As a member of the treatment team, the Licensed Practical Nurse will provide direct patient care to assigned patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse and attending clinician within the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) scope of practice. Utilizing the nursing process, the LPN assumes responsibility for contribution of planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care for assigned patients. The LPN plays a key role in patient bedside care: administering medications, wound care, injections, intravenous therapy and other treatment interventions. Provides continuous observation and routine assessment, reporting findings to appropriate members of the patient's treatment team.
Responsibilities:
Administers oral and IV medications in accordance to patient's treatment plan and as ordered by attending clinician, under the supervision of the RN.
Under the direct supervision of the RN, assists in IV Medication Administration and Maintenance Therapy: validate solution to be regulated, analyze infusion site, administer IV Therapy, monitor IV patency and patient comfort, and discontinue IV at an appropriate time, as ordered by attending clinician.
Provides supervision and participates in the care administered by the Patient Care Tech: obtain and document vital signs, bath and linen changes, dietary intake, ambulation, and other basic patient needs.
Provides direct care to patients; carry out their plans of care and observe their behavior, symptoms, and responses to treatments rendered.
Monitors patient vital signs and reports observations to RN.
Recognizes deterioration of patient condition and collaborates with the Registered Nurse while responding with increased frequency of monitoring or seeks guidance regarding a transfer to a higher level of care.
Performs phlebotomy as ordered by attending clinician: determine appropriate venipuncture method, collect blood sample based on requested tests, ensuring correct patient identification and proper labeling, monitor for any adverse effects.
Conducts bedside glucose monitoring, as appropriate.
Implements preventative care, monitors skin status, and performs wound treatments per orders in the individualized patient’s treatment plan.
Observes patient’s response and wound status, reporting any changes to the registered nurse or supervising clinician.
Provides patient and family health education based on assessed needs for indicated health conditions, medications, overall wellness, and directions for follow up care.