Licensed Practical Nurse

Description

Position Summary

Provides direct and indirect patient care services that meet the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care; meets the communication needs of patient and family; provides care that reflects initiative and responsibility indicative of professional expectations, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Maintains regulatory agency requirements, nursing and hospital policies, procedures and standards. Communicates with physicians and team members about changes in patient’s clinical condition, including results of diagnostic studies. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision.

Primary Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

1. Demonstrates clinical knowledge of psychiatric nursing and maintains the highest quality of comprehensive care. 

2. Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilized appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

3. Is able to set limits as needed by recognizing potential behavior problems and does so in a caring and consistent manner.

4. Displays effective communication skills as evidenced by the ability to maintain therapeutic relationships with patients.

5. Obtains accurate assessments, participates in staffing and case conferences.

6. Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.

7. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and patient’s clinical condition.

8. Follows the five medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

9. Demonstrates ability to revise treatment plan as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.

10. Formulates a teaching plan based on identified patient learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching as appropriate.

11. Maintains patient confidentiality.

12. Responsible for maintaining and upgrading knowledge in psychiatric nursing by engaging in activities that enhance current knowledge.

13. Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level of licensure.

14. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.

15. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

16. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicates with Social Services/Discharge Planner regarding both in-hospital and post discharge needs.

17. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.

18. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

19. Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.

20. Coordinates and supervises patient care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.

21. Consults other departments, as appropriate, to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs while maintaining a good working relationship.

22. Communicates appropriately and clearly to team leader, co-workers and physicians.

23. Meets current documentation standards and policies.

24. Response to the patient is appropriate in emergency or physically distressful situation.

25. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

26. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.

27. Performs other duties as assigned within the LPN scope of practice.

Competencies

1.  Basic computer skills.
2. Time management.
3. Strong written and verbal skills.
4. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate from an accredited Graduate of an accredited LPN program.

2. Current State of Louisiana Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure.

3. Current BCLS certification within 6 months of employment.

4. Current ACLS certification within 6 months of employment.

5. Current PALS certification within 6 months of employment.

6. Successful completion of arrhythmia course within 6 months of employment annual arrhythmia testing thereafter.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Minimum of six months experience preferred.