LPN INPATIENT

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Please Note: This is a pool, as needed position with no guarantee of hours.

A clinically competent, licensed, practical nurse who delivers care as a team member to the acutely ill patient under the direction of an RN. Is knowledgeable in the nursing process of assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation. Effectively interacts with patients, significant others, and other health team members, while maintaining standards of professional nursing.

Responsibilities

1. Provides care to acutely ill patients, the LPN is knowledgeable of care goals and objectives. Utilizes a Team approach.
   • Follows the plans of care as developed by the RN and contributes data to the RN in the development of the plan of care.
   • Develops and maintains effective communications with the primary nurse, physician, patient, family and others members of the health care team.
   • Seeks direction in the delivery of patient care and informs designated RN of current developments and problems, utilizing proper communication system.
2. Assist in assessment of patient's condition, reactions, and in planning individual care.
   • Review transfer and admission information, daily progress and HCT notes.
   • Assist, as necessary, in the initial nursing assessment of patient (History & Physical).
   • Provide information for establishing and re-evaluating nursing goals and Nursing Care Plans.
3. Documents and reports pertinent information.
   • Medications; aware of potential side effects
   • Uses Nursing Care Plans as guides (present status, new problems, education).
   • Orders, per physician; requests, per therapies (include response of patient)
4. Measures and records vital signs, I & O's, weights, and administers treatments, including sterile procedures.
5. Assists other disciplinaries in evaluation and implementation of specific goals for the patient (physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy and dietary).
6. Participates in patient education (and family education, when indicated).
   • ADL's
   • Skin Care
   • Medication
   • Disease process (CVA, diabetes, UTI, etc)
7. Reviews and implements physician's orders under direction of the primary RN.
8. Administers medication, IV's if certified in-house.
   • Document (including response and/or side effects)
   • Knows unit dose procedures
9. Renders basic nursing care, accurately charting same.
10. Provides care for patients including:
    • Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge to provide care for patients according to Nursing policy and procedure.
    • Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge to provide care for patients according to unit specific competencies and Standards of Care, i.e., glucometer, telemetry, scanners and pulse oximeter, etc.
    • Demonstrates ability to handle and assist in emergency situations in a prompt, precise and professional manner.
    • Compassionately gives personal patient care to provide comfort and well being to the patient, acknowledging physiological and psychosocial needs.
    • Administers medications according to Nursing policy and procedure.
    • Observes and documents patient's response to pertinent medications.
    • Demonstrates ability and appropriate technical skills when administering treatments and procedures in accordance with physician's orders, and Nursing policy and procedure. (Done in a timely manner).
11. Exhibits interpersonal skills that promote a positive functioning department.
    • Communicates effectively with peers, health team members, management and physicians.
    • Maintain confidentiality of all patient-hospital or physician related information. Refrain from gossip and speak in low tones in all appropriate areas.
    • Interacts effectively with patients families and/or significant others. Always greets patients in a courteous and respectful manner; responds to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills. Consistently handles all request in a positive manner.
    • Adapts to changes in a positive, professional manner.
    • Supports problem solving approach to both department and patient needs.
    • Follows through on problems that may compromise patient care by using the appropriate chain of command.
12. Accurately and concisely processes information.
    • Communicates appropriate information to Primary Nurse as appropriate.
    • Communicates appropriate information to physicians and other health team members in a timely manner.
    • Demonstrates accurate and timely documentation neatly and legibly according to form guidelines.
    • Accurately charges for patient supplies.
13. Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment.
    
    • Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patient and staff according to department policies. Complies with specific hospital and departmental policies concerning safety and/or disaster plans.
    • Insures that supplies and equipment necessary for patient care are stored in an organized and efficient manner.
    • Demonstrates correct and safe technique in the use of equipment according to specific product information and policy and procedure manuals.
    • Follows appropriate procedure for obtaining and returning or cleaning/disposing of equipment and supplies.
14. Collaborates with hospital personnel and physicians.
    • Communicates effectively on a daily basis, patient needs, nursing assessments, and recommendations.
    • Collaborates with other nurses and health team members to assure the patient's well being.
15. Adheres to Hospital/Nursing Policy.
    • Observes departmental guidelines concerning unscheduled absences, overtime and tardiness.
    • Dresses according to CWH dress code for nursing. Is conscientious in regard to personal hygiene.
    • Complies with specific hospital policy and procedure concerning infection control.
16. Assumes responsibility for self-evaluation/self improvement.
    • Has 100% attendance at mandatory inservices, including CPR certification meeting, and annual safety inservice.
    • Consistently advocates and functions within the guidelines of the Washington Nurse Practice Act and keeps current with the legal aspects of nursing.

Demonstrate Standards of Behavior and adhere to the Code of Conduct in all aspects of job performance at all times.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate of an approved LPN program or in an RN program.
• Current nursing license in the state of Washington.
• Completion of hospital orientation program.
• Must be currently certified in CPR, and recertify annually.

Desired:

• Not Specified