LPN Med/Surg

Job Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential nursing care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and in collaboration with the healthcare team. The LPN supports patient care by conducting assessments, administering medications, and implementing care plans. This role ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality care in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, professional standards, and state regulations while contributing to positive patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct patient care under the supervision of an RN, including monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and responding to patient needs.
• Conducts focused patient assessments, identifying and reporting changes in patient conditions to the appropriate team members.
• Administers medications, treatments, and injections as prescribed, ensuring compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and safety protocols.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care, interventions, and observations in the medical record.
• Educates patients and families on health maintenance, medication management, and post-discharge care.
• Ensures adherence to infection control protocols, safety standards, and healthcare regulations.
• Assists with basic procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and specimen collection within the scope of practice.
• Participates in the orientation and training of new staff or nursing students as assigned.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure the delivery of coordinated care.
• Prepares and maintains equipment and supplies necessary for patient care.
• Responds to medical emergencies and supports code team interventions within the scope of competency.

Emergency Services

• Supports triage and assists with collecting patient history and vitals.
• Prepare patients for procedures and assist RNs and providers during care.
• Administer prescribed medications within scope.
• Provide basic wound care and apply dressings as directed.
• Assist in stabilizing patients under supervision.

OR Services

• Prepare patients pre-operatively and assist with surgical prep.
• Monitor patients in pre-op and post-op under RN supervision.
• Assist with vital signs, catheter insertion, and surgical checklist procedures.
• Provide post-operative care including dressing changes and discharge teaching under RN guidance.
• Administer prescribed medications to mothers and newborns within scope.
• Support breastfeeding education and routine screenings under RN direction.
• Assist with documentation and family education.

Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Postpartum/Nursery

• Assist with maternal vital sign monitoring and postpartum care.
• Provide newborn care including bathing, feeding support, and diaper changes.
• Administer prescribed medications to mothers and newborns within scope.
• Support breastfeeding education and routine screenings under RN direction.
• Assist with documentation and family education.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience as an LPN in a healthcare setting required.
• Strong knowledge of nursing principles, medication administration, and patient care practices.
• Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills for interactions with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, infection control measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Adaptability to changes in patient care needs and healthcare practices.

Licenses and Certifications

• LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - State Licensure required or LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse required.
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required.
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred.
• New Mexico: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale certification required.
• STABLE certification required within 6 months of employment.