POSITION SUMMARY

Using independent and interdependent judgment, the Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) maintains the delivery of quality care by assuring the nursing care plan is followed. In collaboration with the physician, the LVN/LPN assures implementation of the assessment plan, evaluation, and follows up of the plan of care for the patient population.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a valid temporary or permanent CA State Practical/ Vocational Nurse License. The individual must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, be dedicated to the provision of quality patient care, and use sound judgement in decision-making. CPR certification required. EKG (Advanced 12 Lead for Medical Professionals) certification, a valid ACLS certification and IV & Blood withdrawal certification required within six months of hire.

Ability to maintain assigned work hours:Requires endurance to perform tasks over long periods of work hours.

The duties and responsibilities are listed below. It is the expectation of the institution that the employee be able to demonstrate competency in each area. It is the duty of the institution to provide orientation and performance evaluation in each area stated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I.RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PATIENT

A. Participates in an on-going systematic assessment of the physical, emotional, social, educational, and functional needs of the patient/family through interview, observation, and physical examination.

1. Provides plans, coordinates or manages nursing care, nursing services, and health education to patients/ residents.

B. Interprets assessment data and information to develop a nursing care plan which contains problem identification, nursing diagnosis, nursing orders, approaches, interventions, short/long term goals, and discharge planning.

1. Develops nursing care plan utilizing nursing diagnosis

2. Assesses safety and fall risk levels for patients

C. Assures that medical orders are transcribed and processed accurately, and integrates the medical care plan into the provision of nursing care.

D. Assures that medication/I.V. administration is correct and according to the established nursing policies and procedures.

1. Looks up unfamiliar medications

2. Processes medication orders

3. Administers medications as ordered

4. Evaluates effectiveness of PRN medications

5. Verbalizes process for self-administered medications

6. Verbalizes patient education on identified medications

7. Verbalizes standing orders

8. Administers I.V. hydration, if I.V. certified

E. Provides for personal and environmental safety in accordance with hospital and nursing policies and procedures

F. Demonstrates skills in handling emergency and life-threatening situations

1. Locates and uses crash cart items

2. Calls Code Blue and Medical Emergency

3. Initiates CPR

4. Follows P&P and POLST

G. Assures that documents in the medical record are complete, factual, accurate and timely.

1. Documents materials and equipment used.

2. Verbalizes method to noting orders.

3. Documents discharge in chart.

4. Initiates and updates care plan as appropriate.

5. Provides discharge instructions.

6. Completes interagency transfer form.

H.Provides nursing care to meet patient needs:

a. Performs a complete head-to-toe assessment of each assigned patient per shift using proper documentation tools.

b. Acts promptly on changes in patient condition, utilizing SBAR method

c. Reviews lab and test results, notifying physician of abnormal and critical results

d. Performs wound care in accordance with policy, utilizing proper documentation tools.

e. Performs basic ventilator management and trouble-shooting.

II.RESPONSIBILITIES TO UNIT STAFF

A. Provides direction and leadership in patient care to assigned personnel.

1. Acts as a team leader and provides guidance to unlicensed personnel.

2. Makes assignments for team.

B. Prioritizes activities and plans for effective use of time for patient needs.

C. Communicates the plan of nursing care for each patient through reports, conferences, rounds, and patient care records.

1. Shift to shift report and shift huddle with aides

2. Delegates tasks to aides; monitors to make sure delegated tasks are completed appropriately.

D. Demonstrates responsibility for the teaching of nursing assistants in areas of new techniques, policies and procedures.

1. Preceptor

E. Participates in the quality improvement activities of nursing.

1. Attends appropriate meetings.

F. Communicates identified learning needs of self and others to the DON.

G. Assists the DON in the orientation of new staff.

H. Adheres to established policies and procedures of the hospital and Nursing Department.

I. Actively participates on nursing committees.

J. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF

A. Evaluates own performance and seeks opportunities for growth and

expansion of skills

B. Takes initiative in upgrading and maintaining skills necessary to provide

quality care to provide quality care to patients and leadership to assigned staff.

C. Acquires continuing education sufficient to maintain licensure and certification

1. Maintains current nursing licensure

2. Provides Human Resources and DON with a copy of current nursing license.

3. Maintains required competencies

4. Completes assigned program tracks assigned by DON/DSD.

5. Completes appropriate level of Clinical Advancement within established timeframes

D. Membership in appropriate professional organizations.

E. Assumes responsibility for maintaining/enhancing physical health and alleviating stress

1. Attendance

F. Demonstrates competency in a variety of nursing skills as demonstrated and evaluated on at lease an annual basis.

1. Attends annual skills fair

G. Displays a “customer service” attitude toward patients, visitors, and other staff members at all times.

1. Demonstrates basic telephone skills (how to answer, place on hold, and transfer a call.)

2. Utilizes intercom

3. Demonstrates how to page physicians or others on call.

H. Abides by all safety, infection control, and other guidelines as required.

1. Follows guidelines for caring for patients in isolation

2. Utilizes hand-washing techniques

3. Cleans equipment between patient usage.

4. Reports personal symptoms of suspected illness or contagious disease to the Employee Health Nurse.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of universal blood and body fluid precautions

I. Promotes an ethic of continuous quality improvement in all matters

associated with the position, and documents specific quality improvement implementation.

J. Performs all other tasks and duties as may be assigned.

K. Provides a level of competency to treat patients 18 and older.

1. Adults:

a. Involves them with care planning by meeting any needs they

identify during assessment

b. Identifies their normal patterns of living and strives to attain them

2. Geriatric:

a. Strives to obtain understanding by speaking distinctly and

moving slowly.

b. Involves family as much as possible

IV. DRESSES AND PRESENTS SELF IN A PROFESSIONA MANNER AT ALL TIMES. ADHERENCE TO THE CORPORATE APPEARANCE POLICY IS REQUIRED.

V.WEARSHOSPITAL ISSUED NAMETAG AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON DUTY

VI. CONDUCTS SELF ETHICALLY AT ALL TIMES.

VII. UPHOLDS ALL SERVICE STANDARDS

A. Safety- We do no harm and create an error-free environment.

1. Follow environment of care plan

2. Follow established clinical practices

3. Routine assessment of the environment for high risks with immediate correction (look for dangerous things and fix them; identify high risk issues and fix them)

4. Pay attention to detail

B. Communication- We engage our customers in exchanging clear, timely and accurate information.

1. Listen carefully

2. Ensure understanding of treatment and services

3. Timely follow-up on commitments

4. Constantly learn about the customers and identify their needs

C. Courtesy- We treat everyone with respect, social sensitivity and professionalism.

1. We acknowledge our customers with a smile and treat them as welcomed guests

2. Listen to our customers

3. Look at each interaction as an opportunity to promote courtesy with our customers

4. We treat each other as we treat our guests

5. We strive to exceed our customers expectations

D. Presentation- We provide a positive customer experience through the appearance of our environment and employees.

1. Maintain a clean and organized environment, including workspaces

2. Control hospital odors

3. All employees are compliant with the dress code

4. All employees communicate in a professional and courteous manner, including body language

5. Protect the privacy of patients

6. Maintain a quiet atmosphere

E. Efficiency- We use resources appropriately to benefit the customer and the organization.

1. Availability, assessment and application of resources

2. Do it right the first time

3. Pay attention to details

4. Save steps through planning

5. Timely responses