Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Pediatric Department

Job Summary

Initiate, perform and complete assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Complete assigned patient care based on the patients’ conditions, use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.

Observe, identify and respond to the patient’s needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. Prepare and administer prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and perform treatments according to established policies/procedures.

Recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient’s condition before, during, and following the procedure.

Check patients into the clinic and triage using clinic guidelines. Inform the nurse or physician of the patient’s condition and potential problems. Obtain and document patient and pertinent family history. Perform a full range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, obtaining, recording and tracking results of diagnostic tools.

Prepare patients for tests, examinations, treatments, and/or surgery. Collect specimens such as urine, sputum and stool. Label specimens for laboratory examinations and follow up by calling the laboratory for reports. Alert provider to conditions which deviate from expected findings.

Perform a range of treatment procedures including sterile dressing changes, applying compresses, monitoring IV fluids, inserting catheters, inserting nasogastric tubes, administering medications, giving enemas, and setting up and giving treatment requiring auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction.

Prepare, start, monitor and discontinue intravenous fluids with accuracy and in accordance with established procedures. Administer immunizations in a safe and accurate manner with strict adherence to all applicable immunization policies.

Recognize emergency situations and assist with, or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients such as cardiac arrests. Perform preoperative procedures for minor surgery and fill out pre-op checklist.

Assist patients in admission, transfer, and perform discharge planning follow-up and documentation. Transport patients to and from other areas of the facility to include hospital clinics and ancillary departments, as ordered by the physician.

Provide tailored education to pediatric, acute chronic medical condition, well baby, and well child patients and their families about clinical findings, safe use of medications, wound care, access to community resources, use of medical equipment, and responsibilities of the patient and family in the patients’ care.

Promote health maintenance and preventive health initiatives in caring for pediatric patients in the ambulatory setting. Provide telephone triage to patients and families based on department accepted protocols from national nursing standards/professional organizations. Refer problems to physicians for consultation as indicated.

Provide emotional support to patients and families. Ensure patient care is carried out in accordance with the Standards of Nursing Care and the policies and procedures of the clinic. Ensure necessary supplies are available and equipment is in functioning order.

Ensure upkeep and perform checks of emergency equipment (oxygen, emergency cart, suction apparatus, etc.) and maintain appropriate logs. Inform the Charge Nurse of any discrepancy on daily checks.

Orient peers and ancillary personnel to unit policies and procedures, skills, and standards of practice. Integrate healthy work environment principles that result in improved patient healthcare delivery, education of patients and their families, and employee satisfaction.

Perform and attend any required training according to departmental policy to include but not limited to departmental semiannual skills fair meetings.

Requirements

• Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a practical or vocational nurse.
• One year of experience within the last two years as a practical or vocational nurse in a pediatric setting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a State Board of Nursing approved LPN/LVN training program or completion of equivalent military training that permits sitting for the State licensure examination.