Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) - Med Surg

Overview The Licensed Practical Nurse – Medical/Surgical Unit is responsible for providing safe, high quality care to general care patients as a team member in an assignment supervised by a Registered Nurse. Demonstrates commitment to patient/family engagement and effective communication. Practices consistently with applicable state nursing practice regulations, applicable NLH policies and procedures. The LPN may administer intravenous medications upon successful completion of NH Board of Nursing approved training and with specific delegation by a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities Provides and documents nursing care assessments, nursing interventions and patient/family education to stable patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in accordance with the patient’s plan of care. Alerts Registered Nurse to any observed change in patient presentation or unexpected assessment findings Reviews assigned patient plan of care and pertinent active orders in the patient electronic medical record prior to providing care. Assists patients with activities of daily living, nutrition and hydration according to orders and goals of care Performs and documents focused nursing assessments of assigned patients, including but not limited to vital signs, assessment of pain, skin and wound assessment, functional status assessment, assessment of drains and ostomies, assessment of fluid balance, assessment of nutritional status Administers oral, topical and inhaled medications. May administer intravenous medications upon successful completion of NH Board of Nursing approved training and with specific delegation by a Registered Nurse. Applies dressings and assistive devices as indicated by assessment or as ordered by the interdisciplinary team, if applicable Reports relevant assessment findings and suggestions to enhance patient care directly to members of the interdisciplinary team in addition to the supervising Registered Nurse Complies with policies, procedures, and area-specific expectations related to maintaining a safe environment of care. Initiates reporting or action when needed to address safety concerns Complies with policies, procedures and area-specific expectations related to medication safety; patient identification; specimen collection and specimen labeling activities; documentation of patient information and patient care activities; as well as dependability, attendance and scheduling Participates in staff meetings, required learning, attestation, competency, and training activities according to area-specific and organizational expectations. Independently monitors email and other communications as necessary to meet these expectations Performs other duties as required or assigned. Qualifications NH Board of Nursing Approved IV Therapy Certification required upon hire or within 6 months. Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing Required Licensure/Certifications REQUIRED LICENSE(S): Licensed LPN with NH eligibility #J-18808-Ljbffr Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center