Job Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct and indirect patient care services that meet the application of basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, and social aspects of patient care and meets the communication needs of the patient and family under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities:

• Works under the supervision of the RN. Evaluates and adjusts the plan of care daily and communicate the plan to the RN.
• Demonstrates empathy and respect for patients by explaining all procedures, providing privacy and allowing patients to express emotional needs.
• Detects changes in the patient’s condition and communicates information to the RN and physician in timely manner.
• Detects and reports medication errors and ADR according to hospital policy. With holds medications and notifies appropriate staff when patient condition indicates medication may be harmful.
• Consistently uses two different patient identifiers when drawing lab, medicating or performing any procedure on a patient.
• Does not use unacceptable abbreviations and follows hospital policy regarding read back policy.
• Obtains vital signs, weights on all patients, pulse oximetry, cardiac monitor, wound care, venipuncture, foley catheter, EKG's, splints, dressing changes, and documents information on the patient record.
• Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Control Manual and demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment and hand washing techniques.
• Administer Oxygen, oral, enteral, IM, rectal, and topical medications. Starts and maintains IV fluids and accurately documents medication given to patient in eMAR.
• Assist RN in transportation of patients. Assists with the training of new employees. Assists physicians with special tests and procedures and uses time out on all bedside procedures.
• Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principles of body mechanics. Maintains a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues within the unit.
• Performs IV discontinuation.
• Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities; organizes work and time to meet them.
• bility to assess and reassess pain level, after administration of pain medication and upon discharge of the patient. Accurate documentation of pain management in the patient’s medical record.
• Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas. Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Uses time effectively and constructively. Does not abuse supplies, equipment, and service.
• Observes all hospital and departmental policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, parking, breaks and other related policies)
• Understand, respects and displays sensitivity to culture, age and persons with disabilities
• Participates actively and positively affects the outcomes of customer service activities
• Uses effective collaborative strategies as evidenced to include:
• Developing peer relationships that enable the work group to accomplish the daily workload within the allotted time frame and achieve departmental goals
• Recognizing and understanding that as a member of an interdependent group, collaboration and compromise is required in order to maintain the effectiveness of the group as a whole to effectively resolve problems
• Timely notification to Department Manager of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Department Manager is made aware of the problem or concern.
• Displaying teamwork ability to promote cooperation and collaboration; gaining support for programs and goals.
• Supports Patient Rights
• Displays honesty and respect for others, and respect for the organization as evidenced by:
• Treating internal and external customers as the most important part of the job
• Being sensitive to customer’s emotions, thoughts and feelings
• Refraining from negative comments of any kind where the public or other customers can hear.
• Taking appropriate actions to resolve the concern
• Facilitates and enhances communication as evidenced by:
• Effective and timely processing of customers' requests according to hospital and departmental policies.
• Utilizing verbal communication methods, which enable others to clearly understand what is being said.
• Utilizing verbal and nonverbal behaviors without being defensive, manipulative, aggressive or controlling.
• Using written communication that is legible, timely and at a level based on the position specific requirements.
• Listening attentively to ensure effective two-way communication
• Expressing and accepting feedback in a professional manner
• Answering the telephone with stating department, name and greeting
• Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures
• Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the Codes of Ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights
• Complies with federal, state, local laws that govern business practices. Complies with all Department of Health Services requirements for CMS, and JCAHO standards that apply to the position.
• Attends scheduled in-services. Communicates ideas to supervisor for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Follows standard precautions and transmission-based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Adheres to procedures for the disposal of waste – household waste and biohazard waste as well as the proper disposal of sharps.
• Uses proper body mechanics at all times. Seeks assistance when necessary to move heavy objects or to transport/transfer a heavy patient.
• Is familiar with emergency codes and emergency preparedness procedures and understands his/her role in response to each of the emergency codes (Code Blue, Code Green, Code Adam, Code Yellow, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Red, Code Violet, etc.)
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean, and orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Eliminates or assists in eliminating any seen or known hazards in the workplace. Reports any unsafe conditions to his or her immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates good safety habits and judgment by maintaining a safe environment at all times.
• Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations (seven Environment of Care plans and hospital safety policies and procedures)
• Understands and participates in the continuous quality improvement process and applies it in performing everyday tasks/duties by assisting in finding new and better ways of performing duties and responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate from an Accredited School of Practical Nursing
• Must have current and valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Ohio
• BLS upon hire and maintain current
• IV Course of study as defined by the Ohio Board of Nursing upon hire
• Minimum of one year of experience in an Acute Care Medical-Surgical setting preferred
• Rhythms interpretation class within 3 months of hire and maintain current

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong computer skills/EMR
• Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions
• Must be highly motivated and willing to work additional jobs and duties as needed
• Must be able to prioritize tasks
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Use of telephones, fax/copy machines, telephones
• Accurately administer medications and IV therapy according to policy and within Ohio Board of Nursing law and rule
• Demonstrates ability, under supervision of a RN, to perform a head to toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of child / elder abuse and reports appropriately to Adult/Child Protective Services
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the patients’ response to the plan of care through documentation and verbal communication to the Registered Nurse. Documents learning needs and healthcare teaching provided on the care plan and in the EMR

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent Sitting, standing and walking
• Occasionally reaching, bending, pulling, pushing, twisting and squatting
• Occasional hand and wrist deviation
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infections and Ionizing radiation
• Occasionally required to wear Personal Protective Equipment