LPN PACE

Provides nursing care to participants under the direct and indirect supervision of the registered nurse(s) and providers of primary care.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedules participants for medical appointments (acute needs and recall appointments). Performs nursing assessments to identify participant needs and problems. Observes, collects and enters patient data into medical records. Identifies and reports problems requiring referral or follow-up. Follows the approved plan of care for each participant and makes notations in the medical record. Provides wound care in the clinic and in participant homes per medical orders. Assists patients in setting up medication planners per medical orders. Obtains lab specimens according to approved clinical guidelines. Administers EKG tests. Administers medication per medical orders. Makes home visits per medical order, per scheduled appointment or emergent need. Assists participants with foot and nail care and intimate hygiene (not allowed for personal care aides). Interviews participants to obtain and record information about falls on approved forms. Educates participants and caregivers and medical conditions, medications and treatments. Enters data into clinical logs (wounds, infections, Glucometer, refrigeration, narcotics, etc.) Provides nursing care according to accepted practice standards. Conducts regular, periodic inventories of medical supplies and reports to supervisor. Participates in the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program. Documents changes in participant status and communicates changes to the interdisciplinary team. Communicates in approved ways with home care workers and supervisors, bus drivers and other staff involved in the delivery of health and social services for participants. Identifies emergency situations and initiates therapy as appropriate. Respects participant rights and treats patients in accordance with ethical standards. Participates in the coordination of 24-hour care delivery system. When on call after hours or on weekends, triages the provision of care:

• Can the situation be resolved by reassuring the participant or caregiver and scheduling them in the PACE clinic for the next available appointment?
• Does the situation require a home visit from the after-hours nurse?
• Should the participant go to the emergency room for evaluation?

When an on-call shift ends, reports changes in participant status to the interdisciplinary team. Completes all documentation in the medical record as required. Acts within the scope of his or her authority in performing duties