What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Practical Nurse - All Shifts position at Loretto Hospital?
ABOUT US
Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.
SUMMARY
Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse or Provider, the Licensed Practical Nurse focuses on providing routine, stable care rather than managing complex or rapidly changing clinical situations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Patient Care:
- Provide basic nursing care (hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, toileting)
- Perform wound care and dressing changes for stable wounds
- Insert and care for urinary catheters
- Collect specimens (urine, sputum, stool)
- Assist with routine respiratory care (oxygen, inhalers, nebulizers)
- Perform basic EKGs and monitor vital signs
Assessment and Planning:
- Perform focused assessments (not comprehensive or initial assessments) Cannot perform admission assessments.
- Collect and document patient data (vital signs, symptoms, observations)
- Report findings and changes in condition to the RN or provider
- Participate in care planning, but do not develop or revise the initial nursing care plan
- Cannot triage or make independent clinical judgments on unstable patients
Medication Administration:
- Administer oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications (varies by state/facility)
- Can monitor IV fluids once initiated by an RN. Cannot administer certain IV push medications or blood products
- Monitor patient response to medications and report adverse reactions to RN/provider
Documentation & Communication:
- Document care provided in the medical record
- Communicate patient status, interventions, and changes to RN and interdisciplinary team
- Cannot provide independent patient/family education on complex topics
Supervision and Delegation:
- Supervise Nursing Assistants and delegated tasks within LPN scope
- Accept delegation from RNs and providers, but do not delegate tasks to other licensed nurses
Perform Other duties as assigned
COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
- Ensures that the staff are trained and evaluated on their knowledge of and adherence to compliance policies and procedures specific to their jobs.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Education And Experience:
- Graduation from an approved and/or accredited Licensed Practical School of Nursing.
- Current LPN License in the State of Illinois
- Current CPR Certification
- CPI required within 30 days of hire
- EKG Certification
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.
For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach. Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors. There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.
WHY LORETTO
Competitive Compensation: Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
Career Development: Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.
Work Environment: As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.