LPN - ACUTE

SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works cooperatively with all hospital departments. The LPN provides professional nursing care under supervision for assigned patients in assigned area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Includes the following, but is not limited to any other duties or tasks that may be assigned:

• assures compliance with established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, continuous quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards
• cooperates with other nursing personnel to maintain good employee relations and meet all departmental objectives
• assists in planning, organizing, delivery and evaluating direct care to assigned patients
• recognized impending emergencies and acts appropriately
• works with patients and families in providing explanations of diagnostic tests, etc
• communicates clearly and accurately with patients, families, providers and co-workers
• completes appropriate paperwork in the admission, dismissal or transfer of patients
• assists providers with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care
• assists with setting up treatment trays, preparing instruments and other equipment
• assists with the administration of specialized therapy or treatments to patients
• answers patient call lights as required
• performs patient care duties as assigned
• monitors condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate personnel
• administers patient medications, as allowed
• demonstrates sensitivity to patient’s comfort and privacy and expresses interest in their progress
• monitors emotional stability of patients and reports changes to provider or RN
• maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patient/families in accordance with hospital standards
• ensures an adequate stock of supplies and proper function of equipment
• enhances professional growth and development through participation in education programs, current literature, in-service meetings, etc
• attends meetings as required
• assists with orientation to new personnel
• IV certified LPN’s may follow the guidelines listed in their scope of practice
• Performs such procedures such as catheterizations, bladder irrigations, NG tube irrigations, wound treatments, dressing changes, respiratory treatments or other complex treatments to patients in accordance to hospital policy
• assists RN or physician with diagnostic procedures as required on the floor or in the Emergency Department

document in patient chart all nursing care provided