Licensed Practical Nurse

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

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing required. Work

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.

Day shift