LPN - NURSE EXTERN - CASUAL

Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse functions as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment. The LPN provides direct and indirect patient care for an assigned group of patients under the direction and supervision of the RN and according to the plan of care derived from physician's orders and Registered Nurse assessment. Nursing Care includes physical care, emotional support, and patient and family education. Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela's missions, vision and values.

1. Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance. Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with the Pennsylvania Practical Nurse Law, hospital policies, procedures, protocols and other professional standards of care.

2. Assists the RN in collecting patient health care data on admission by completing a focused assessment in an ongoing systematic manner, focusing on the physical, psychosocial, age, cultural and spiritual needs of the patient and which contributes to the comprehensive assessment by the RN. Works directly with the RN to implement an individualized, age-specific plan of care and evaluate its effectiveness. Assists the RN in reassessment of the patient's condition and takes appropriate action as indicated or by unit specific policy. Involves the patient/family and other health care providers when appropriate. Completes patient care related activities within scheduled time periods. Complies with completeness, accuracy and timeliness of documentation, utilizing the electronic medical record.

3. Observes, records and reports to the appropriate professional the symptoms, reaction and changes including: general physical and mental condition of patients, and signs and symptoms which may be indicative of untoward changes; and stresses in human relationships between patients, between patients and personnel, and between patients and their families and visitors.

4. Performs nursing functions as defined in Pennsylvania regulations, such as: administration of medications, immunizations, and therapeutic treatments prescribed by the physician; initiates (peripheral short catheter) and maintains IV therapy; maintenance, monitoring and discontinuance of blood, blood components and plasma volume expanders; maintenance and discontinuance of IV medications and fluids via a patient-controlled administration system; administration, maintenance and discontinuance of parenteral nutrition; collection of blood specimens from an IV access device; preparation and care of patients receiving specialized treatments administered by the physician or the professional nurse.

5. Assists with the rehabilitation of patients according to the medical care plan, being aware of and encouraging the interests and special aptitudes of patients. Encouraging patients to help themselves within their own capabilities in performing activities of daily living. Knowledge and application of the principles of prevention of deformities, the normal range of motion, body mechanics, and body alignment.

6. Assists in providing education for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care and improve outcomes. Assists the RN in assessing the patient's readiness to learn, identifying educational barriers and adapting the process to meet the needs of the patient. Ensures education about safely and effectively using medication, pain and managing pain, available resources, how to obtain further care, and information about responsibilities in their care. Acquires and distributes educational resources tailored to patient needs. Provides and reviews, upon request of the RN, written discharge instructions that demonstrate an inter-relationship between education, discharge planning and continuity of care.

7. Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care. Communicates pertinent information for interdisciplinary patient care conferences, shift reports and internal and external transfers. Reports changes in patient's condition to the RN, including the need to reassess patient or change the plan of care; confers with the RN when there is a need to contact the physician.

8. Participates in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer service. Assists in data collection process as requested. Recommends modifications for performance improvement.

9. Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of the professional nurse. Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate. Delegates patient care appropriately. Maintains accountability for actions taken. Effectively functions as a resource person. Acts as a patient advocate. Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students. Assists in maintaining/decreasing organizational/department costs.

10. Assists in the department's compliance with State, TJC, OSHA and other regulatory agencies. Participates in continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys. Participates in the non-punitive medication reporting system. Ensures accountability for narcotics per regulatory/organizational policies. Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.

11. Provides for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies. Utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care. Involves the patient and/or family in patient safety standards and processes. Minimizes the use of patient restraints and, if patient's condition warrants, monitors per individual assessed need and documents per policy. Assumes appropriate code team role during code situations, including internal and external disasters.