LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) - ACU (FT-NIGHTS)
Cody-WY-82414-United States
JOB TITLE: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
DEPARTMENT: Acute Care
REPORTS TO: Acute Care and Critical Care Director
JOB SUMMARY
Administer nursing care to patients in an efficient, safe, and courteous manner using proper nursing procedures. The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status. They must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Currently licensed as a Wyoming Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse with IV-Certification (IV-C).
EXPERIENCE
Experience in medical/surgical and pediatrics preferred.
SKILLS
Knowledge of medical/surgical nursing principles aseptic technique and infection control principles. Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, serve as an example to other employees, communicate effectively, and perform effectively in highly stressful situations.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Maintain BLS (AHA)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs and documents patient assessments as needed during hospitalization.
- Assists the RN with the initial patient care plan on admission and revise as needed.
- Assists patient, physician and supervising RN in determining long and short-range goals for patient and formulating a plan to work toward those goals. The LPN shall apply nursing diagnosis formulated in conjunction with the RN as a foundation for implementing interventions.
- Carries out medical and nursing treatment in an accurate and timely manner within LPNs scope of Practice as defined by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.
- Maintains knowledge of the patient's status during hospitalization and work with health care team to adjust and improve approach to recovery.
- Performs treatments and procedures, as directed, which are within the individual's training and capabilities. Changes sterile dressings, performs catheterizations, suctions patients, irrigates nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes, assists physician with diagnostic exams and procedures. The LPN may insert an NG tube independently, with assistance from an RN only as needed.
- Functions as a team member on the medical/surgical unit under the supervision of a qualified RN after showing competence in patient care, the ability to organize work, effective communication with physician and patients, the ability to set priorities, and knowledge of pharmaceuticals and their administration. The LPN will supervise nonprofessional and professional staff in delegation and delivery of care to assigned patients.
- Complies with state and federal regulations concerning the taking of verbal and telephone orders.
- Follows procedures to assure that supplies and medication stocks are rotated and replaced as used.
- Follows procedure for medication administration and narcotics control and as per state and federal regulations allow.
- Documents medications and nursing care in a timely and accurate manner.
- Assumes professional responsibility for assuring patient care is of the highest standards possible. Communicates concerns about appropriateness of medical or nursing care through chain of command.
- Assures that consents are obtained when needed and that all records are signed and legally complete. May witness all consents, and co-witness telephone consents.
- Completes incident report forms according to policy when appropriate.
- LPNs working at CRH shall maintain a designation as an IV-C as set forth by the WSBN or completion of a course from another state that meets or exceeds these requirements. If not present on hire must obtain within 6 months of hire.
- An LPN not designated as IV-C may perform the following procedures under the direction of an RN, physician, or dentist:
- Observes and monitors intravenous fluid treatment;
- Calculate and maintain flow rate of peripheral vascular device infusions.
- Discontinue intravenous access lines and infusions on adults.
- Report and document observations and procedures performed relating to intravenous fluid treatment.
- LPNs designated as IV-C may do infusion therapy when the following are met:
- Follow hospital policies and procedures that allow the LPN to administer infusion therapy.
- The hospital assesses and validates LPN competency.
- The hospital maintains training and competency for each LPN.
- Care is provided under the direction of an RN or licensed provider.
- An LPN designated as IV-C may:
- Collect blood samples via phlebotomy and central venous access.
- Start a peripheral IV in patients 12 and older.
- Mix, label and administer IV fluids and medications per hospital policy in patients 12 and older.
- Change peripheral and central IV tubing and dressings.
- Maintain patency of peripheral and central access using saline or heparin flush solution.
- Administer TPN.
- Monitor and collect data from a patient controlled administration (PCA) pump.
- In accordance with the WSBN the LPN shall not:
- Administer blood, blood components, plasma or plasma expanders. Per CRH Blood and Blood Product policy two RNs, or an RN and LPN may verify data when hanging blood, this data includes but is not limited to patient name, patient ID, blood type, matching unit numbers, expiration date and amount ordered.
- Administer IV medications that include: bolus analgesics, antineoplastic, autonomic nervous system agents, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system agents, oxytocic agents or radiologic agents.
- Flush or aspirate an arterial line.
- Provide infusion therapy to individuals under 12.
- Discontinue pediatric peripheral access devise in patients under the age of 5.
- Administer experimental drugs.
- Inject medications via direct IV route, bolus, or push. This does not include fluid boluses.
- Remove a central venous access device, including a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
- Initiate or discontinue a PCA pump. Per CRH Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) policy the LPN may monitor and collected data from a PCA pump. The PCA may be verified by two nurses at the beginning of a shift, this can consist of 2 RNs or an RN and LPN. This also applies to discontinuing a PCA as two licensed individuals must be present to waste narcotics.
- Access an infusaport.
- Participates in departmental and hospital meetings, in service programs as both student and teacher. Will take primary responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills current. Maintain knowledge or regulations governing the scope of practice for LPNs.
- Works with other departments in coordinating smooth transfer of patients for procedures or diagnostic tests.
- Cooperates and has a positive attitude toward other hospital departments.
- Participates in monthly departmental meetings
- Assists in self evaluations according to procedure.
- Adheres to standards of safety and infection control in delivery of patient care.
- Assists nursing staff in other departments as requested and qualified when the need arises.
- Assists in orientation of new personnel.
- Maintains a positive attitude towards co-workers, patients and visitors.
- Performs other duties as assigned including working as a float in their rotation.
- Initiate appropriate emergency procedures as established by CRH until an RN, APRN or Physician is available.
PId2d8a993af87-37437-38494172
