Major Duties/Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Assures compliance with established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, continuous quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Cooperates with other nursing personnel to maintain good employee relations and meet all departmental objectives.
Assists in planning, organizing, delivering and evaluating direct care to assigned patients which includes developing the plan of care for the patient.
Recognizes impending emergencies and acts appropriately.
Works with patients and families in providing explanations of diagnostic tests, etc.
Communicates clearly and accurately with patients, families, physicians, and co-workers.
Completes appropriate paperwork in the admission, dismissal, or transfer of patients.
Assists physicians with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.
Assists with the administration of specialized therapy or treatments to patients.
Answers patient call lights as required.
Performs patient care duties as assigned.
Monitors condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate personnel.
Administers patient medication as allowed by scope of practice.
Demonstrates sensitivity to patient’s comfort and privacy and expresses interest in their progress.
Monitors emotional stability of patients and reports changes to physician or Registered Nurse.
Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with hospital standards.
Encourages patients to appropriate level of independent function and self-sufficiency.
Ensures an adequate stock of supplies and proper functioning of equipment.
Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service and staff meetings, etc.
Attends meetings as required. Participates in various nursing committees for the purpose of upgrading and assuring the quality of nursing care.
Respects the five rights of medication administration - right patient, right time, right medication, right dose, and right route.
Understands and applies basic pharmacology and monitors the patient for the response to drug therapy and side effects. Reports adverse reactions to RN in charge, supervisor or attending physician.
Evaluates effects of treatments and communicates information to appropriate persons.
Maintains current licensing and understands and follows the scope of nursing practice for LPN’s.
Supervises nursing care by nurse aides.
Accepts working other areas and maintains flexibility according to staffing needs.
Monitors infusion of IV fluids (IV Therapy Certified LPN - see practice act for specific duties).
Maintains an active role in discharge planning to promote continuity in patient care.
Has understanding of and implements standard precautions and other precautions as indicated.
