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. This is SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION.

• 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.
• Involve 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.

• 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; (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 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 paient areas and staff areas.
• Adhere to isolation technique.
• Respond to codes within the hospital as indicated according to procedure.

• 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…