What You Get To Do:
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing support to individuals receiving services under the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. The LPN shall deliver direct clinical care, conduct health assessments, respond to changes in clinical condition, provide competency-based training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), implement Health Care Plans (HCPs) and the Comprehensive Aspiration Risk Management Plan (CARMP), and maintain strict compliance with all DDSD standards, federal and state regulations, and the New Mexico Nursing Practice Act.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conduct nursing assessments in accordance with individual acuity levels (annual, semiannual, quarterly, or monthly intervals)
- Perform daily face-to-face nursing visits for individuals enrolled in Intensive Medical Living Services (IMLS)
- Implement and monitor Health Care Plans (HCPs) and prescribed therapy recommendations
- Ensure safe implementation and adherence to all medical provider orders
- Administer medications and treatments in strict accordance with prescriber orders and the DD Waiver Medication Administration Assessment Tool (MAAT)
- Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all medications on the Medication Administration Record (MAR), including PRN usage and clinical effectiveness
- Conduct annual and event-triggered Aspiration Risk Screening Tool (ARST) assessments
- Notify the Case Manager (CM) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) of moderate or high aspiration risk findings within required timelines
- Provide competency-based training to DSPs on health-related procedures and protocols
- Evaluate and verify DSP competency prior to independent implementation of health-related tasks
- Respond promptly to health emergencies, aspiration events, injuries, and behavioral health incidents
- Communicate directly with the RN, Case Manager, guardian, DSPs, and healthcare providers regarding all health concerns and clinical developments
- Participate in annual Individual Service Plan (ISP) meetings, emergency IDT meetings, and transition meetings