LPN - Ready for Discharge Unit - .6 Days

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Medically Ready for Discharge Unit (RDU) works under the supervision of the RN to provide direct patient care for patients medically ready for discharge but experiencing delays due to various barriers. This role involves working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, and assigning/supervising tasks to LPNs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and unregulated assistive persons (UAPs). The LPN maintains an in-depth knowledge of nursing principles, practices, standards and techniques, and applies knowledge in accordance with Sky Lakes Medical Center policies and procedures and within the standards and scope of practice for LPNs in the State of Oregon.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

Current Oregon State LPN licensure; proficiency in basic nursing skills, patient assessment, and documentation; knowledge of discharge planning processes and basic patient education techniques; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team; flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment focused on discharge readiness.

Preferred:  Prior experience in acute or transitional care settings.

Lic/Reg/Cert:  Current Oregon LPN license.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must be in good general health, able to frequently stoop, bend, reach, stand, walk, and sit. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds or more and push/pull hospital equipment. Must be able to function during periods of stress, trauma and/or disease.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Patient Care:

• The LPNs practice of practical nursing occurs at the clinical direction of an RNs plan of care and includes:
  • Provision of Direct Patient Care -
    • Perform a focused assessment of the patient’s priority condition, as identified by the RN.
    • Develop a focused plan of care that addresses the patient’s priority condition and interventions, as identified by the RN.
    • Implement prioritized focused plan of care interventions.
  • Evaluation of Patient -
    • Response to focused plan of care interventions.
    • Progress toward expected outcomes as identified by the RN’s plan of care.
    • Communicates patient status, and any concerns or issues regarding the RN’s plan of care.
  • Assignment of Interventions -
    • The LPN may assign focused plan of care interventions to an LPN, CNA, or UAP according to their license, certification, or organizational job description, and to patient needs. The LPN must assign and supervise tasks based on the focused plan of care.
  • The LPN’s practice of practical nursing includes the following limitations:
    • The LPN cannot conduct a focused assessment or create a focused plan of care outside the parameters of the RN’s plan of care.
    • For a situation that presents outside of the parameters of the RN’s plan of care, the LPN may collect patient data and must communicate patient data to and seek direction from the RN.

Documentation:

• Accurately document focused assessments, focused interventions, patient responses, and progress in electronic health record.
• Ensure completion of all required documentation in a timely manner, per hospital policy and regulatory standards.

Patient Education:

• Assist in providing patient/family education, reinforcing discharge plans, medication instructions, and follow-up care needs.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure care continuity, timely updates, and smooth transitions.
• Collaborate with RNs, case managers, social workers, and interdisciplinary team members to assist with discharge planning

Quality Improvement, Safety, and Compliance:

• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Report any concerns promptly to the charge nurse, unit manager or appropriate staff.
• Demonstrate awareness of cost containment and economical use of supplies and equipment.
• Participate in unit-based quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and discharge efficiency.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs other duties as assigned.