Medical-Surgical - Licensed Practical Nurse

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited LPN  program. Current LPN licensure in the state of Idaho. Current BLS certification and renewal as required. Successful completion of IV push medication training from an IFCH approved course must be completed within 6 months of hire. Successful completion of ACLS, PALS, and basic dysrhythmia are recommended but not required.  

Experience: None required 

Equipment/Technology: Basic computer knowledge and is able to demonstrate understanding of basic computer documentation systems as needed. Has the ability to learn and increase competence regarding patient care and equipment within unit.

Language/Communication: Has the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with many different people (patients, families, visitors, members of the interdisciplinary team and others).  

Mathematical Skills: Knowledge of basic nursing medication calculations and the ability to educate nursing staff regarding medication calculations. 

Mental Capabilities: Has the ability to apply the critical thinking process. Able to function in a high-stress environment and is able to prioritize information related to safe patient care, to treatment plans, and follow-up. 

Interpersonal: Has the ability to collaborate within the many different areas necessary but can independently reference essential material. Is able to establish good working relationships with those around them.  

Performance: Has the ability to meet the standards in reference to professionalism and competence. 

Physical Demands

For the minimum physical demands required to complete the essential functions for this position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see the duties and responsibilities below.

Duties and Responsibilities

Medical-Surgical LPN  

1. Demonstrates ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, geriatric and the general patient population.  
2. Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.  
3. Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.  
4. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on  age of the patient and patient’s clinical condition, to include IV medications as specified by the facility. Successful completion of IV push medication training from an IFCH approved course must be completed within 6 months of hire date. 
5. Follows the five medication right and reduces the potential for medication errors.  Utilize barcode scanning system to ensure patient safety.  
6. Demonstrates ability to adjust care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.  
7. Ability to perform waived testing (point of care testing) per clinical laboratories and  the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.  
8. Ability to interpret results of waived test; take appropriate action on waived tests  results. Formulates a teaching plan bases on identified patient learning needs and  evaluates effectiveness of learning family is included in teaching as appropriate.  
9. Demonstrates an ability to assist physician with procedures and performs services  requiring technical and manual skills under the direction of an RN.  
10. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their  families.  
11. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.  
12. Identifies and address’s psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicates with social services regarding both in hospital and post discharge needs,  
13. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safely and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.  
14. Universal precautions are carried out during treatments and special procedures and general care of the patient.  
15. Consults other departments, as appropriate, to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.  
16. Communicates appropriately and clearly to RN/Charge nurse, co-workers and physicians.  
17. Meets current documentation standards and policies.  
18. Response to the patient is appropriate in an emergent situation. 
19. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible and organized.  
20. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  
21. Adheres to dress code appearance is neat and clean. 
22. Completes annual education requirements.  
23. Maintains regulatory requirements  
24. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.  
25. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. 
26. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly. 
27. Attends annual review and department in services, as scheduled.  
28. Attends at least 85% of staff meetings annually, reads and sign roster of monthly staff meeting minutes.  
29. Actively participates in performance improvement and quality improvement activities.  
30. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.  
31. Completes annual education and other education as scheduled by management. 
32. Required to check emails and be responsible for its content at least once per week. 

For a more detailed description of the physical demands and the work environment for our Medical-Surgical Licensed Practical Nurse position, please review this PDF.