LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing professional nursing care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) for assigned patients. The LPN assists the RN in collecting, implementing, reporting, and documenting patient data. The LPN assists with the reinforcement of patient education and the preparation for patient discharge. The LPN is a contributing member of the multidisciplinary Health Care Team and must be able to communicate the needs of the patient/significant others to all disciplines involved in the patient's hospitalization.Graduate from a Licensed Practical Nursing program. Must hold a valid license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Indiana. LPN is responsible for continuous self-professional development by attending seminars and maintaining CEU's.CERTIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE:ECU: - BLS at first available opportunity at WHS. ACLS preferred. Long Term Care experience preferred.TRANSITIONS: - BLS certification and CPI training at first available opportunity at WHS. Prefer 1-2 year's geriatric or psychiatric experience.PAIN CENTER: - BLS and ACLS certifications are required. Previous Pain Management experience preferred. IV skills required. Will assist in sterile procedures; provide sterile & aseptic technique in procedures.MED-SURG: - BLS, ACLS, and PALS required.HEM/ONC: - BLS required.Required Competencies:Must successfully complete the LPN orientation skills checklist and program within department standards.Must successfully complete the medication administration exam prior to passing medications.Must successfully complete the IV Venipuncture skill verification process and perform five successful venipunctures.Must possess organization skills to prioritize and organize patient care needs in order to provide quality and efficient care.Must have critical decision-making skills.Must write legibly.Must successfully complete training in the following areas: Infection Control/Universal Precautions, Hazardous Chemicals, and Body Mechanics.Must complete annual and required competencies.Must be adaptable to a continuous changing patient care and staffing environment.Must work other nursing units as assigned.Must be able to deal with the demands and stressors that are encountered when dealing with patients, significant other, physicians, other health care team members, peers and subordinates.Essential Functions:Maintains professional nursing standards in accordance with the State of Indiana Board of Nursing Regulations and the Standards of Care and Practice established within the Department of Nursing Services.Delivers patient care, utilizing components of the Nursing Process under the direction of the RN.Collects data on assigned patients pertaining to their initial and continuing needs, and reports pertinent findings to the RN.Collects and documents appropriate admission data.Identifies and reports changes in patient condition/behavior obtained through observations.Assists the RN in the formulation and revision of the patient care plan by conveying observations obtained through interactions with patient and/or significant other.Communicates collected patient data to appropriate health team members.Once initiated, contributes to the individual plan of care for assigned patients.Collaborates with the RN to make revisions in the plan of care based on continuing/changing patient observations.Establishes priorities in planning nursing care in conjunction with the RN.Assists the RN in coordinating the delivery of patient care.Contributes to the patient's plan of care as directed by the RN.Implements and/or delegates aspects of the plan of care to nurse aides/techs..Provides direct patient care and activities of daily living while promoting patient's independence appropriate to the plan of care.Utilizes technical knowledge and skills in the delivery of patient care. Intervenes with appropriate technique, procedure, and safety precautions to meet individual needs of the patient.Performs nursing care interventions in accordance to WHS established Standards of Care.Documents appropriate nursing interventions and patient responses on appropriate forms.Communicates results of nursing interventions to the RN and other health team members.Contributes to the evaluation of the patient's plan of care by involving the patient and/or significant other in the evaluation process.Seeks verbal feedback from the patient/significant other and staff nurse.Observes for behavioral changes.Documents appropriate nursing interventions and patient/significant others' response.Administers medications according to the Department of Nursing Services policies and procedures. Reports and documents patient response and pertinent observations.Assumes responsibility for learning and professional growth. Participates in the orientation and instruction of personnel as assigned. Promotes and maintains effective working relationships within the assigned nursing units and other hospital departments. Assists coworkers as necessary. Participates in unit meetings and in-services as assigned.Serves as a patient advocate.May serve as the primary person in obtaining a consent.Supports and practices within WHS policies and procedures.Practices infection control by using Universal Precautions (Blood Borne Pathogens) which includes: hand washing, wearing/using personal protective equipment when in contact with needles/sharps/splashes or bodily fluids or anything considered to be a blood borne pathogen, to prevent injury to self, patient and coworkers.Maintains confidentiality and patients right to privacy. Does not discuss the patient with anyone unless it is necessary to provide patient care and follows WHS statement on Rights and Responsibilities of the patient.Performs CPR as needed.Handles and disposes of Hazardous Chemical and Infectious Wastes properly.Demonstrates the ability to obtain and interpret information relevant to the patient's need in a manner that is consistent with knowledge of patient growth and development, and applies such knowledge and understanding so as to provide the range of treatment that is most appropriate for the patient.Assures customer service meets or exceeds expectations of customers. Treats all customers with courtesy and respect.TASKS UNABLE TO PERFORM: cannot administer Blood products (can participate in verification process), Initial Assessments, or initiate the care planning process including education.