LEAD NURSE

Lead Nurse (LPN)

The Lead Nurse (LPN) provides clinical leadership and nursing oversight within the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under the supervision of the RN Area Manager, the Lead Nurse assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of healthcare services for individuals served. The Lead Nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality healthcare services, compliance with regulatory requirements, proper medication management, staffing coordination, and implementation of individualized healthcare plans.

This position serves as a key resource to direct care staff and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals served.

Provides and oversees day-to-day healthcare services within the home in accordance with professional nursing standards, individualized healthcare plans, and organizational policies.

Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care for individuals served.

Partners with Home Coordinators, direct support staff, therapists, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure healthcare needs are appropriately addressed.

Conducts routine health assessments and observations to identify actual or potential health concerns.

Monitors the health status of individuals served and responds appropriately to changes in condition.

Communicates significant health changes, physician recommendations, and medication updates to family members, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members.

Collaborates with therapists and healthcare providers to ensure treatment plans, supports, and recommendations are implemented appropriately.

Reviews physician orders, consultations, medication administration records (MARs), and treatment recommendations for accuracy and implementation.

Ensures healthcare information is current and included in all required transfer packets and medical records.

Maintains complete, accurate, and timely medical documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.

Assists in maintaining medication inventories and pharmaceutical supplies.

Conducts ongoing monitoring of medication storage and completes required monthly medication audits and documentation.

Assists with implementation of nursing protocols and healthcare procedures.

Provides training and education related to medical conditions, medications, side effects, activities of daily living, and health-related protocols.

Supports infection prevention and control practices.

Documents time worked accurately.

Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Schedules Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to ensure adequate nursing coverage for all assigned shifts.

Develops and maintains monthly nursing staffing schedules in consultation with the RN Area Manager.

Submits nursing staffing plans to the RN Area Manager and ICF Director as required.

Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and service planning activities.

Supports quality assurance, risk management, and regulatory compliance initiatives.

Assists with licensing reviews, audits, surveys, and accreditation activities.

Provides support, guidance, and clinical consultation to direct support professionals and other staff.

Maintains current knowledge of healthcare practices, regulations, and standards impacting services.

Participates in professional development activities and required trainings.

Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and strong leadership at all times.

Supports organizational goals and quality improvement initiatives.

Other duties as needed to support program operations.

Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Tennessee required.

Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience required.

Three (3) to five (5) years of nursing experience in a nursing home, long-term care, home health, or related healthcare setting preferred.

Three (3) to five (5) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an ICF/IDD residential setting preferred.

Knowledge of ICF/IDD regulations, standards, and licensing requirements preferred.

Valid Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi driver's license with F endorsement and acceptable driving record required.

Experience coordinating staff schedules and nursing operations preferred.

Strong knowledge of nursing principles, healthcare practices, and medication management.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational and time management abilities.

Ability to assess health conditions and identify potential risks.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to train, mentor, and support staff members.

Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Intermediate…