Licensed Practical Nurse - Float Pool

LPN-Float0111 Float Pool

Schedule: Day Shift. 24 hours weekly. 7a-7p; there is no set schedule; float provides help to units with the greatest needs

About the Position

A “Licensed Practical Nurse” is a person who holds a valid Indiana license, and who functions at the direction of the Registered Nurse, Physician, Osteopathic Physician, and Podiatrist in performance of activities requiring special knowledge or skill.

Overview of Responsibilities

• ​Demonstrates the ability to work independently within scope of practice.
• In collaboration with and at the direction of the RN, works well with the multidisciplinary team.
• Uses appropriate resources – Primary RN, Charge Nurse, Unit Director, Directors, House Supervisor, Pharmacy, etc.
• Demonstrates good time management by having no unjustified overtime.
• Compliant with attendance policy.
• Offers assistance to the team to maintain unit productivity – asks, “What may I do to help you leave on time?”
• Informs supervisor when hours worked may accrue overtime.
• Collaborates with team and management to develop cost-effective solutions and improve workflow processes.
• Uses team huddles and check-backs to proactively report changes.
• Documentation is accurate, precise, and thorough and meets department and regulatory standards, including date, time, signature, and RBV (read back and verified) for orders.
• Documentation is up-to-date and concurrently charted in “real time.”
• Documentation is consistently legible, grammatically correct, and appropriately punctuated.
• Documentation contains only hospital-approved abbreviations.
• Documentation portrays the patient’s condition (tells the story in sequential order).
• Documents changes in patient condition and responses to interventions.
• Documents communications with physicians and/or other members of the healthcare team.
• Uses quantifiable tools to document pain (Lichert & Wong Scales) and follow-up intervention responses.
• Documents safety risks.
• Documents observational and purposeful rounding.
• Demonstrates competence in utilization of all EMR and resource systems.
• Completes medication reconciliation.
• Accountable for maintaining privacy of medical records and patient information.
• Anticipates the needs of customers and responds to questions, concerns, and needs in a timely manner.
• Performs rounding, bedside report, and hand-off.
• As directed by the RN, involves customers in the daily plan of care and utilizes communication boards in patient rooms.
• Promotes a healing and supportive environment, which may include: therapeutic touch/massage, music therapy, aromatherapy, quiet environment, eliminating offensive odors, soothing room environment (temperature, cleanliness, etc.).
• Communicates in a constructive and professional manner in all interactions.
• Upholds Relationship-Based Care (RBC).
• Accommodates the cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs of customers.
• Approaches customers when they appear dissatisfied or in need of other assistance and immediately facilitates service recovery efforts.
• Explains things in a way the patient understands.
• Responds to call lights within nursing’s goal time frame.
• Supports methods to keep noise at a minimum.
• Seeks methods to control patient’s pain.
• Describes new medications to the patient.
• Describes medication side effects.
• Performs the following under the direction of the RN:
• - Appropriately recognizes and reports abnormal assessment data.
• - Collaborates with RN to create an appropriate plan of care.
• - Effectively carries out the plan of care.
• - Recognizes success of or modifies the plan of care.
• Anticipates and meets the holistic needs of customers.
• Applies skillful reasoning to the Nursing Process.
• At the direction of the RN, initiates nursing protocols and standing orders as condition dictates.
• Appropriately communicates patient condition to the RN.
• Shift report is thorough, timely, and gives an accurate health picture.
• Accurately and appropriately reports patient changes.
• Competent in required clinical skills as evidenced through:
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate Fall precautions and other safety measures.
• Utilizes Independent Double Check with high-alert medications.
• Ensures safety by utilizing the five rights of medication administration.
• Does not override safety mechanisms with medication administration.
• In collaboration with the RN, educates customers using the “teach-back” method.
• Volunteers and actively participates in committees as assigned.
• Maintains annual competencies, licensure, and/or certifications and continuing education.
• Serves as a resource and mentor to the team.
• Provides best-practice by following hospital standards of care, policies and procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Remains calm and works effectively in stressful situations, using good judgment and tact.
• Takes all assignments/alterations in schedule and makes the best of their workday.
• Participates in staff meetings and unit updates.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be

expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Minimum education required: Graduation from accredited practical nurse program (PN).
• Minimum experience preferred: 1 year experience working as an LPN in healthcare setting.

Licensure & Certification

• Minimum certification required: Licensure in state of Indiana as a Practical Nurse; BLS certification