Basic Function
To provide direct nursing care to patients in Care Chexx LLC’s recuperative care facility for homeless adult males and females; to observe and report patients' physical conditions; to assist in collecting and recording data for patient assessments; and to perform related duties as assigned.
Examples of Work Performed
- Provide direct nursing care, including ambulation assistance, range of motion exercises, monitoring intravenous therapy under RN supervision, and performing emergency measures such as CPR.
- Monitor patient conditions by documenting vital signs, observing equipment, noting intake/output, and assessing behavior.
- Provide physical comfort through personal care, pain management, and assistance with meals and mobility.
- Administer prescribed treatments, including wound, catheter, and tracheotomy care.
- Assist in assessing patient needs by collecting and recording data to identify changes in physical, behavioral, or psychological conditions.
- Document and communicate noteworthy staff performance to improve care delivery.
- Assist RNs in developing nursing care plans and writing nursing orders.
- Support medical director with diagnostic procedures by preparing and positioning patients and explaining procedures.
- Respond to emergencies, providing immediate care and summoning assistance when necessary.
- Educate patients about treatments, medications, and recovery processes, including follow-up care plans.
- Facilitate resource utilization for health care services, equipment, and supplies, and refer issues to appropriate representatives.
- Collaborate with team members to maintain patient safety and effective staffing coverage.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Completion of a practical nursing program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Experience: None required.
Certifications/Licensure: Must hold a valid LPN license in the State of Minnesota or a permit to practice practical nursing as authorized by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibility:
- May oversee and check the work of up to 10 employees, including Nursing Assistants, Medication Aides, and support staff.
Work Environment:
- Operates in a recuperative care facility environment, engaging directly with patients requiring comprehensive care and support.
- Regularly stands and walks for up to 7 hours daily, with frequent bending and stooping.
- May lift over 100 pounds with assistance and occasionally manage confused or combative patients.
- Exposed to contagious diseases, emotionally taxing situations, and potential toxic substances.
- Direct contact with individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with infectious or other complex health conditions. Care Chexx personnel must complete a baseline individual TB risk assessment, symptom screening, and TB testing (e.g., TB skin test or TB blood test) upon hire/pre-placement.
- Care Chexx workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
- Care Chexx workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B upon hire with (2 dose series of Heplisav-B with doses separated by at least 30 days). All persons refusing vaccination must sign disclosure of refusal.
Internal/External Relationships:
- Daily contact with patients to provide direct care and support.
- Collaborates with RNs, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure effective care delivery.
- Communicates with patients’ families to provide updates on condition and care plans.
Impact on Services/Operations:
- Quality performance directly enhances patient outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, hospital re-admissions, and supports the mission of Care Chexx LLC.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
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Knowledge: Nursing practices, pharmacology, anatomy, emergency procedures, infection control, and regulatory guidelines.
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Skills: Patient assessment, effective use of medical equipment, emergency response, and accurate documentation.
- Abilities:
- Lift and restrain patients safely, including lifting over 100 pounds with assistance.
- Stand, walk, bend, and stoop for prolonged periods during patient care.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, and team members.
- Accurately record data and oversee the work of support staff.
- Maintain professionalism and resilience in emotionally challenging situations.