Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Massachusetts

We are seeking a part-time Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our Medical Respite residential program within our Division of Recovery & Housing. This position coordinates those functions and activities that provide for, maintain, and promote the health of persons in need of shelter and stability. This position works within the Homeless Medical Respite Services (HMRS) program, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among co-workers.    

Person Services 

Conducts screening and evaluations to determine eligibility and suitability for the Homeless Medical Respite Program

Provides health and medical information necessary for completion and revisions of the Comprehensive Assessment

Provides input regarding health and medical needs for the development and monitoring of Individual Action Plans (IAPs)

Informs persons served regarding medication function, effects and side effects

Coordinates with community providers, including inpatient medical providers, visiting nurses, primary and specialty care offices, and others as need to ensure appropriate medical care both in the HMRS program and in the community.

Provides informal counseling in areas of health and psycho-physiological well-being.

Monitors side effects of medications

Insures yearly physical assessments are performed to maintain accurate baseline data

Assesses persons served with specific physical complaints

Makes appropriate medical interventions, e.g. coordinates appointments and communication with physicians

Interacts with persons served in order to assess needs, provide information, discuss problems, and encourage growth and development

Provides informal counseling in areas of health and psycho-physiological well-being

Monitors participant progress in areas of health and psycho-physiological well-being

Advocates with medical providers to ensure that persons served receive highest quality health care including second opinions when warranted

Coordinates access and referrals to VNAs when ordered by prescriber and/or physician

Program Staff Development Services

1.  Ensures program and staff are in compliance with medication self-administration practices and performs medication audits regularly

2. Trains staff as needed to obtain MAP certification

3. Provides training to persons served and staff regarding medication function, effects, side effects, nutrition, specific disease processes which apply to program persons served, and vital sign monitoring

4. Provides agency-wide trainings on medically related topics such as vital signs

5. Adheres to MHA and program policy and procedure manual

6. Develops and monitors systems related to medical care and medications

7. Provides clinical support to Directors and Supervisory Staff 

Collateral/Environmental Services

Works within processes and procedures of referral source

Coordinates exchange of information among person served, staff, and external medical/nursing and other service-providing agencies and providers

Consults with staff regarding Person served special physical care needs

Notifies supervisory staff immediately in the event of a person served crisis, suspected illegal activity, or any behavior constituting an incident in the program

 Liaisons with other service providing agencies

Administrative Responsibilities/Record Keeping 

Maintains medical and medication records in accordance with standard format and timetables to include physical assessment and progress reports and other specialized documentation which is required

May attend Individual Action Plan meetings if needed

Conducts medical/clinical projects as identified by the Director 

Professional Growth and Development  

Attends Agency-required trainings and seeks and uses external training opportunities

Participates in relevant Agency and/or community task forces

Engages in self-evaluation to develop professional goals

Actively participates in individual supervision

Conclusion:

This job description provides an overview of the essential responsibilities and qualifications for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks or working conditions associated with the role.

Requirements

Must have a valid Licensed Practical Nursing license in the state of Massachusetts

Must have experience monitoring/developing IAPs (Individual Action Plans)

Experience in medical respite preferred

Must have a valid driver's license and a reliable source of transportation to bring to/from work