Overview The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse. Responsibilities • Performs basic nursing care and patient procedures as required. • Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested. • Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition, observations made, complaints voiced, and nursing care performed. • Participates in patient and family health education as necessary. • Provides a safe and secure environment for patients. • Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. • May administer I.V.F. in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act. • Checks, irrigates, and maintains drainage tubes as needed. • May insert N/G tubes after training (KY & VA). • May administer tube feedings. • Suctions patients according to hospital policy and procedure. • Functions in emergencies and on the code team as designated. • Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care. • Administers oral, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, I.V., P.B., and approved medications. • Administers I.V.P. medications as approved (Virginia only). • Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyzes oxygen concentration of O2 tents, isolettes, and croupettes. • Administers respiratory treatments (I.P.P.B.). • Applies sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles. • Answers call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living. • Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH, weighs patients, and obtains vital signs. • Cares for patients in isolation. • Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining Pap smears. • Administers post-operative care, including coughing, deep breathing, turning patients, and obtaining vital signs. • Prepares patients for surgery, including completion of pre-operative checklists. • Applies ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottles, and ice caps. • Measures and records intake and output. • Collects specimens, including blood, urine, stool, and sputum. • Administers post-mortem care and transportation. • Administers enemas, including retention, cleansing, therapeutic, and colonic irrigation. • Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in nursing care. • Responds appropriately in emergency situations, providing patient care, initiating CPR, and performing duties designated by the RN or physician. • Assists with the care and security of patient valuables. • Checks narcotics and barbiturates, reports discrepancies, completes incident reports, and submits documentation to appropriate management. • Cares for patients with radium and assists physicians with removal of radium. • Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization. • Cleans and maintains storage of equipment and requests repairs as appropriate. • Follows up with physicians and staff regarding equipment performance. • Complies with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting, and following through on telephone and verbal orders. • Monitors glucose using a glucose monitoring device. • Collects Quality Improvement data as requested. • Uses universal precautions. • Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education • Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing. Licenses & Certifications • Must maintain current licensure in the state of practice. • Must successfully complete the I.V. Therapy Course. Experience • Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties. Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities • Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred. • Ability to provide safe and effective patient care in accordance with nursing standards and scope of practice. • Ability to perform nursing procedures and treatments accurately. • Strong communication and documentation skills. • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. • Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.