LPN

Minimum Qualifications: Degree: Certificate. Education: Graduation from a State Board of Nursing approved LPN/LVN training program or completion of equivalent military training that permits sitting for the State licensure examination. Experience:One year of experience within the last two years as a practical or vocational nurse in a pediatric setting. Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a practical or vocational nurse. Core Duties Initiate, perform and completeassigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Complete assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions, use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. Prepare and administer prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and perform treatments according to established policies/procedures. Recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure. Orient peers and ancillary personnel to unit policies and procedures, skills, and standards of practice. Integrate healthy work environment principles that result in improved patient healthcare delivery, education of patients and their families and employee satisfaction. Ensure patient care is carried out in accordance with the Standards of Nursing Care and the policies and procedures of the clinic. Check patients into the clinic and triage using clinic guidelines. Inform the nurse or physician of the patient's condition and potential problems. Obtain and document patient and pertinent family history. Perform a full range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs collecting specimens, obtaining, recording and tracking results of diagnostic tools. Assist the physician in a variety of diagnostic examinations such as lumbar punctures, colposcopies and sigmoidoscopies, by preparing, positioning and monitoring patients, and setting out and handling instruments and equipment. Perform laboratory tests such as checking urine for sugar and stool for blood. Record and report results of test. Perform a range of treatment procedures that include sterile dressing changes, applying compresses, monitoring IV fluids, inserting catheters and suctions, inserting nasogastric tubes, administering medications, giving enemas, setting up and giving treatment that requires auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Ambulate patients to other areas to include Radiology, various clinics, and physical therapy. Prepare patients for tests, examinations, treatments, and/or surgery. Collect specimens such as urine, sputum and stool. Label specimens for laboratory examinations and follow up by calling the laboratory for reports. Alert provider to conditions which deviate from expected findings. Prepare, start, monitor and discontinue intravenous fluids with accuracy and in accordance with established procedures. Observe, report and document all observed symptoms, reactions, treatments and changes in the patient condition to the registered nurse or physician. Make careful observations to assess that nursing procedures and treatment do not cause additional distress. Perform routine nursing care activities such as taking blood pressures, temperatures, baths and hygiene care, passing and removal of trays, changing of linen, and otherwise assist in the care of the physical needs of the patient. Operate basic equipment required in delivery of patient care such as pumps,intravenous (IV) pumps, oxygen administration apparatus and incentive spirometers. Execute physician's orders within the guidelines of standard nursing practice. Ensure accurate medication is administered in correct form and dosage to the proper patient as directed by the physician. Maintain records of nursing care, dose and time of medication administered, and indicate if the medication was not administered and the reason. Administer immunizations in a safe and accurate manner with strict adherence to all applicable immunization policies. Recognize emergency situations and assist with, or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients such as cardiac arrests. Perform preoperative procedures for minor surgery and fill out pre-op checklist. Assist patients in admission, transfer, and perform discharge planning follow-up and documentation. Support the patient and/or family members toward the achievement of treatment plan goals. Provide instructions to the patient on invasive procedures, surgical procedures and post-surgical conditions which were previously provided to the patient by a nurse or physician. Instruct patients on how equipment is used such as oxygen, suction, cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter. Instruct patients and family on use of prescribed medications, contraindications of medications, and the necessity of proper follow-up care. Provide emotional support to patients and families. Ensure necessary supplies are available and equipment is in functioning order. Provide an orderly, clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy and respect for patient confidentiality. Receive information and distribute messages as necessary. Report to supervisor any need for maintenance or re-supply of pharmaceuticals. Ensure upkeep and perform checks of emergency equipment i.e., oxygen, emergency cart, suction apparatus, etc. and maintain appropriate logs. Inform the Charge Nurse of any discrepancy on daily checks. Perform additional duties within the scope of LPN practice including but not limited to, update of Standards of Nursing Care, and other collateral duties required for efficient, quality patient care. Transport patients to and from other areas of the facility to include hospital clinics and ancillary departments, as ordered by the physician. Assist the professional nurse and/or physician with individual, group, and family health instruction in relation to the patient's condition and his/her ability for self-care. Assist in the dissemination of appropriate literature dealing with subjects related to the particular health problems involved. Assist in providing physical and psychological support to patients, assist in the explanation of procedures and treatment, and promote cooperation among staff, patients and families. Provide tailored education to pediatric, acute chronic medical condition, well baby, well child patients and their families about clinical findings, safe use of medications, wound care, access to community resources, use of medical equipment, and responsibilities of the patient and the family in the patients' care. The education is tailored to the emotional and physical needs of each patient. Assist with check-in and check-out process. Educate clinic patients and families about laboratory tests, medications, procedure preparation, and health promotion, based on the clinic physician's plan of care for the patient. Promote health maintenance and preventive health initiatives in caring for pediatric patients in the ambulatory setting. Provide telephone triage to patients and families based on department acceptedprotocols from national nursing standards/professional organizations. Refer problems to physicians for consultation as indicated. Successfully complete the NMCP medication administration test and learning Resource Guide. Have working knowledge of accepted and recognized Nursing Procedure Manual. Successfully complete the NMCP in-service for intravenous (IV) therapy. Maintain readiness of supplies, equipment, and patient education material while working with a health care provider. Assure smooth patient flow during heavy clinic hours. Assist the health care provider in performing medical procedures as needed. Observe patient undergoing treatment in the clinic for adverse reactions and assess the patient's conditions reassess treatment, and/or notify the health care provider. Act as a liaison between the Tricare booking agents, ensuring and/or scheduling appointments appropriately. Perform and attend any required training according to departmental policy to include but not limited to departmental semiannual skills fair meetings.