Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic nursing care and patient procedures as required.

• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.

• Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition, observations made, complaints voiced, and nursing care performed.

• Participates in patient and family health education as necessary.

• Provides a safe and secure environment for patients.

• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

• May administer I.V.F. in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act.

• Checks, irrigates, and maintains drainage tubes as needed.

• May insert N/G tubes after training (KY & VA).

• May administer tube feedings.

• Suctions patients according to hospital policy and procedure.

• Functions in emergencies and on the code team as designated.

• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.

• Administers oral, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, I.V., P.B., and approved medications.

• Administers I.V.P. medications as approved (Virginia only).

• Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyzes oxygen concentration of O2 tents, isolettes, and croupettes.

• Administers respiratory treatments (I.P.P.B.).

• Applies sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles.

• Answers call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.

• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH, weighs patients, and obtains vital signs.

• Cares for patients in isolation.

• Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining Pap smears.

• Administers post-operative care, including coughing, deep breathing, turning patients, and obtaining vital signs.

• Prepares patients for surgery, including completion of pre-operative checklists.

• Applies ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottles, and ice caps.

• Measures and records intake and output.

• Collects specimens, including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.

• Administers post-mortem care and transportation.

• Administers enemas, including retention, cleansing, therapeutic, and colonic irrigation.

• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in nursing care.

• Responds appropriately in emergency situations, providing patient care, initiating CPR, and performing duties designated by the RN or physician.

• Assists with the care and security of patient valuables.

• Checks narcotics and barbiturates, reports discrepancies, completes incident reports, and submits documentation to appropriate management.

• Cares for patients with radium and assists physicians with removal of radium.

• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.

• Cleans and maintains storage of equipment and requests repairs as appropriate.

• Follows up with physicians and staff regarding equipment performance.

• Complies with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting, and following through on telephone and verbal orders.

• Monitors glucose using a glucose monitoring device.

• Collects Quality Improvement data as requested.

• Uses universal precautions.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must maintain current licensure in the state of practice.

• Must successfully complete the I.V. Therapy Course.

Experience

• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred.

• Ability to provide safe and effective patient care in accordance with nursing standards and scope of practice.

• Ability to perform nursing procedures and treatments accurately.

• Strong communication and documentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.