LPN Senior Care Unit (NIGHTS)

Position Summary

The LPN should have knowledge and skills necessary to function within his/her role using the nursing process. Functions under the RN to participate in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Should demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Should participate in continuing education and professional development activities.

JOB SPECIFIC CRITERIA

• Receive report before giving care.
• Makes rounds on patients and assesses appropriately for the following as applicable: Cardiovascular status, Respiratory status, Appropriate status, I & O, Special equipment-IV's NG, foley, etc., Special Needs.
• Admit new patients and assist in performing initial assessment.
• Check medical record for physician orders and results of diagnostic studies.
• Prepare appropriately for medication administration: Research medication; Aware of patient vital signs, telemetry pattern; Aware of lab results, i.e. K+levels, BUN, CR, theophylline levels, digoxin levels, blood sugar as related to ordered medications; Assess patient's need for pain medication on rounds and alert care giver; Assess IV sites and need changes, note rate and tubing dates.
• Perform nursing skills according to skills check list and return demonstration.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

• Preplan nursing care to perform in an organized manner.
• Obtain materials and supplies needed for patient care.
• Use resource material as necessary to include nursing policy and procedure books and manuals from other departments.
• Utilize time effectively and productively.
• Assist in updating individualized nursing care plans as per initiation by RN.
• Involves patient/family in the planning of his/her care.
• Organize work according to priorities.
• Maintain patient kardex as indicated.
• Plan appropriately for administration of medications: (1) First initial and last name on MAR; (2) Organize in order to give meds on time; (3) Alert pharmacy to immediate needs in the nursing unit; (4) Check the five rights before giving meds.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CARE

• Deliver basic patient care according to standards of nursing care established by Bradley County Medical Center.
• Check patient identity before initiating nursing activities.
• Perform technical skills according to policy and procedure including the following: (1) TPR, B/P; (2) Specimen collection; (3) Catheterization; (4) Tube feedings; (5) Irrigation (bowel, bladder, NG, colostomy); (5) Sterile dressings; (6) Oxygen administration; (7) Preparation of patient for diagnostic studies; (8) Orphyaryngeal, sterile suctioning; (9) Restraints.
• Administer medications according to policy/procedure including the following: (1) Has knowledge from attending shift report, i.e., knows diagnosis, special needs, etc., (2) Administer meds by all routes according to approved procedure; (3) Teach patients appropriately regarding meds; (4) Keep med carts locked when not in use; (5) Keeps carts and drug room clean and organized; (6) Check unusual dosages on meds (insulin, heparin, etc.,) with another nurse before administering; (7) Sign out for narcotic correctly; (8) Dispose of drug/narcotics as required and in accordance with procedures.
• Interprets written and verbal directions correctly.
• Question situations in which underlying principals on standards of care are violated.
• Seek guidance from RN in making judgments in questionable or uncertain situations and functions within the LPN role as defined by the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act.
• Use appropriate safety measures including: (1) Use aseptic technique appropriately; (2) Act to prevent accidents and injury; (3) Use correct body mechanics; (4) Keep all necessary items within reach of patient; (5) Use siderails as indicated according to policy and procedure; (6) Do concurrent cleaning in patient areas and staff areas.
• Adhere to isolation technique.
• Respond to codes within the hospital as indicated according to procedure.

EVALUATION AND NURSING COMMUNICATION

• Evaluate results of specific nursing intervention and documents in the medical record.
• Evaluate own learning needs and seek opportunities for new learning experiences.
• Explain nursing procedures to patient prior to the procedure.
• Instruct patients and visitors regarding hospital rules and regulations and reinforces as needed.
• Reports all pertinent information appropriately Changes in condition, Effects of treatments or meds; Patient/family concerns; Physician concerns; Equipment malfunctions/safety hazards.
• Maintains accurate and concise records of observations, treatment and care of patients: Assessment; Flow Sheet; Nurses Notes; Nursing Care Plan; Kardex Orders; Discharge Summary; Transfer sheets; Medication Records
• Properly chart medications to include: First initial, last name and title to correspond with initials. Note proper dose, date, time. Indicate injection sites appropriately. Correct errors appropriately. Document effect of p.r.n.
• Utilize and document nursing care according to nursing process: Assessment, Implementation, Evaluation

Skills Check List

• Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: Basic Nursing Skills, MCU, Medication/IV Nurse, LPN emergency room, LPN OR, LPN Nursery, LPN OB/L&D

COMMUNICATION

• Listen and initiate feed-back to ensure effective communication.
• Use constructive feed-back to improve performance.
• Resolve problems with interpersonal relationships, referring them when necessary.
• Participate in the development of solutions to communication problems.
• Communicate complete and accurate information.
• Practice discretion in information shared with patients and peers.
• Apply basic communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) in all interactions with patients, peers, other departments and the public.
• Avoid excessive noise and protect patient privacy.
• Acknowledge validity of communication from others.
• Address people by name.
• Identify yourself on the telephone by name, title, department.
• Express frustrations in appropriate time and manner.
• Support other staff in the performance of their duties: Respond promptly to request from supervisor, peers and other employees; communicate criticism in constructive, private manner, accept constructive criticism in appropriate manner, praise peers on quality job performance.

Education/Licenses

• Graduate of an accredited Vocational-Technical School and current State licensure which is renewed every two years.
• Must possess current CPR certification which is renewed annually.