What are the responsibilities and job description for the LPN / MedSurg position at HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL?
Position Summary:
Performs routine technical duties and assists with other duties involved in providing care to the long-term care patient. Participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care with the objectives, standards and policies of the long term care facility and within the parameters of his or her scope of practice and preparation. Cooperates and works with the members of the health care team. Works under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse.
Position Designation:
The position of Licensed Practical Nurse is identified as “department safety-sensitive”.
Department safety-sensitive positions mean employment positions, which may in the normal course of business:
- Require the employee to operate the company vehicles or heavy equipment, or
- Involves duties, which, if performed with inattentiveness, errors in judgment, or diminished coordination, dexterity, or composure, may result in mistakes that could present a real and/or imminent threat to the personal health and safety of the employee, co-worker, and/or the public.
Delegation of Authority:
As a LPN, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Admits residents to the long term care facility according to hospital policy.
2. Writes initial nursing history and develop individual care plans for patients assigned to the unit.
3. Performs basic assessment of the patient using the information to develop a care plan that provides sufficient information for safe and therapeutic care of the patient.
4. Reviews and develops care plans participating in planning changes and improvements.
5. Indicates an understanding of the roles of other health care team members in patient care and incorporates their input into the care plan.
6. Communicates with the patient and family and other members of the health care team in carrying out the goals of the care plan.
7. Administers and controls narcotics and medications accurately and efficiently according to standards of practice.
8. Maintains patient records and charts to ensure an accurate record of the patient’s medical treatments.
9. Observes emotional stability of patients; expresses interest in their progress.
10. Evaluates outcome of patient care; consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as necessary to ensure optimal patient care.
11. Assists physicians with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.
12. Accurately and promptly implements physician’s orders. Arranges for patient’s ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services.
14. Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and reports information to the physician and others caring for the patient and incorporates information in the nursing care plan.
15. Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy.
16. Supervises care given by non-professional personnel providing instruction and assistance with patients as needed in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the facility.
17. Demonstrates clinical competency in geriatric nursing care. Consistently follows established standards, policy and procedures in providing care.
18. Identifies patient teaching needs and provides instructions for the patient and family.
19. Helps transfer patients to and from chairs, lifts patients, raises patients in beds, and turns patients.
20. Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patient and family in accordance with hospital standards.
21. Communicates clearly and tactfully with residents and their families.
22. Notes discharge planning elements and incorporates these in the care plan; demonstrates an awareness of community care available after discharge.
23. Participates in all facets of MDS, admissions, quarterly and annual assessments, and discharges.
24. As a member of the health team, maintains harmonious relationship with unit and co-workers providing support and assistance to co-workers to ensure quality
patient care.
25. Ensures an adequate stock of supplies and proper functioning of equipment.
26. Supports the department by attending, and constructively contributing to staff or other meetings as able /necessary.
26. Maintains confidentiality of all patient/resident/staff information.
27. Performs other related duties as requested and assigned.
Position Qualifications:
Preferred Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Completion of accredited program for licensed practical nursing
Required Licensure/Certification:
Valid Nevada LPN license
BCLS (CPR) certification
Certification in geriatric/gerontological nursing or 10 CEU’s per year accepted by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and applicable to: MDS assessment, gerontological nursing assessing, gerontological care planning, or in areas specific to geriatric care such as in nutrition, skin care, medication, restraint use, psychosocial needs, etc.
Personal Qualifications:
Able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
Previous long-term care experience preferred.
Able to perform mathematical calculations for medication administration.
Able to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors and general public.
Must be able to handle patients, family members, visitors, personnel and general public based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
Possess ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Moderate to heavy physical effort (lift/carry/push/pull plus 50 lbs.)
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
Frequent prolonged standing/walking
Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
Manual dexterity and mobility
Visual acuity with or without correction
Working Conditions: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work typically performed by an employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
May be exposed to the risk of blood borne disease
May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases
Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances
Requires judgment/action which could have a significant impact on a patient’s life
Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
Required Protective Equipment:
Gown, medical gloves, face shield as necessary and other equipment as required by OSHA regulations and hospital policy.