LPN - Acute Care - Per Diem

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description defines the tasks and responsibilities normally expected of the Licensed Practical Nurse, but it should be understood that it is not all inclusive and is subject to change by the Responsible Nurse Leader or the CNO/Director of Patient Care Services. The primary role of this position is to provide nursing care to patients who are admitted into the SWING program. Additional nursing assignment may ensue when workload permits.

SPECIFICATIONS

· Assists the RN in planning the work assignment to meet the needs of the patients and peers.

· Plans for administration of policies and procedures.

· Forecasts need for special equipment and supplies for specific procedures coordinating activity with the RN and/or Acute Care supervisor

· Utilizes knowledge of skills in medical, surgical, and pediatric procedures as a basis for implementing patient care.

· Coordinates daily patient care with staff and physicians.

· Organizes own time effectively.

· Follows the hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.

· Assists the RN in identifying deficiencies in patient care and offers suggestions for corrective action.

· Participates in the identification of and administering of nursing care.

· Participates in activities to identify and meet patient needs.

· Participates in unit activities.

· Identifies and participates in activities to maintain self-motivation.

· Regular attendance at general in-service programs, unit in-service and other educational experiences.

· Develops skills for effective delegation of responsibilities in working as a team.

· Participates in goal setting for self and department

· Participates in evaluation of self with supervisor annually.

· Assists with coordination of nursing history and assessment. Assessment to be performed by RN (To be completed within 2 hours of admission.)

· Psychosocial needs and perception of patient and/or family expectations of present hospitalization are identified and documented.

· Appropriate patient education given and documented.

· Alertness and skill in recognizing and identifying symptoms. Symptoms are recognized and appropriate action taken (ex: notify physician if patient has unrelieved pain from medication ordered, offer prn medications, etc.).

· Set priorities and give care based on problem solving needs. Ability to complete work within scheduled time.

· Understands the consequences of nursing action. Activities are carried out safely, correctly, and economically

· Take responsibility for such activities and follows hospital policy and procedure for the following:

· Administering medications as per licensure allowances and restrictions

· Administers IV Fluids per policy

· Initiates Peripheral Intravenous access

· Is competent in providing Special treatments (i.e. respiratory, dressing changes, etc.)

· Providing daily nursing care to include Activities of Daily Living

· Participates in the delivery of meals and provides assistance to patients requiring help with meals

· Responds in a timely manner to patient call lights and telephone calls

· Assists the Registered Nurse in Admitting, transferring, and discharging of patients

· Maintains supplies and equipment and notifies the Nursing Supervisor when supply levels are getting low or equipment is malfunctioning

· Appropriate patient teaching concerning routine hospital procedures and special procedures regarding their condition

· Can identify basic cardiac arrhythmias, can assist the RN / Provider in code blue / emergency rescues. Is familiar with and knows how to operate emergency equipment such as portable Oxygen tanks, suction machines, and EKG machine. Knows how to apply cardiac pads utilized when applying the defibrillator

· Maintains a clean and safe environment for all patients

· Completes accurate charting each shift on all assigned patients

· Understands and participates in the care of post-partum and nursery patients

· Does appropriate discharge teaching, including but not limited to; Post-discharge follow up instructions (Home care, Office visits, Testing), activity restrictions, medication administration instructions

· Knowledge of procedures of handling and care of the deceased

· Understands and is able to explain advanced directives to patients when requested.

· Keeps the care team informed of any changes in patient’s condition. Seeks clarification of any unclear orders, keeps the Registered Nurse apprised of any changes in condition.

· Complies with the hospital controlled substance policies and procedures.

· Participates in teaching and orientation of co-workers. Identifies self-learning needs/deficits and requests training as needed.

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