Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview 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 as required. Participate in conferences and serves on Committees as requested. Observes, reports, and documents in the patient chart changes in patient's condition, observations made, and complaints voiced and nursing care performed. Participates in patient and family health education as necessary. Provides a safe and secure environment for the patient. Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. May administer I. V. F. in accordance with state Nurse Practice Act. Checks, irrigates and maintains drainage tubes as needed. May insert N/G tubes after training. (KY & VA). May administer tube feedings. Suctions patients according to hospital policy and procedure. Functions in emergencies and on the code team as designated. Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care. Administers oral and intra-muscular, intradermal, subcu, I. V., PB, and medications as approved. Administers I. V. P. medications as approved. (In Virginia only). Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyses oxygen concentration of 02 tents, isolette and croupettes. Administers respiratory treatments (I. P. P. B.). Applies sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles. Answers call lights, assist patients with personal hygiene and other activities of daily living. Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and ph., weighs patients, and takes vital signs. Cares for patients in isolation. Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining pap smears. Administers post-operative regime: cough, deep breathing, turn patients, and takes vital signs. Prepares patients for surgery, including pre-op check lists. Applies ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottle and ice cap. Measures and records intake and output. Collects specimens; blood, urine, stool and sputum. Administers post-mortuum care and transportation. Administers enemas: retention, cleansing, therapeutic, colonic, irrigation. Maintains cleanliness, safety and efficiency in nursing. Alert to and able to respond appropriately in an emergency situation, providing patient care, initiating CPR and any other tasks designated by the RN or MD. Assists with the care and security of the patients' valuables. Checks narcotics and barbiturates reports discrepancies, completes incident report appropriately and submits to appropriate management. Cares for patients with radium and assists physician with removal of radium. Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization. Cleans and maintains storage of equipment. Request repairs, follow-up with physician and other staff as appropriate regarding equipment performance. Comply with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting and follow through on telephone and verbal orders. Monitors glucose via glucose monitor machine Collects Quality Improvement data as requested. Uses universal precautions. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing. Must maintain current licensure in state of practice. Must successfully complete the I. V. Therapy Course. Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred. Six (6) months to one (1) year on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency of performance of assigned duties.