Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic nursing care and patient procedures in accordance with established policies, procedures, and scope of practice.
• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
• Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition, patient complaints, nursing interventions, and patient responses to care.
• Participates in patient and family education activities as appropriate.
• Provides a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Administers intravenous fluids in accordance with the applicable State Nurse Practice Act.
• Checks, irrigates, and maintains drainage tubes as required.
• Inserts nasogastric (N/G) tubes following approved training requirements (Kentucky and Virginia only).
• Administers enteral tube feedings as prescribed.
• Performs suctioning procedures in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Functions effectively during emergency situations and serves on the code team as designated.
• Performs urinary catheterizations and provides catheter care.
• Administers medications by approved routes, including oral, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, and intravenous piggyback administration.
• Administers intravenous push (IVP) medications as approved (Virginia only).
• Provides care for patients receiving oxygen therapy and monitors oxygen concentrations in specialized oxygen delivery systems.
• Administers respiratory treatments, including intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) treatments, as authorized.
• Applies sterile and non-sterile dressings, bandages, and compresses.
• Responds promptly to call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.
• Performs routine patient care procedures including obtaining vital signs, weights, and urine testing.
• Provides care for patients in isolation in accordance with infection prevention protocols.
• Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and collection of Pap smear specimens.
• Implements post-operative care measures including coughing, deep breathing, repositioning, and monitoring vital signs.
• Prepares patients for surgical procedures, including completion of pre-operative checklists.
• Applies ace bandages, traction devices, hot and cold therapy equipment, and other therapeutic devices as prescribed.
• Measures and records patient intake and output accurately.
• Collects laboratory specimens including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.
• Provides post-mortem care and assists with transportation of deceased patients.
• Administers prescribed enemas, including retention, cleansing, therapeutic, and irrigation procedures.
• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency within the nursing unit.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations, including initiating CPR and performing tasks delegated by a Registered Nurse or Physician.
• Assists with the safeguarding and documentation of patient valuables.
• Monitors and reconciles narcotic and controlled substance counts, reports discrepancies, and completes incident reports as required.
• Provides care for patients receiving radium treatments and assists physicians with radium removal procedures.
• Prepares used equipment for sterilization and reprocessing.
• Cleans, stores, and monitors the condition of patient care equipment and reports repair needs appropriately.
• Complies with hospital policies regarding the receipt, documentation, and implementation of telephone and verbal orders.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring using approved glucose monitoring equipment.
• Collects Quality Improvement data as requested.
• Adheres to Universal Precautions and infection control standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing required.

Work Experience:

• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current Practical Nursing licensure in the state of practice required.
• Successful completion of an Intravenous (IV) Therapy Course required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Technical skills in specialized nursing areas preferred.
• Knowledge of practical nursing principles, procedures, and patient care techniques.
• Ability to provide nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accurately assess, document, and report patient conditions and responses to treatment.
• Ability to function effectively as a member of the healthcare team.