Description

Position Summary:

• Assists the professional nursing staff in providing maximum patient care, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of each assigned patient. Under supervision gives direct and indirect patient care as assigned.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Skills:

• Plans, assesses, directs and participates in the delivery of medical-surgical nursing care.
• Assesses patient on admission and records the physical assessment and nursing needs upon admission and throughout stay.
• Ensure patient documentation is complete and up to date. Including but not limited to vital signs, I/O, tasks, daily weights, hourly rounding and patient interventions.
• Identifies and documents patient/significant other teaching needs upon admission and facilitates and documents appropriate teaching and response to teaching.
• Promptly and accurately completes investigative reports as required.
• Communicates patient needs and status changes effectively with Charge Nurse and Medical Staff.
• Makes frequent patient rounds to assure patient safety, quality care, and satisfaction.
• Demonstrated knowledge of policies and procedures for administering, transcribing and recording medications.
• Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used meds: action, dose, and side effects.
• Observes seven rights for administering meds: right patient, right drug, right dose, right method, right time, right reason and right documentation.
• Demonstrates proper procedures in all methods of medication administration.
• Administers blood and blood products following policy and procedures under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Initiates and maintains IV access according to policy and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures for Omnicell.
• Maintains knowledge base through attendance at Hospital sponsored in-services and staff meetings
• Maintains skills necessary to operate all equipment to ensure a safe environment for the ill/injured patient.
• Assess and provides care for patients relative to their age specific needs.
• Maintains up-to-date documentation including vital signs and I/O.
• Evaluates the quality of nursing care in compliance with established standards of nursing practice.
• Accurately performs chart audits and facilitates education and quality improvement.
• Identifies problems in patient care and assists in formulating a plan of action to solve problems.
• Practices within legal boundaries of nurse practice act and according to hospital policy and procedures.
• Maintains the required inventory of supplies and equipment on the medical-surgical unit.
• Determines equipment needs and assures equipment is maintained in condition required by department standards.
• Facilitates favorable relationships between the medical-surgical unit, Medical Staff, and other hospital departments and seeks input regarding nursing care.
• Facilitates problem resolution among peers as observed by Director of Nurses and peers.
• Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff and Director of Nurses toward the organization.
• Interacts with patient, family, other employees and departments in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner as observed by Director of Nurses and peers.
• Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.
• Follows aseptic procedures and precautions when involved in direct patient contact or handling potentially infectious materials.
• Floats to other departments as needed if patient census allows. 
• When in the Emergency Department, LVNs assist with medication administration, wound care, IV insertion and maintenance, documenting VS and I/Os, family and patient education, and other tasks within his/her scope of practice delegated by the RN or provider. 

General:

• Maintain HIPAA required and all other confidentiality while working with confidential matters on a daily basis.
• Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Heart of Texas Healthcare System.
• Interacts with patient, Medical Staff, family, employees, and other departments in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by Nurse Manager and peers.
• Fosters mature professional relationship with fellow employees in a courteous friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Participates in in-service programs, in safety, infection control, staff meetings, committee meetings, and assigned yearly education.
• Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.
• Participates in in-service programs, safety, infection control, staff meetings, and assigned yearly education.
• Community Service

Interpersonal Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude toward all employees, departments, family members, and patients.
• Communicates effectively on a continuous basis.
• Provide positive support for other team members and departments on a continuous basis.

Requirements

Qualifications & Education:

• Current Texas Vocational Nurse Licensure or a graduate from an accredited School of Vocational Nursing. BLS required within 30 days of hire; ACLS required within 90 days of hire. IV therapy course preferred. 
• LVN License to practice as a professional Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of Texas or Active Multi-State LCN Compact License, or GVN Permit. (Employees with LVN Compact Licensure are required to obtain Texas LVN License within 90 days of hire date.) 
• Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served as applicable. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• One year of Licensed Vocational Nursing experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to bend, squat, push, stoop, lift and pull as needed especially in fulfilling job responsibilities. 
• Occasional heavy lifting when moving or supporting patients who may suddenly become weak or helpless.

Work Schedule:

• Day Shift 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of this position. The job description and duties of this position are subject to change, be modified or supplemented as deemed necessary by Heart of Texas Healthcare System. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and to perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by supervisors, managers and administration. This job description does not constitute any employment contract between Heart of Texas Healthcare System and any employee.