Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well‑being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse. Responsibilities Perform basic nursing care and patient procedures as required. Participate in conferences and serve on committees as requested. Observe, report, and document changes in patient's condition, observations made, complaints voiced, and nursing care performed in the patient chart. Participate in patient and family health education as necessary. Provide a safe and secure environment for the patient. Prepare for and assist with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. May administer I.V.F. in accordance with state Nurse Practice Act. Check, irrigate and maintain drainage tubes as needed. May insert N/G tubes after training (KY & VA). May administer tube feedings. Suceed patients according to hospital policy and procedure. Function in emergencies and on the code team as designated. Perform catheterizations and provide catheter care. Administer oral and intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, I.V., PB, and medications as approved. Administer I.V.P. medications as approved (In Virginia only). Care for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyze oxygen concentration of 02 tents, isolette and croupettes. Administer respiratory treatments (I.P.P.B.). Apply sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles. Answer call lights, assist patients with personal hygiene and other activities of daily living. Test urine for sugar, acetone, and pH, weigh patients, and take vital signs. Care for patients in isolation. Assist with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining pap smears. Administer post‑operative regime: cough, deep breathing, turn patients, and take vital signs. Prepare patients for surgery, including pre‑op checklists. Apply ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottle and ice cap. Measure and record intake and output. Collect specimens: blood, urine, stool and sputum. Administer post‑mortem care and transportation. Administer enemas: retention, cleansing, therapeutic, colonic, irrigation. Maintain cleanliness, safety and efficiency in nursing. Alert to and able to respond appropriately in an emergency situation, providing patient care, initiating CPR and any other tasks designated by the RN or MD. Assist with the care and security of the patients' valuables. Check narcotics and barbiturates, report discrepancies, complete incident report appropriately and submit to appropriate management. Care for patients with radium and assist physician with removal of radium. Prepare used equipment for re‑sterilization. Cleans and maintains storage of equipment. Request repairs, follow‑up with physician and other staff as appropriate regarding equipment performance. Comply with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting and follow through on telephone and verbal orders. Monitor glucose via glucose monitor machine. Collect Quality Improvement data as requested. Use universal precautions. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing. Maintain current licensure in state of practice. Successfully complete the I.V. Therapy Course. Six (6) months to one (1) year on‑the‑job training is required to attain proficiency of performance of assigned duties. Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH)