Description

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.

Requirements

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.

This position description lists the most significant duties of this role. However, this description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. Although it is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.