LPN Sandpoint

Summary

Provides nursing care to meet the needs of an assigned group of residents within the framework of the total plan of care. Functions under the direction of a registered nurse by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Contributes to the nursing process and implements a resident plan of care. Under the supervision of an RN, may assign nursing diagnoses and write nursing orders.

Performs direct nursing services such as administering medications and treatments and providing personal care and ADLs to assist in assessment and evaluation; assists with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Will draw blood, start and administer IV fluids per MD order. Care for PICC line per guidelines.

Delegates suitable components of care to nursing assistants; provides guidance and supervision when necessary.

Assists in resident and family health teaching and rehabilitation.

Consults and validates data with the RN; records and reports pertinent information; provides explanations to families and other staff.

Recognizes and reports safety hazards.

May assume charge nurse, primary nurse, and team leader duties when assigned under the direction of an RN.

Identifies and evaluates the resident's response to health problems and treatment.

Communicates resident care needs and approach to other personnel involved in care.

Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development; plans and/or participates in conferences and classes to improve knowledge and practice in resident care; attends in-service programs that are provided to facilitate compliance with government regulations.

Participates in the nursing service quality assurance program.

Interprets philosophy and objectives of the home and nursing services to residents, families, and other employees when necessary.

Takes and records temperatures, blood pressures, pulses, and respiration rates of residents.

Charts information regarding residents including progress, ailments, medications, symptoms, and observations.

Discusses with supervisory nursing staff the progress of residents and how to proceed with care.

Stocks and prepares medication cart for rounds.

Assists physician in patient rounds.

Provides various treatments as recommended by the physician.

Transfers or assists in transferring residents from bed to wheelchair.

Performs physical assessments of residents under the RN's direction.

Take MD orders via phone, fax or verbal. Write out MD orders, transcribe to MAR/TAR and assure orders are given to pharmacy, etc.

Assembles and uses such equipment as catheters and oxygen suppliers.

Supervisory responsibilities

May assume additional responsibilities and duties assigned under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Director of Nursing.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Completion of a Licensed Practical Nursing program and obtaining a certificate, degree, or diploma that allows to test for a Licensed Practical Nurse license for the State of Idaho.

Language skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of residents or employees of organizations.

Mathematical skills

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, licenses, registrations

Requires a State of Idaho Licensed Practical Nurse license.

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, or crouch, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds when assisting with a resident transfer. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Occupational exposures

The employee may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens classified by CDC as:

Category 1-Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.

Category 2-Activity performed without blood exposure, but exposure may occur in emergency.

Category 3-Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.

Performance expectations

Periodic performance evaluations will be conducted with the following performance criteria in mind. Future raises will be based heavily on job performance, which includes the following:

Compliance with all VVCC Policies and Procedures.

Good attendance and punctuality.

Productivity - Taking initiative in assigned projects and tasks to put forth extra effort and be creative in completion of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Effectiveness - The ability to show and express good organizational skills and working habits.

Teamwork - works well with others.

Communicating well and in a positive manner with all staff.

Working safely with no safety violations.

Completion of required training and in-service hours.