Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse PreOp/PACU

The Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse PreOp/PACU is qualified to perform patient care in the pre-operative period and the post-anesthesia recovery period. Administers direct and indirect care to per-operative and/or post-operative patients based on standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures set for the facility. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesia personnel continuously and as needed about patient conditions. Ensures the highest quality and safe delivery of patient care while maintaining compliance with professional nursing, AAAHC, and all Federal and State standards of care. The LVN/LPN actively supports and promotes the Center's Philosophy and Mission Statement. The LVN/LPN is under the direction of the Administrator and/or RN of the unit they are working.

Job Description:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill requirements regarding his/her role in the Safety Management Program (Safety/Security), Infection Control, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preparedness, Life Safety, Medical Equipment and Utility Systems, and his/her expected level of participation.
• IV Certification required. Good IV skills are highly desired.
• Able to prioritize and organize workload to meet needs of patients and unit. Observe behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, take appropriate actions and document.
• Maintain awareness of the status of assigned patients. Collect and document data appropriate to the nature and severity of the illness. Communicate appropriate data to the RN, Physician and other patient care team members.
• Interpret and implement physician's orders; perform treatments according to accepted standards and policies; evaluate and document effectiveness of treatments.
• Apply the principles of growth and development of the life span and assess, interpret, and provide the care/service with data reflective to each patients' age specific needs.
• Anticipate potential patient problems and take the necessary precautions to minimize those problems to ensure patient safety.
• Identify and report unsafe practice and/or procedures.
• Ensure that supplies and equipment are available for patient care.
• Interact professionally and communicate courteously and clearly with physicians, patients, families, visitors, members of the public and co-workers.
• Respect others' needs when resolving interpersonal conflicts and when personal voicing concerns/opinions; seek assistance in resolving conflicts when required.
• Respond tactfully to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the medical and business community.
• Encourage and promote cross training activities for professional growth and in order to contribute to the overall function of the Center.
• Maintain and submit documentation of required current licensure and/or certification.
• Attend staff meetings. Attendance record not to fall below 8 out of the 12 annual staff meetings.
• Responsible for knowing current policies and procedures, protocol and practices of the Center.
• Function within scope of practice based on licensure, education, skills and experience; recognize own limitations and asks for guidance when necessary.
• Assist with Pre-Op calls and documentation of patient health history and medications prior to admission to the surgery center.
• Ability to recognize preexisting symptoms and disease processes to forward to anesthesia provider and physician to initiate medical clearances.
• Ability to float to other areas as needed.
• Assist with additional duties required to maintain operations at the ASC which include restocking, outdates of supplies & medications, assisting with bi-annual equipment cleaning, annual inventory.

Position Description:

The LVN/LPN functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse and Medical Director. The LVN/LPN provides patient care within a defined scope of practice that included patient care and observation, specified treatments and procedures; provision of environmental and personal safety; effective communication. The LVN/LPN will also be responsible to collect pertinent data within their certification scope of responsibilities and report the clinical, psychosocial, etc., findings to the RN and Physician.

Basic Patient Care:

Assists patients with basic care needs and any other duties related to the well-being of the patient following established nursing policies and procedures. Prioritizes patient care activities based on patient needs and unit activity under the direction of the RN.

Treatment and Procedures:

Administers treatments and various procedures (within their scope of practice) to patients as ordered by the physician and directed by the Professional Nursing Staff. Performs monitor technician duties and responsibilities as needed. Obtaining vital signs - frequency specific to patient's condition; Phlebotomy and specimen with proper labeling/transporting of specimens; applying cardiac monitor where appropriate; implementation of comfort and safety measures (i.e., side-rails up, call bell within reach, stretchers in low position); communication and documentation of tasks and interventions performed; stocking patient bays with appropriate medical supplies; performs 12-lead EKG; setup sterile trays for sterile procedures; insertion of IV's, documentation of intake and output; maintain and secure sterile or contaminated instruments to and from Central Sterile; collaborate with RN for repair of equipment.

Qualifications:

• Must be currently registered with the States (TX/FL/CA) of Vocational Nursing and be certified to start IV's and administer medications.
• Current BLS Certification and ACLS preferred.
• Previous experience as an LVN/LPN in an acute general hospital/ASC is desirable.
• Must present a professional demeanor.
• Must have good interpersonal skills.
• Must maintain a calm and reasonable attitude during crisis and conflict.
• Must demonstrate initiative and good judgment.
• Must respond appropriately to routine and emergency situations.
• Must be able to set and revise priorities based on changes in the situation.
• Furthers his/her education by attending in-service classes, staff meetings, continuing education classes and reading of current professional material.

Job Requirements:

• ASC experience preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited school for License Vocational/Practical Nursing Training.
• Currently active State Registered LVN/LPN License.
• Current BCLS and ACLS certification preferred.
• Good IV skills.
• Demonstrate current, comprehensive, professional knowledge and skills in conformance with recognized nursing standards and department policies including the Patient Bill of Rights and AAAHC regulations, Standards for Nursing Care and the Nurse Practice Act.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served in the Center.
• Effective communicator-- appreciates and respects others' needs, opinions, and concerns. Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. Additional languages preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. Additional languages preferred.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner-- able to counsel/teach patients, train co-workers, and positively contribute to marketing/public relations.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the medical and business community.
• Proficient computer skills- ability to accurately update and manage healthcare record.

Hours and Working Conditions:

Position hours could include Monday thru Friday, with occasional Saturdays. Work hours may be subject to change, depending on surgery schedule. Hazards: Occasional contact with communicable diseases, electrical equipment, blood borne pathogens, etc. Personal protective equipment: Provided if necessary (gowns, gloves, masks, head cover).