Licensed Practical Nurses provide skilled nursing care and essential support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician. LPNs play a vital role in managing the day-to-day health of clients, performing skilled medical tasks, and monitoring ongoing health status in private homes and community settings.

Qualifications

LPN applicants must hold a current, valid Georgia LPN license and be able to perform all responsibilities with professionalism and clinical competence. You must be able to observe, assess, and respond to changes in client condition while maintaining strict confidentiality.

The role requires clear English communication, the ability to read and follow medical orders accurately, and the capacity to work independently in field assignments. You must be able to organize tasks, apply positive behavior-support methods, and perform Basic Life Support (BLS).

Additional compliance requirements include:

• Training or experience in treating individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Annual TB test with negative results and annual physical confirming freedom from communicable disease.
• Required criminal background checks by GCHEXS.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history (no more than two chargeable accidents or moving violations).

Responsibilities

Medication and Health Monitoring LPNs are responsible for the safe administration of prescribed medications (oral, topical, injection) and verifying the proper method, time, and dosage according to the Medication Administration Record (MAR). You will monitor for side effects, ensure adequate medication supplies are available, and explain treatments to individuals as appropriate.

You will implement and monitor the daily healthcare protocols established by the RN. This includes active management and data collection for specific health needs such as bowel elimination (constipation and diarrhea), hypertension, weight management, skin care, seizure activity, fluid intake (hydration), aspiration risks, fall prevention, and diabetes care. You are responsible for identifying critical changes in these areas and reporting them immediately to the supervising RN or physician.

Medical Care and Screenings Daily clinical duties include taking vital signs, performing required screenings, and conducting ongoing observations of health status to ensure timely interventions. You will assist with emergency healthcare situations and coordinate with the RN to refer individuals to other services when necessary.

Documentation and Support You support health maintenance by implementing care plans that enhance physical and emotional stability. This requires documenting clinical notes, Medication Administration Records (MAR), and health updates consistently and accurately. You must complete daily, weekly, and monthly records, logs, and fiscal reports in a timely, professional manner to ensure the medical record is accurate and legible.

Transportation and Training

Transportation duties may include driving clients to medical appointments using personal or family vehicles. You will assist individuals in coordinating medical care and must follow all healthcare recommendations strictly.

LPNs must complete an 8-hour agency training curriculum with competency verification every year (unless otherwise specified by licensure requirements). You are expected to participate positively in staff training activities to improve your competencies.

Expectations

LPNs must be willing to drive a passenger vehicle when applicable and obtain all regulatory clearances. You are expected to purchase your own required trainings, such as CPR, CPI, and GCHEXS background reports. The role requires working flexible hours based on individual and program needs, as well as traveling for trainings and meetings when requested.