Job Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct and indirect nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Performs procedures, treatments, and related duties as assigned consistent with Saratoga Hospital policies and procedures and within the New York State scope of practice for a LPN in the acute care setting. Maintains and understands the principles of the specific patient populations’ needs and appropriate treatment and care.

Job Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, within the scope of practice, and in accordance with the established plan of care, performs treatments and procedures consistent with Saratoga Hospital policies and procedures:

• Age related and cognitive skills are considered when implementing all patient care.

• Clarifies information with the RN when necessary

• Collects, observes and reports the following in a timely and accurate manner to the RN:
  • Vital Signs (e.g. temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure—including orthostatic blood pressure)
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Intake and Output
  • Pain
  • Skin Integrity
  • Abnormal findings (e.g. vital signs, pulse oximetry, blood glucose, etc.)
  • Weight and Height measurements
  • Observable changes in patient behavior and/or condition
• Delivers individualized patient care consistent with established standards of care, policies and procedures, and other regulatory standards; remains knowledgeable of all current hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
• Initiates or participates in at least one continuous quality improvement activity for the patient or department.
• Reinforces patient and family teaching/ learning and adds to the care plan.
• Maintains complete, accurate, concise documentation of patient status, nursing interventions and patient responses.
• Performs Point-of-Care Testing and reports all abnormal results to the RN
• Actively participates in discharge planning and upon discharge ensures a written teaching/discharge plan that has been developed for patients concerning disease process, complications, medications, diet, physical activity and self -care needs.

• Participates in Shift–to-Shift report and daily huddles.
• Implements appropriate fall prevention strategies. Provides for patient safety through preventive measures (side rails, armbands, etc.), reporting potential hazards and ensuring staff safety.
• Administers medications as ordered, according to policy and procedure and within NYS scope of practice. Monitors medication, documents fluid therapy, location of lines, condition of IV site and securement type, amount of fluid infusing, and documents patient’s responses to medication, treatments and procedures.
• Demonstrates attitudes and or behaviors in interacting with others that are courteous, polite, concerned, friendly and respectful, resulting in favorable patient, physician and staff perceptions of the hospital and its employees.
• Participates in and completes required and voluntary in-services and continuing education programs to reach professional growth objectives as per The Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements (i.e. mandates, policies, procedures, competencies as per unit and/or hospital).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Consistently implements and demonstrates knowledge of SH Infection Prevention and Control standards including handwashing, standard precautions, isolation techniques, clean and sterile techniques.
• Performs any additional duties as directed/assigned by the RN.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Patient care experience preferred
• Ability to organize and establish day-to-day priorities
• Utilizes critical thinking skills in all aspects of the job
• Ability to multitask while remaining professional, focused, composed and positive
• Excellent customer service skills and must display integrity, friendliness and compassion
• Must be able to establish an appropriate and effective rapport with patients, co-workers and medical staff
• Demonstrates effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills
• Possesses basic math skills including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
• Ability to take and follow direction in a positive and appropriate manner
• Demonstrates flexibility
• Takes initiative and embraces new opportunities to grow both personally and organizationally
• Efficient and effective in the use of resources
• Basic computer skills

Minimum Qualifications:

NYS LPN license.