LVN

SUMMARY: The LVN assists in providing care through the nursing process in the assigned Nursing Department. Cooperates with other members of the health care team in meeting total needs of the patients. Participates in patient teaching. Directs and assists in activities of ancillary personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists in assessment of physical, psychological and social dimensions of patients. Assists with data collection and assessment of health care needs of patients. Observes patients in a systematic and continuous manner and reports information according to prescribed hospital policy and procedure. Assessment patient/family understanding of illness and self-care.

2. Assists in planning clinical care; responsible team member; and responds to patient's needs. Transcribes physician's orders and schedules tests, procedures, and treatments appropriately

3. Provides input and directly participates in the implementation of plan of patient care plan. Implements clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Intervenes with proper technique, procedure and safety precautions to meet individual needs of patient.

4. Gives direct care to patients with complicated nursing problems and assists with the care of patients in critical condition. Observes, records and reports information pertinent to safe, effective patient care.

5. Functions within limits of State Nurse Practice Act, hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.

6. Provides care and demonstrates skills comparable to peers with similar training and experience, functioning under similar circumstances.

7. Assists in evaluation nursing care. Evaluates patient response to specific therapies, communicating appropriate clinical information to other health care professionals involved in patient care. Evaluates and documents patient progress based on current problem list.

8. Administers and controls narcotics and medications including parenteral and blood components.

9. Attends a minimum of nine (75%) unit staff meetings to be successful. Accountability for reading minutes of monthly meetings.

10. Demonstrates clinical competence by successful completion of the Annual Certification of standardized procedures. Participates in annual Hospital Orientation and In-services. Current knowledge of Universal Precautions in dealing with potential exposure to Blood borne Pathogens

11. Cross trains to an additional unit or area within 1 year of hire as staffing permits. If requested, will float to another area with documented competency on an already scheduled shift.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Cooperates with health team members in planning a written, individualized plan of care for patients.

2. Organizes patient care to be given to each patient, based on individual needs of the patient.

3. Demonstrates ethical behavior in performance of nursing.

4. Accepts responsibility for own actions and recognizes limitations and need for assistance. Offers and accepts constructive criticism and incorporates suggestions into nursing practice.

5. Strives for excellence in patient care and, as necessary, challenges and/or corrects errors of peers to ensure patient safety and well-being.

6. Develops and maintains a good working relationship among health care team members.

7. Communicates with patients, family and visitors in a tactful and helpful manner.

8. Assists in the overall operation of the nursing unit.

9. Assists with dietary and housekeeping tasks, when necessary, according to hospital policy.

10. Assumes responsibility for safe and efficient use of supplies and equipment.

11. Accountable for assignment and their completion within scheduled work hours. Maintains appropriate time record.

12. Supports and promotes safety standards, identifies risk situations and intervenes appropriately.

13. Job Analysis maintained in Human Resources.

14. Attendance to CPR Class and orientation are mandatory.

15. LVN’s who provide care to Joint Replacement patients will receive 2 hours of ortho/joint replacement specific education yearly.

16. Participates in QA/QI issues as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES: May supervise or oversee health unit clerks and nurse assistants.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

1. Completion of I.V. Therapy course within one year of employment.

3. Successful completion of orientation and training to the point of competence.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Current licensure to practice licensed vocational nursing in the State of California.

2. Current AHA BLS required upon hire. ACLS, NRP and PALS certification as required by Department. These certifications must be completed before the 90-day provisional period and must always be completed prior to being assigned to full patient (level 3 care- see cross training policy) care in that area.

AGE OF THE POPULATION SERVED:

Newborn  Infant/Pediatric  Adolescent  Adult  Geriatric  All X No Patient Care

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Manual dexterity with fine motor ability to operate and handle equipment used in the department.