Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Primary Care

Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of an RN and reports to the primary care manager. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan for life. The LPN is a member of the larger Team. The LPN will have the Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. This LPN works at Veteran Health Indiana and Community Care Clinics.

1. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

2. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and relevant patient information.

3. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient needs for care, including medication, equipment assisted care, and patient/family education.

4. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting deviations from normal to RN or provider.

5. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.

6. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.

7. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. The LPN works with the RN and/or provider to appropriately train/orient less experienced LPN's/LVN's and/or Health Technicians (HT's)

8. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or Provider, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.

9. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

10. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.