Position Summary: The LPN should have knowledge and skills necessary to function within his/her role using the nursing process. Functions under the RN to participate in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Should demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Should participate in continuing education and professional development activities. This is a SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION.
Position Accountabilities:
JOB SPECIFIC CRITERIA:
- Receive report before giving care.
- Makes rounds on patients and assesses appropriately for the following as applicable: Cardiovascular status, Respiratory status, Appropriate status,
I & O, Special equipment-IV's NG, foley, etc., Special Needs.
- Admit new patients and assist in performing initial assessment.
- Check medical record for physician orders and results of diagnostic studies.
- Prepare appropriately for medication administration: Research medication; Aware of patient vital signs, telemetry pattern; Aware of lab results, i.e.
K levels, BUN, CR, theophlline levels, digoxin levels, blood sugar as related to ordered medications; Assess patient's need for pain medication on
rounds and alert care giver; Assess IV sites and need changes, note rate and tubing dates.
- Perform nursing skills according to skills check list and return demonstration.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION:
- Preplan nursing care to perform in an organized manner.
- Obtain materials and supplies needed for patient care.
- Use resource material as necessary to include nursing policy and procedure books and manuals from other departments.
- Utilize time effectively and productively.
- Assist in updating individualized nursing care plans as per initiation by RN.
- Involve patient/family in the planning of his/her care.
- Organize work according to priorities.
- Maintain patient kardex as indicated.
- Plan appropriately for administration of medications: (1) First initial and last name on MAR; (2) Organize in order to give meds on time; (3) Alert
pharmacy to immediate needs in the nursing unit; (4) Check the five rights before giving meds.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CARE:
- Deliver basic patient care according to standards of nursing care established by Bradley County Medical Center nursing department.
- Check patient identity before initiating nursing activities.
- Perform technical skills according to policy and procedure including the following: (1) TPR, B/P; (2) Specimen collection; (3) Catheterization;
(4) Tube feedings; (5) Irrigation (bowel, bladder, NG, colostomy); (5) Sterile dressings; (6) Oxygen administration; (7) Preparation of patient
for diagnostic studies; (8) Orphyaryngeal, sterile suctioning; (9) Restraints.
- Administer medications according to policy/procedure including the following: (1) Has knowledge from attending shift report, i.e., knows
diagnosis, special needs, etc., (2) Administer meds by all routes according to approved procedure; (3) Teach patients appropriately regarding meds; (4)
Keep med carts locked when not in use; (5) Keeps carts and drug room clean and organized; (6) Check unusual dosages on meds (insulin, heparin,
etc.,) with another nurse before administering; (7) Sign out for narcotic correctly; (8) Dispose of drug/narcotics as required and in accordance with
procedures.
- Interprets written and verbal directions correctly.
- Question situations in which underlying principals on standards of care are violated.
- Seek guidance from RN in making judgments in questionable or uncertain situations and functions within the LPN role as defined by the Arkansas
Nurse Practice Act.
- Use appropriate safety measures including: (1) Use aseptic technique appropriately; (2) Act to prevent accidents and injury; (3) Use correct
body mechanics; (4) Keep all necessary items within reach of patient; (5) Use siderails as indicated according to policy and procedure; (6)
Do concurrent cleaning in patient areas and staff areas.
- Adhere to isolation technique.
- Respond to codes within the hospital as indicated according to procedure.
EVALUATION AND NURSING COMMUNICATION:
- Evaluate results of specific nursing intervention and documents in the medical record.
- Evaluate own learning needs and seek opportunities for new learning experiences.
- Explain nursing procedures to patient prior to the procedure.
- Instruct patients and visitors regarding hospital rules and regulations and reinforces as needed.
- Reports all pertinent information appropriately: Changes in condition; Effects of treatments or meds.; Patient/family concerns; Physician concerns; Equipment malfunctions/safety hazards.
- Instruct patient according to disease process.
- Maintains accurate and concise records of observations, treatment and care of patients:
- Assessment
- Flow Sheet
- Nurses Notes
- Nursing Care Plan
- Kardex
- Orders
- Discharge Summary
- Transfer sheets
- Medication Records
- Properly chart medications to include: First initial, last name and title to correspond with initials; Note proper dose, date, time; Indicate injection sites appropriately; Correct errors appropriately; Document effect of p.r.n.
- Utilize and document nursing care according to nursing process: Assessment; Implementation; Evaluation
- Skills Check List: Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: Basic Nursing Skills;MCU; Medication/IV Nurse; LPN emergency room; LPN OR; LPN Nursery; LPN OB/L&D
COMMUNICATION:
- Listen and initiate feed-back to ensure effective communication.
- Use constructive feed-back to improve performance.
- Resolve problems with interpersonal relationships, referring them when necessary.
- Participate in the development of solutions to communication problems.
- Communicate complete and accurate information.
- Practice discretion in information shared with patients and peers.
- Apply basic communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) in all interactions with patients, peers, other departments and the public.
- Avoid excessive noise and protect patient privacy.
- Acknowledge validity of communication from others.
- Address people by name.
- Identify yourself on the telephone by name, title, department.
- Express frustrations in appropriate time and manner.
- Support other staff in the performance of their duties: Respond promptly to request from supervisor, peers and other employees; Communicate criticism in constructive private manner; Accept constructive criticism in appropriate manner; Praise peers on quality job performance
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to lift and restrain patients when necessary.
- Must have full use of arms, legs, fingers and hands and be comfortable standing, walking, bending and kneeling while on an 8-hour or 12-hour shift.
- Must be strong enough to push and pull heavy equipment as needed.
- Must be able to assist patients with walking or using the bathroom and helping patients in and out of bed.
Job Qualifications
Education/Licenses:Graduate of an accredited Vocational-Technical School and current State licensure which is renewed every two years. Must possess current CPR certification which is renewed bi-annually.