Licensed Practical Nurse - CLC

Licensed Practical Nurse

The LPN demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Has a detailed working knowledge of practical nursing skills and procedures. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Administers medications via all routes, and carries out basic treatments as ordered, monitors patients' response to medication and treatments, reports changes and documents effectiveness.
• Functions as a member of the team by participating in planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using a focused assessment to care for the adult patient with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Participates in providing or reinforcing effective patient education to both patient and their family in relation to disease process, medications and treatments, procedures and surgeries, equipment and devices or any education deemed necessary. Documents the effectiveness of the education.
• Assists the patient in activities of daily living toward the attainment of rehabilitative/restorative goals.
• Performs escort and sitter duties based upon the care needs of the veteran.
• Assess life threatening conditions and initiates and/or assists with CPR or other appropriate interventions including prompt notification of an RN or MD/DO to provide appropriate direction and intervention.
• Demonstrates initiative during medical or psychiatric emergencies by applying the learned skills and knowledge to resolve clinical emergencies.
• Assists others in the use of preventive techniques or measures when interacting with patients who display disruptive, acting out behaviors and practices the use of the least restrictive environment.
• Adheres to Medical Center policies and procedures when caring for patients on suicidal codes or in restraints or in seclusion.
• Applies ethical principles to practice and seeks assistance to address ethical issues with care.
• The ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties including setting priorities and coordinating work.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to identify customer concerns, perform the tasks required to resolve the issue accurately and timely and follow-up as necessary to ensure a satisfactory resolution.
• Must be customer oriented and conduct themselves in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner at all times.
• Collaborates, communicates, sets priorities, and organizes assigned work and delegates appropriate tasks/ responsibilities in order to expedite patient care while ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.
• Participates in unit-based performance improvement projects that ultimately improve patient care and/or patient outcomes.
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards or supply deficiencies and reports to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
• Actively seeks out and participates in educational activities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Shares new knowledge gained with other staff to advance nursing practice.
• Serves as preceptor, mentor and/or coach to other nursing staff.

US Department of Veterans Affairs