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.