Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Appalachian Mountain Health provides essential nursing care as part of a collaborative healthcare team in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) outpatient setting. The LPN will assist in delivering quality patient care under the direction from the Practice Supervisor and oversite of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role involves supporting assessments, implementing care plans, and assisting with patient education and counseling, ensuring adherence to established nursing practices and standards.

Reporting Structure:

The LPN will report directly to the Practice Supervisor, with performance oversight provided by the Registered Nurse (RN). The RN will oversee clinical tasks, patient care plans, and nursing interventions, while the Clinical Supervisor will manage the operational aspects of the role.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Patient Assessment Support:

• Participate in the collection of data for nursing history, psychological, spiritual, and social assessments.
• Assist with physical exams, including vital signs, head-to-toe, and targeted assessments, contributing to the overall assessment and analysis.
• Monitor patient responses and report significant changes in condition to the RN or healthcare provider.

1. Care Planning:

• Assist in identifying patient care needs based on nursing assessments, contributing to care planning decisions.
• Provide data and insights for the development and modification of patient care plans, under the guidance of RNs and other healthcare professionals.

1. Implementation of Care:

• Implement nursing interventions and medical orders according to the established care plan.
• Prioritize and deliver nursing interventions based on patient needs and the scope of the assigned responsibilities.
• Delegate appropriate nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, ensuring proper supervision and adherence to care standards.

1. Patient Education and Counseling:

• Assist in educating patients and families regarding health conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies.
• Provide guidance on increasing health knowledge, fostering participation in self-care, and promoting informed decision-making.

1. Documentation and Reporting:

• Accurately document all nursing actions, patient observations, and care provided in the electronic medical record system.
• Report any significant changes or concerns regarding patient conditions to the supervising RN or healthcare provider.

1. Collaboration and Communication:

• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver optimal patient care.
• Ensure the confidentiality of patient information at all times.