Med Surg (LPN)

Classification: Non-Exempt

Report to: Nursing Services Manager

Summary/Objective:

The licensed practical nurse is responsible for rendering nursing care in assigned area in terms of individualized patient needs, according to dependent and independent nursing functions and conformance with recognized nursing techniques, procedures, and established standards based on the scope of practical nursing, under the direction/delegation of the registered nurse.  

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

1. Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
2. Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed practical nurse.
3. Records patients’ medical information and vital signs.
4. Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients. Interprets and records electronic displays.
5. Initiates corrective action whenever the patient displays adverse symptomatology.
6. Provides beside care for a wide variety of medical patients; including pre- and post-surgery patients.
7. Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician. Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their illness/injury by explaining post-treatment home care needs.
8. Changes dressings, inserts catheters, and starts IVs.
9. Prepares equipment. Aids physician during examination and treatment of patient.
10. Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocols.
11. Participates in discharge planning.
12. Utilizes time management skills.
13. Records all care information concisely, accurately, completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format, and on the appropriate forms.
14. Answer and refer telephone calls or other inquiries to ensure accurate and timely communications are facilitated.
15. Cooperates with distribution of resources to maintain a therapeutic environment.
16. Float among various clinical services where qualified and competent.

Competencies:

1. Financial Management.
2. Ethical Conduct
3. Leadership
4. Technical Capacity
5. Customer/Patient Focus
6. Teamwork Orientation

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a health care setting.  This role requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and some mechanical equipment.  The employee is exposed to a variety of patient conditions and elements.  The noise level is moderate to quiet.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and listen.

This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day.  The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full time position in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Rotating shifts as well as holiday and weekend are required.  Working during inclement weather will be required.  Shifts may vary, but working hours will be 12 hours.

Travel:

No travel is expected for this position.

Required Education and Experience:

1. High diploma or GED
2. Current, valid certification in the state of Georgia as Licensed Practical Nurse.
3. Current, valid AHA Healthcare Provider training (BCLS).

Preferred Education and Experience:

1. Current, valid AHA Healthcare Provider training (ACLS).
2. Experience working as a practical nurse, including some medical/surgical experience.
3. IV therapy course.

At Will Statement:

Monroe County Hospital is considered at will.  “At will” means that you may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. “At will” also means that Monroe County Hospital may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, as long as federal and state laws are not violated.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee of the job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.