Licensed Practical Nurse

Inspire health. Our clinical direction for all aspects of patient care in an acute inpatient setting fosters patient/family centered care.

We demonstrate clinical competency utilizing evidence based practices/research in all areas of the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and outcomes.

Our team consults with clinical advisor and/or peers as appropriate. We adhere to all compliance and policy/procedures of the organization including licensure renewal, assigned training, employee health screenings, time and attendance policy, dress code policy, patient confidentiality, infection control, medication administration.

We demonstrate knowledge of regulatory agency requirements (JCAHO, DHEC, CMS). Our care is within the scope of the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act.

The acute inpatient setting often requires staff to be scheduled for a significant amount of shift, weekend, holiday and on-call work. All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's values: Inspire health.

We collect data and complete nursing assessment utilizing appropriate area and/or age specific standards/policies and tools.

Nursing priorities for patient plan of care are identified based on nursing assessment and other data as appropriate. These priorities are validated with healthcare team members and documented accordingly.

An individual plan of care is developed based on the age and assessed needs of the patient in collaboration with the patient and/or family, the provider, and other members of the interdisciplinary health care team.

Respect for the patient's/family cultural, spiritual, and belief system is demonstrated in planning for care.

Planning for discharge ensures continuity of care and a smooth transition post discharge from one level of care to another including appropriate referrals.

Direct care is provided to assigned patients consistent with the established nursing plan.

Specific tasks are performed based on organizational, departmental and/or unit policies and procedures within the RN scope of practice.

Nursing tasks are delegated as appropriate to members of the healthcare team, developing written assignments (if appropriate) and ensuring completion of assigned tasks.

Quality of care is monitored on a continual basis; surveillance of assigned patients is ensured.

Care is provided based on patient and unit priorities, coordinating and organizing tasks as appropriate, utilizing resources internal and external to the unit.

Cost containment principles are incorporated into nursing care.

Responsibility for patient safety is assumed by maintaining a safe environment, including awareness of safety procedures, protocols and adherence to patient care standards.

Performance indicators are utilized to collect data, monitor quality and effectiveness while providing nursing care.

Assigned hospital/unit performance improvement monitoring (audits) are completed.

Based on assessment/reassessment of patient response to interventions, the plan of care is evaluated for effectiveness, progress toward expected outcomes is documented, and the plan of care is revised as needed.

Changes in patient condition are reported and unresolved problems are referred to appropriate healthcare team members.

Outcomes are discussed with peers (via shift-to-shift report) and with other healthcare team members.

Opportunities for quality improvement are evaluated; based upon evaluation, performance improvement recommendations are incorporated into the plan of care as appropriate.

Patient/family learning needs are identified/assessed and taught accordingly using language and terminology that the patient/family is familiar with, providing examples to clarify ideas, implementing and evaluating teaching plans (encouraging patient/family involvement/participation).

The patient/family's need for education/teaching is communicated to others in the healthcare continuum.

Our own nursing practice is evaluated in relation to professional practice standard guidelines, state statutes, policies, procedures, rules/regulations and current specific knowledge.

Written documentation and oral communication focus on pertinent information to support meeting patient/family care needs.

As a patient's advocate and coordinator of care, we work collaboratively with providers and other members of the healthcare team.