JOB SUMMARY 

Responsible for managing and/ or assisting in the care of the neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, and adult patient experiencing acute requiring care in the Medical/Surgical unit. Effectively interacts with patient and significant others while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will assist in patient care by obtaining data and providing care which meets the department policies, procedures and standards of care. The LPN works as an adjunct to the nursing staff. Performs duties as assigned. The LPN assists the Registered Nurse (RN) to make assessments by collecting data and observations which are reported to the RN.  Functions within the identified scope of practice, and HIPPA regulations. Accountable for participation in performance improvement activities, infection control practices and safety measures. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when interacting with customers who have varying levels of comprehension
• Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with all hospital staff, and external customers 
• Respond appropriately in difficult situations, demonstrating compassion and professional judgment
• Demonstrate competence in computer skills 
• Possess ability to establish priorities and respond to emergency situations
• Documentation reflects appropriate patient care, interventions and patient response to care 
• Collaborate with the supervising RN
• Demonstrate the ability to tactfully interact and provide instruction to staff, patients, family and all other external guest in the department 
• Must be able to move, lift and transfer patients
• Ability to analyze and problem solve in patient care setting
• Require high level of accuracy, excellent ability to understand instructions, reason and make judgments
• Must document and instruct customers and personnel appropriately
• Demonstrate ability to assist providers with procedures such as but not limited to: thoracentesis, etc
• Implement patient care according to planned interventions to attain the patient’s optimal level of function and documents according to policy
• Demonstrate positive customer service relations
• Routinely participate in Quality Improvement projects and encourage department to continuously improve
• Assist co-workers as needed/requested
• Support the Medical Center’s Mission/Vision/Philosophy positively
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Perform other essential duties as assigned

 EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program  
• Currently licensed to practice as a professional LPN in the state of Missouri or be eligible to practice as a graduate practical nurse in the state of Missouri 
• Current BLS required
• Knowledgeable regarding growth and development and assessing the physical and psychological needs of patients in the following stages of life: neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescents, and adults
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic