Overview The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse. Special Instructions Employee may be required to take call , may be required to work weekends
Responsibilities
- Performs basic nursing care and patient procedures as required.
- Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
- Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition, observations made, complaints voiced, and nursing care performed.
- Participates in patient and family health education as necessary.
- Provides a safe and secure environment for patients.
- Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
- May administer I.V.F. in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act.
- Checks, irrigates, and maintains drainage tubes as needed.
- May insert N/G tubes after training (KY & VA).
- May administer tube feedings.
- Suctions patients according to hospital policy and procedure.
- Functions in emergencies and on the code team as designated.
- Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.
- Administers oral, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, I.V., P.B., and approved medications.
- Administers I.V.P. medications as approved (Virginia only).
- Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyzes oxygen concentration of O2 tents, isolettes, and croupettes.
- Administers respiratory treatments (I.P.P.B.).
- Applies sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles.
- Answers call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.
- Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH, weighs patients, and obtains vital signs.
- Cares for patients in isolation.
- Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining Pap smears.
- Administers post-operative care, including coughing, deep breathing, turning patients, and obtaining vital signs.
- Prepares patients for surgery, including completion of pre-operative checklists.
- Applies ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottles, and ice caps.
- Measures and records intake and output.
- Collects specimens, including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.
- Administers post-mortem care and transportation.
- Administers enemas, including retention, cleansing, therapeutic, and colonic irrigation.
- Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in nursing care.
- Responds appropriately in emergency situations, providing patient care, initiating CPR, and performing duties designated by the RN or physician.
- Assists with the care and security of patient valuables.
- Checks narcotics and barbiturates, reports discrepancies, completes incident reports, and submits documentation to appropriate management.
- Cares for patients with radium and assists physicians with removal of radium.
- Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.
- Cleans and maintains storage of equipment and requests repairs as appropriate.
- Follows up with physicians and staff regarding equipment performance.
- Complies with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting, and following through on telephone and verbal orders.
- Monitors glucose using a glucose monitoring device.
- Collects Quality Improvement data as requested.
- Uses universal precautions.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Education
- Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing. Licenses & Certifications
- Must maintain current licensure in the state of practice.
- Must successfully complete the I.V. Therapy Course. Experience
- Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties. Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred.
- Ability to provide safe and effective patient care in accordance with nursing standards and scope of practice.
- Ability to perform nursing procedures and treatments accurately.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
