preferred / Required Education :

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate's degree in Nursing is required.

Driving Requirements :

May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check, which is subject to annual checks. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.

Physical Effort :

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications :

CPR is required within two weeks of hire

Safety Care is required within 90 days of hire

Required Credentials / Licenses :

LPN in Massachusetts required

Pay Range

USD $37.50 - USD $37.50 / Hr.