Position Summary

Assist clinical team members by performing a variety of duties for patients within the scope of practice of an LPN using the patient focused care system and under the direction/supervision of an RN.  Assumes, under the direction of the Laboratory, responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality

Primary Duties

Patient Care:

• Actively participates in the admission process including, but not limited to collecting the patient history, allergies and home medication list.
• Actively participates in the transition of care process including, but not limited to, assisting patient/family with preparations for discharge and wheelchair transportation to private or commercial vehicle.
• Provides competent direct care and providing for a safe and comforting environment resulting in a positive patient/family experience.
•  Maintains competency for use of clinical patient care equipment.
• Documents and reports abnormal observations to the RN in a timely manner.
• Assists in the maintenance of skin integrity with the use of emollients, creams, etc. Cares for superficial skin tears under the direction of the RN.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains standard precautions.
• Carries out medical orders such as administration of medications and treatments, within hospital policy and within patient population-specific parameters.
• Provides BLS in response to emergency situations.  Provides ACLS under the direction of the RN and provider in emergency situations.
• Performs Point of Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure.  Documents required information and complies with all Point of Care quality control standards.
• Adheres to hospital policy and procedures.

Technical Activities:

• Observes, reports and records changes that result from disease or trauma to patient’s respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, metabolic, psychologic, integumentary, sensory, immune, hematologic, and nutritional systems.
• Observes, reports and records the patient’s condition.
• Monitors intravenous lines for adequacy of fluids and operations and reports any non-functioning line as observed with visual inspection.
• Performs oral /nasal /endotracheal suctioning.
• Establishes patient setup/connection tasks including NIBP, SaO2 and ECG.
• Collects specimens such as urine, stool, sputum.
• Applies warm and cold compresses.
• Performs 12 lead EKG.
• Monitors and performs vital signs using a variety of equipment, and reports abnormalities to RN.
• Performs surgical preps on patients.
• Obtains weights and basic patient information on new admissions.
• Assists RN/MD in removal of sheath and applies manual pressure or c-clamp after hemostasis has been established.
• Observes sheath site for signs of bleeding and notifies RN of any changes.
• Provides clerical duties as needed.
• Able to apply simple dressings and assist RN with more complex dressings.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring.
• Performs hemostasis monitoring test.
• Performs intake and output measurements.
• Performs calorie counts.
• Performs ostomy care.
• Administers medications in a safe manner.
• Provides peripheral intravenous site care and is able to discontinue peripheral intravenous therapy.
• Collaborates with the RN in developing, implementing, and evaluation of the outcomes of the teaching plan.

Qualifications/Specifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing program.
• Licensure/ Certification: Current state licensure as a Practical Nurse or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact.   BLS certification required prior to providing direct patient care.  Successful completion of ACLS certification is required prior to completion of clinical orientation.