Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Rotating Shift

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a collaborative member of the health care team in partnership with and under the general supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN)/Physician utilizing principles of Relationship-Based Care through the effective implementation of specific aspects of the nursing process; performs and coordinates direct patient care for a specific group of patients. The LPN acts in accordance with scope of practice allowable by licensure in the State of Michigan and congruent with their educational preparation. This includes the administration of medications as authorized. Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

The LPN may not delegate tasks to or supervise other licensed or non-licensed health professionals.  The LPN actively supports the activities of the unit-based shared governance council and promotes organizational commitment and excellence in the patient care experience.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of specialized nursing education and proof of successful completion of pharmacology course.

Certification/Licensure: 

• Requires current and active license to practice as LPN in State of Michigan.
• Must have current or obtain during orientation and maintain Basic Life Support Certification (BLS).

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to apply nursing techniques within defined responsibilities to meet patient and family needs.  Awareness of the Scope of Practice of Health Professionals in the state of Michigan, the role of LPN and relationship to RN Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, families and coworkers.  Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for over 90% of work time.  Ability to walk and stand for up to 90% of work time.  Ability to lift, turn, and position patients frequently. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Performs specific nursing interventions as delegated by the Registered Nurse and/or Physician to support attainment of treatment goals and uses interdisciplinary plan as the framework for care. 
• Reports changes in patient condition, feedback, and follow-up to the RN in a timely manner.
• Obtains necessary clinical data from patient, family, or significant other. 
• Demonstrates competency in the administration of medications. 
• Informs and provides information to patients about planned procedures and treatments in order to reduce fear and anxieties and to encourage patient participation. 
• Performs activities which may be delegated by the RN and/or Physician, including but not limited to:
• Venipuncture for specimens including blood cultures. 
• Initiates and discontinues intravenous, i.e., peripheral short catheters.
• Inserts and discontinues indwelling and intermittent clean urinary catheterization.
• Obtains laboratory specimens and performs basic laboratory procedures, i.e., point-of-care blood glucose, stool sampling, sputum collection, etc.
• Performs basic bedside care and selected procedures under the supervision of the RN: 12-lead ECG; dressing changes; routine respiratory care (i.e. coughing and deep breathing, incentive spirometry, pulse oximetry, oxygen setup and administration, hand held nebulizer); vital signs; recognition, reporting, and intervention for life-threatening conditions.
• Administers physician-directed treatments such as eye irrigation, etc.
• Other unit-specific activities such as activities of daily living appropriate to the patient's condition.
• Responds to patient requests in a timely manner; always introduces self and explains patient care measures. 
• Performs appropriate competency-based point of care testing and monitoring. 
• Records patient information and required data to satisfy documentation and charge capture requirements. 
• Maintains knowledge of policy and procedures; participates in unit activities to improve quality care. 
• Maintains the confidentiality of information pertaining to patients, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
• Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in private area in compliance with HIPPA. Seeks ongoing learning experiences in order to keep current with practice and promote self- growth.  Maintains a clean environment for patients, visitors and colleagues