Position Summary: The LPN should have knowledge and skills necessary to function within his/her role using the nursing process. Functions under the RN to participate in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Should demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Should participate in continuing education and professional development activities. This is SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION.

JOB SPECIFIC CRITERIA:

1. Receive report before giving care.
2. Makes rounds on patients and assesses appropriately for the following as applicable: Cardiovascular status, Respiratory status, Appropriate status,I & O, Special equipment-IV's NG, foley, etc., Special Needs.
3. Admit new patients and assist in performing initial assessment.
4. Check medical record for physician orders and results of diagnostic studies.
5. Prepare appropriately for medication administration: Research medication; Aware of patient vital signs, telemetry pattern; Aware of lab results, i.e. K+levels, BUN, CR, theophlline levels, digoxin levels, blood sugar as related to ordered medications; Assess patient's need for pain medication on rounds and alert care giver; Assess IV sites and need changes, note rate and tubing dates.
6. Perform nursing skills according to skills check list and return demonstration.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION:

• Preplan nursing care to perform in an organized manner.

• Obtain materials and supplies needed for patient care.

• Use resource material as necessary to include nursing policy and procedure books and manuals from other departments.

• Utilize time effectively and productively.

• Assist in updating individualized nursing care plans as per initiation by RN.

• Involve patient/family in the planning of his/her care.

• Organize work according to priorities.

• Maintain patient kardex as indicated.

• Plan appropriately for administration of medications: (1) First initial and last name on MAR; (2) Organize in order to give meds on time; (3) Alert pharmacy to immediate needs in the nursing unit; (4) Check the five rights before giving meds.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CARE:

• Deliver basic patient care according to standards of nursing care established by Bradley County Medical Center.

• Check patient identity before initiating nursing activities.

• Perform technical skills according to policy and procedure including the following: (1) TPR, B/P; (2) Specimen collection; (3) Catheterization; (4) Tube feedings; (5) Irrigation (bowel, bladder, NG, colostomy); (5) Sterile dressings; (6) Oxygen administration; (7) Preparation of patient for diagnostic studies; (8) Orphyaryngeal, sterile suctioning; (9) Restraints.

• Administer medications according to policy/procedure including the following: (1) Has knowledge from attending shift report, i.e., knows diagnosis, special needs, etc., (2) Administer meds by all routes according to approved procedure; (3) Teach patients appropriately regarding meds; (4) Keep med carts locked when not in use; (5) Keeps carts and drug room clean and organized; (6) Check unusual dosages on meds (insulin, heparin, etc.,) with another nurse before administering; (7) Sign out for narcotic correctly; (8) Dispose of drug/narcotics as required and in accordance with procedures.

• Interprets written and verbal directions correctly.

• Question situations in which underlying principals on standards of care are violated.

• Seek guidance from RN in making judgments in questionable or uncertain situations and functions within the LPN role as defined by the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act.

• Use appropriate safety measures including: (1) Use aseptic technique appropriately; (2) Act to prevent accidents and injury; (3) Use correct body mechanics; (4) Keep all necessary items within reach of patient; (5) Use siderails as indicated according to policy and procedure; (6) Do concurrent cleaning in pa tient areas and staff areas.

• Adhere to isolation technique.

• Respond to codes within the hospital as indicated according to procedure.

EVALUATION AND NURSING COMMUNICATION:

• Evaluate results of specific nursing intervention and documents in the medical record.

• Evaluate own learning needs and seek opportunities for new learning experiences.
• Explain nursing procedures to patient prior to the procedure.
• Instruct patients and visitors regarding hospital rules and regulations and reinforces as needed.
• Reports all pertinent information appropriately Changes in condition, Effects of treatments or meds; Patient/family concerns; Physician concerns; Equipment malfunctions/safety hazards.
• Maintains accurate and concise records of observations, treatment and care of patients: Assessment; Flow Sheet; Nurses Notes; Nursing Care Plan; Kardex Orders; Discharge Summary; Transfer sheets; Medication Records

Properly chart medications to include:

• First initial, last name and title to correspond with initials.
• Note proper dose, date, time
• Indicate injection sites appropriately.
• Correct errors appropriately.
• Document effect of p.r.n.

Utilize and document nursing care according to nursing process:

• Assessment
• Implementation
• Evaluation

Skills Check List: Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

1. Basic Nursing Skills
2. MCU
3. Medication/IV Nurse
4. LPN emergency room
5. LPN OR
6. LPN Nursery
7. LPN OB/L&D

COMMUNICATION:

1. Listen and initiate feed-back to ensure effective communication.
2. Use constructive feed-back to improve performance.
3. Resolve problems with interpersonal relationships, referring them when necessary.
4. Participate in the development of solutions to communication problems.
5. Communicate complete and accurate information.
6. Practice discretion in information shared with patients and peers.
7. Apply basic communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) in all interactions with patients, peers, other departments and the public.
8. Avoid excessive noise and protect patient privacy.
9. Acknowledge validity of communication from others.
10. Address people by name.
11. Identify yourself on the telephone by name, title, department.
12. Express frustrations in appropriate time and manner.
13. Support other staff in the performance of their duties: Respond promptly to request from supervisor, peers and other employees; communicate criticism in constructive, private manner, accept constructive criticism in appropriate manner, praise peers on quality job performance.

Job Qualifications

Education/Licenses

Graduate of an accredited Vocational-Technical School and current State licensure which is renewed every two years.

Must possess current CPR certification which is renewed annually.