LPN/LVN - MedSurg

Licensed Practical Nurse - Medical Surgical

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) utilizes broad-based clinical knowledge to provide patient-centered care, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic conditions, assist patients/residents in achieving optimal levels of functioning and rehabilitation, and offer supportive measures for end-of-life care. Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Louisiana Practical Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse's scope of license. The LPN works under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) to deliver comprehensive health services.

Qualifications:

• Current LPN license in good standing.
• 1 year of recent experience.
• Knowledge of Louisiana Practical Nurses Practice Act.
• Strong clinical skills in medication administration, wound care, and patient education.
• Ability to work collaboratively under RN supervision.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care & Safety

Maintain patient/resident confidentiality and ensure a safe care environment.

Comply with requirements for medication administration, patient/family education, discharge processes, restraint usage, and hazardous waste disposal as defined by The Joint Commission and VA regulatory bodies.

Patient-Centered Care

Evaluate healthcare needs and communicate findings to the RN to assist in developing care plans.

Notify RN of significant changes in patient/resident health condition.

Obtain and deliver urine specimens to the lab.

Carry out the plan of care by performing assigned tasks.

Collect and document pertinent data in the electronic medical record.

Complete nursing documentation within required time frames.

Identify and act on predictable patient/resident needs.

Meet emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and families.

Prioritize and complete tasks within assigned shift.

Report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager or designated leadership.

Clinical Duties

Administer PO, IM, and subcutaneous medications and provide patient education.

Administer tube feedings and set up trays.

Assist with care including catheters, condoms, and colostomies.

Assist with mobility including transfers, transfer devices, and ambulation.

Educate patients/residents and families on medication administration.

Measure vital signs (including pain as the 5th vital sign), pulse oximetry, and other assessments.

Measure intake and output for urine and drains.

Participate in patient admission and discharge processes.

Perform wound care including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures.

Provide comfort measures such as repositioning, bathing, ADLs, range of motion, and hygiene.

Assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation.

Respond and assist in emergency situations as instructed.

Perform capillary blood glucose monitoring.

Insert intravenous lines.

Medical-Surgical Specialty Responsibilities

As part of the Medical-Surgical team, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will provide comprehensive care to patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions in a fast-paced environment. This includes:

• Patient Monitoring & Assessment
• Evaluate patient health status and report significant changes to the RN promptly.
• Measure and record vital signs, including pain assessment, pulse oximetry, and other clinical indicators.
• Monitor intake and output for urine, drains, and other fluid balances.
• Medication & Treatment Administration
• Administer oral (PO), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous medications, ensuring patient education and adherence.
• Perform wound care, dressing changes, and obtain wound cultures as needed.
• Assist with intravenous line insertion and capillary blood glucose monitoring.
• Support for Surgical Recovery
• Assist with mobility, including transfers, ambulation, and use of transfer devices.
• Provide comfort measures such as repositioning, bathing, and hygiene care.
• Support patients through post-operative recovery, including monitoring for complications and reinforcing discharge instructions.
• Procedural Assistance
• Assist with urinary and bowel elimination, including catheter care and colostomy management.
• Administer tube feedings and set up trays for nutritional support.
• Respond to emergency situations and provide immediate assistance as directed.
• Patient Education & Advocacy
• Educate patients and families on medication administration, wound care, and recovery processes.
• Promote health and safety through adherence to infection control protocols.