Licensed Voc Nurse - Surgery

Job Summary

TheLicensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)is a member of the nursing team who provides technical nursing care to a diverse group of patients in theSurgery Departmentunder the supervision of aRegistered Nurse (RN) or surgeon.The LVN also assists inpreoperative and postoperative patient care, wound care, and surgical preparation.Additionally, the LVN may assume leadership responsibilities for unlicensed assistive personnel (e.g.,Surgical Technicians), ensuringefficient workflow and patient safety in a fast-paced surgical setting.Essential Functions

• LVN Organizes and directs shift responsibilities and duties within the Surgery Department setting.
• Participate inpreoperative and postoperativepatient assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, in collaboration with theSurgical RN and surgeon.
• LVN Assist in preparing patients for surgical procedures, ensuring proper consent forms are signed, and verifying patient information.
• Accurately prepare and administer medications andassist with anesthesia preparationaccording to hospital policy.
• May initiate and maintain IV infusions. May infuse vitamins, electrolytes, blood, or blood products after successful completion of an accredited IV therapy course.May assist in monitoring IV fluids and administer pain management medications as directed.
• Providepreoperative and postoperativecare to patients following hospital policies and procedures.Monitor post-anesthesia patients for signs of complications and report concerns to the surgical team.
• Assist with wound care, dressing changes, and infection prevention in surgical patients.
• Recognize, report, and record any change in condition or behavior of the patient, especiallypost-surgical complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or signs of anesthesia-related issues.
• Assist in transporting patients to and from the operating room while ensuring proper documentation of patient handoff.
• Assist withinventory management and surgical equipment preparation, ensuring proper sterilization and readiness.
• LVN Oversees and communicates with unlicensed assistive personnel (e.g., Surgical Technicians)to ensure they are performing their duties correctly by periodically checking the quality and status of their work.
• Accurately communicate in writing through utilization of the appropriate charting method (EMR), including patient care summaries and proper transcription of medical orders.
• Establish therapeutic rapport with patients, families, and visitors, while respecting patient rights to privacy and confidentiality of information.
• Communicate pertinent information regarding patients at shift report, especially changes insurgical recovery or complications.
• LVN Acts as a liaison between Surgical Technicians and the Charge Nurse/Surgery leadership.
• Recognize and respond to priorities in the patient care process and adapt to change in workload.
• Provide proper notification for absence and tardiness; be punctual at the start of each shift.
• Observe hospital dress code and wear identification badge.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff, following infection control protocolsspecific to surgical settings.
• Demonstrate understanding ofsurgical emergenciesand response plans (e.g.,Code Blue, Malignant Hyperthermia protocol, Code Triage).
• Assist in maintaining equipment assigned to patient care and report malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel.
• Attend mandatory meetings and in-services.
• Complete and document narcotic count as required.
• Responsible for observing safety precautions at all times.
• Follow all general and departmental safety, security, and health procedures and policies. Utilize all safe work practices recommended for the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school graduate
• Graduation from an accredited Licensed Vocational Nursing program
• Current license from the California State Board of Vocational Nursing
• Current IV certification
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (ACLS and/or PALS may be required for surgical settings)
• Prior experience in a surgical, perioperative, or acute care setting is preferred