LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse

As an essential member of the healthcare team and as defined in the LPN scope of practice under Connecticut General Statutes, Section 20-87[c], the practice of nursing by a licensed practical nurse is defined as the performing of selected tasks and sharing of responsibility under the direction of a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse and within the framework of supportive and restorative care, health counseling and teaching, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen and executing the medical regimen under the direction of a licensed physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, optometrist or dentist. A licensed practical nurse may also execute dietary orders written in a patient's chart by a certified dietitian-nutritionist.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Must perform his/her nursing functions and shared nursing responsibility under the direction of a registered nurse.

2. Can participate in all phases of the nursing process under the direction of the registered nurse to the following extent:

• Contribute to the nursing assessment by collecting, reporting, and recording objective and subjective data in an accurate and timely manner, but may not be responsible for, the actual nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning implementation or evaluation of client care. Nor can the LPN be responsible for implementation of the plan of care independent of the RN. Data collection includes observation about the condition or change in condition of the client, and signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
• Participate in the development of the strategy of care in consultation with other nursing personnel by providing data; contributing to the identification of priorities; and contributing to setting realistic and measurable goals.
• Participate in the assisting, delegating and giving of directed care by:
• Providing care for clients whose conditions are stabilized or predictable.
• Providing care for clients whose conditions are critical and/or unpredictable under the direct supervision of the registered nurse and, when executing the medical regimen, under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist.
• Implement nursing care according to the priority of needs and established goals.
• Providing an environment conducive to safety and health.
• Documenting nursing interventions and responses to care.
• Communicating nursing interventions and responses to care to appropriate members of the health team.

3. The direction of the registered nurse should be immediately available on site, (which includes schools), the registered nurse must be responsible for the total plan of nursing care.

4. The LPN will have knowledge of patient scheduling systems.

5. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse will evaluate and perform standard laboratory Point of care testing such as Hgb, blood glucose, and urinalysis and maintain quality control standards.

6. Under the direction of the RN, perform therapeutic treatments such as EKGs, Respiratory treatments.

7. Under the direction of an RN, administer medications, immunizations, and assist with immunization clinics both on and offsite.

8. Conducts initial data gathering to complete Pre-Visit planning and follows patient compliance with self-care metrics including quality indicators.

9. Participates with provider in the pre-care conference huddle.

10. Assist Physician and APRN when examining clients.

11. Keeps exam area clean and well stocked.

12. Able to organize day's activities to keep a steady flow of patients through the clinical area.

13. Accurate charting of clinical data on client charts.

14. Knowledge of using multiple EMRs including ECW and Epic.

15. Participates in logging minutes when working with patients over the phone or during chart review for enrolled patients in Chronic Care Management or Principal Care Management.

16. Assists the CCM team as needed.

17. Must be a team player and be willing and able to move into another area of the clinic, including satellite locations, as needs arise.

18. Independently performs the necessary duties of rooming a patient including obtaining vitals, height and weight, applicable screening tools, and medication review.

19. Maintains good relations and fosters effective public relations with patients, medical staff, and other medical providers.

20. Always ensure patient confidentiality and follows HIPPA regulations.

21. Maintains established policies and procedures, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

22. Responds to emergency situations and functions within the scope of their license.

23. Maintains current CPR certification.

24. Attends educational opportunities.

25. Attends mandatory annual competency and validation.

26. Other duties as assigned.