Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an individual who holds a current state license to practice practical nursing. LPN (IV) will have successfully completed a Board approved basic intravenous therapy course. The LPN, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), performs duties, which require a basic knowledge of nursing principles and the ability to perform technical skills in carrying out nursing procedures that are culturally based and age specific.

Responsibilities

Assessment:

Participates in the nursing assessment of the patient by collecting and recording objective data and observations about the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and educational needs of the patient.

• Demonstrates knowledge base of normal age-specific, physiological and psychosocial functions of the unit's population.
• Contributes observations to the basic physical assessment of assigned patients.
• Initiates a nursing admission history upon admission.
• Differentiates between normal and abnormal data, signs and symptoms, and subtle changes related to the patient's presenting problems and potential problems.
• Notifies Physician and RN promptly of pertinent changes in patient's condition.
• Contributes to the evaluation of patient needs each shift and more frequently when indicated by unit standards of care or patient condition.
• Monitors patient and environmental safety continuously.
• Receives and gives a complete, concise, and timely report on condition of assigned patients.
• Collaborates with other health team members to collect and share pertinent data regarding patient's physiological and psychological condition.
• Observes continuing care needs in preparation for discharge.
• Observes for need to refer to other health care professionals

Planning:

Provides input to the RN regarding establishing and prioritizing a list of actual, and potential, individualized age-specific patient problems and/or needs.

• Contributes recommendations to the RN regarding the interdisciplinary plan of care for each assigned patient in a collaborative effort with other health care team members within the time frame indicated by unit's standards of practice.
• Involves patient and/or family in reviewing the mutually agreed upon goals.
• Assures plan of care is consistent with therapy prescribed by the medical practitioner, standards of care, and anticipated length of stay.
• Communicates formulated plan of care, as appropriate, to all levels of associates involved in the patient's care.
• Utilizes plan of care in shift report.
• Reviews possible modification in plan of care with the RN based on changing patient needs.
• Demonstrates ability to establish priorities of care.
• Contributes to discharge planning upon admission and makes appropriate referrals.
• Attends and participates in patient conferences as indicated.

Updates computerized patient profiles every shift and incorporates changes in plan of care and status as directed.

Implementation:

Implements plan of care and interventions to provide quality care, under the direction of an RN, based on assessed needs, established standards of care and according to policy and procedures.

• Implements nursing actions based upon patient's plan of care.
• Implements plan of nursing care in collaboration with the patient, significant others, and other health care team members.
• Provides ongoing individualized holistic patient and family education based on needs and plan of care.
• Demonstrates critical thinking in review of physician orders and accountability for appropriate implementation of physician orders.
• Demonstrates responsibility for medication administration as allowed by licensure and institution policy.
• Responds to emergency and other situations requiring immediate attention in a controlled precise, and skilled manner.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other health care team members in a timely manner.
• Implements safety interventions to maintain patient/family/staff safety.
• Reports actual and potential patient safety issues.
• Implements measures to prevent contamination and/or transmission of disease.
• Utilizes appropriate protective devices and equipment to prevent injury.

Evaluation:

Continuously evaluates nursing practice, in collaboration with the RN, in relation to the standards of care and individual plan of care.

• Contributes to the evaluation of effectiveness of nursing care interventions.
• Collaborates with the RN regarding adjusting or continuing with plan of care based on patient's response.
• Involves patient and other health care team members in evaluation process when appropriate.
• Maintains continuity of care between shifts and transfers by reporting or following up on patient care needs.

Documentation:

Nursing process is accurately and concisely documented, including the patient's response to nursing interventions.

• Documents timely and according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Completes forms accurately and completely.
• Documents continuation of the plan of care reflective of collaborative practice with other health care team members.
• Documents patient/family teaching and response appropriately.

Leadership:

Effectively manages care through others.

• Demonstrates accountability for getting work done in a timely manner.
• Establishes positive/effective working relationships with coworkers, members of health care team, and other departments.
• Demonstrates flexibility and a cooperative attitude when adjustments are necessary.
• Acts as a resource person for new personnel, floater and/or supplemental staff working on the unit.

Professional Development:

Assumes responsibility for personal professional development and contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues and others.

• Participates in unit staff meetings
• Utilizes learning opportunities on the unit for improvement of self and others.
• Identifies personal strengths and weaknesses as a professional nurse and maintains individual competency in nursing practice.

Completes all educational, certification and regulatory requirements, maintaining competency in areas specific to work location. Submits

• required tests and paperwork in a timely manner.
• Supports the implementation of recommendations and changes made to improve patient care at the unit level.
• Utilizes proper channels to express dissatisfaction or concern.
• Evaluates nursing practice by participating in self/peer review and performance improvement activities.

Familiarizes self with purpose and function of committees of The Christ Hospital and utilizes them to address issues as appropriate

Productivity:

Considers factors related to cost and effective outcomes when planning patient care.

• Manages workload effectively.
• Initiates care in a timely manner.
• Abides by Time and Attendance Policy.

Supports effective use of staff and supplies.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of Practical nursing.
• Must currently be licensed in the State of Ohio.
• Must have successfully completed the requirements necessary to obtain a medication administration card issued by the National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Services (NAPNES); the Ohio Organization of Practical Nurse Educators (OOPNE); or the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Years of Experience:

• None required.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• The LPN demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide culturally specific patient care and education.
• The LPN effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication and maintains confidentiality.
• The LPN demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth.
• The LPN demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a culturally diverse setting.

Licenses and Certifications:

• List any certifications and licenses required to perform this position.
• The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing, who holds a current license to practice nursing in her/his state.
• Membership in professional organizations is desirable. BLS certification required prior to patient contact.