Summary:
Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and in compliance with established nursing procedures and policies, provides nursing care to medical, surgical or orthopedic patient. Prepares for and assists with procedures as required.
Education Requirement:
Graduate of a LPN school/program. Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates.
Experience Requirement:
Experience in patient care as obtained through completion of a LPN program.
License/Certification Requirement:
Licensed Practical Nurse to work in state of TN. Current BLS certification required. Additional license/certification may be required based on area of assignment.
Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Provides nursing care according to medical regimen and the nursing intervention appropriate for the patients' conditions and according to standards, policies and procedures.

• Collects key information from patient, family, laboratory, and other medical reports.
• Determines which standards of care and practice apply to the patient.
• Administers to the overall physical and emotional needs of patient.
• Demonstrates knowledge and technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient needs within the unit.

1. Assists physicians, registered nurse and other members of health team with interventions, procedures and examinations.
2. Performs therapeutic nursing interventions:

• as ordered by the Physician
• consistent with primary and population-specific standards of care and practice and/or clinical priorities for care determined by the RN
• consistent with nursing division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety practices
• consistent with the nature of the assigned unit, including but not limited to:
  • • • conducts patient rounds
      • administration of medication
      • pain care measures
      • collects and labels specimens
      • assists with hygiene needs
      • takes and monitors vital signs
      • applies/changes dressing and provides site care
      • care of IV lines
      • assists with special procedures (lumbar punctures, thora centesis, etc).
      • trach care
      • catheter care
      • perform pulse oximetry
      • telemetry monitoring
      • maintain patency and care of drains: chest tubes, (Emerson, Pleuro-vacs), NG, cysto flow bladder irrigations, JP nephrotomy, Salem sump tube
      • perform colostomy care
      • wound care: closed wound irrigation, suture removal
      • monitoring patient with restraints
      • crisis intervention/initiates emergency measures
      • equipment: Dinamap, doppler usage: BP monitoring
      • enteral feedings - Kangaroo pumps
      • discharge planning

1. Identifies and documents patient needs and/or changes in condition and communicates findings to the Registered Nurse.

1. Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the assigned unit including:

• patient with medical, surgical, and orthopedic conditions (including post trauma)
• patient requiring emergency/crisis intervention
• chronically ill patients
• functionally impaired patients
• ventilated patients
• ambulatory/outpatient clinic patients
• care of patient with restraints
• care of patient with altered mental status

1. Prepares equipment/supplies and assists physician during treatments, procedures and examinations. Performs specialized duties applicable to assigned unit.

1. Responds and/or participates with medical emergencies. Initiates and/or assists with CPR/BLS/ACLS as required.

1. Provides teaching to patient/family in the care of disease/condition. Develops and implements patient teaching outlines including objectives, content, teaching strategies and evaluation of patient progress.

1. Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.

1. Confers and works collaboratively with patient/family/hospital staff regarding all aspects of patient needs (i.e., patient admission/discharge of/transfer process, discharge planning, referrals, coordinating exams/therapy/rehab, requisitions supplies, obtains medical records, etc.) in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with iRESPECT Standards and promoting patient/customer satisfaction.

1. Transports monitored patients, specimens, equipment and supplies to and from various areas.

1. Collaborates with forensic team and security to provide safe environment for patients in custody.

1. Provides support to nursing and other ancillary personnel to complete the initial and ongoing assessments of patients and to provide clinical assistance as needed.

1. Assists in the orientation and supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.

1. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. Maintains required licensures/certifications required within assigned units/areas.

1. Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel.

1. Adheres to established policies, compliance/quality improvement, and safety, environment and infection control standards.

1. Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.

1. Works flexible work schedule in accordance with MEDPLUS staffing guidelines.

1. Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• An ability and willingness to apply nursing knowledge and skills and maintain clinical competency as required in assigned unit.
• Demonstrates skill in the use of applicable equipment; mature judgment and initiative required;
• Shows professional interest through self-development, continuing education, and involvement in professional organizations; presents a positive attitude and professional appearance.
• Ability to give and follow written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to react and perform under stress in emergency situations; ability to effectively record and reflect observations;
• Ability to exercise analytical judgment on work to be done.

Supervision Provided by this Job:

• There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities associated with this position.

Machines/Equipment Operated:
Nursing and patient care equipment utilized in the performance of the duties of the License Practical Nurse including , i.e., IV regulators, chest tube attachments, BP and oxygen monitors, Dinemaps and portable manual blood pressure cuffs.
Physical Demands/Conditions:
Prolonged standing and walking; lifting, turning patients and equipment; repeated bending, squatting and stooping; exposure to infectious agents. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials, and to administer and accurately prepare medications. Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")