Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse reports to the Branch Director / Branch Manager and, while on duty, to a Registered Nurse or equivalent at the client facility.

The Licensed Practical Nurse may supervise members of a patient care team (other Medical Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Assistants).

Job Responsibilities and Tasks :

This is a sample of the general functions normally performed by the Licensed Practical Nurse.

They are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities required of job incumbents.

Actual duties will vary between assignments and clients.

Key Functions :

Performs nursing care for the comfort and wellbeing of the patient.

Carries out ordered nursing intervention within scope of practice.

Administers oral and sublingual agents, topical agents, subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular medications.

Performs IV therapy and prepares IV fluids and equipment within scope of practice.

Changes dressing on venous IV sites, and implanted ports within scope of practice.

Performs venipuncture to obtain blood samples and start IV's within scope of practice.

Observes, reports, documents signs of injury, infiltration, and / or inflammation of the injection site.

May administer blood or blood products, under supervision and within scope of practice.

Assists with complex sterile procedures.

Assists physicians on rounds.

Documents observations, treatment, and patient response to treatment / nursing care.

Assists RN with development / revision of the care plan.

Participates and assesses effectiveness of patient and family education, under supervision.

Adheres to principles of infection control.

Identifies safety hazards and provides a safe environment for patients, visitors, and associates.

Maintains patient, physician, and staff confidentiality.

Maintains current competency in medical surgical nursing.

Marginal Functions :

Clerical handling of department reports and forms.

Courier functions.

Making copies of charts and related forms.

Procurement of supplies.

Duties normally performed by other staff members.

Physical Requirements :

Actual physical requirements will vary between assignment and client.

The position normally requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, bending, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to lift and support the weight of 50 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.

Must speak English in good, understandable terms.

Intact sense of sight, hearing, and other perceptual senses required to perform essential duties.

Finger dexterity to perform medical care and treatments.

Critical thinking and ability to concentrate.

Must be able to recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient and / or unit conditions.

Education and Experience :

Graduation from an accredited school of practical nursing.

Current License in good standing to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of practice.

At least one year of current experience as a Medical Surgical Licensed Practical Nurse within the area of Practice.

Equipment Used :

Varies with assignment and client.

The Licensed Practical Nurse is expected to be familiar with commonly used machines, tools, and equipment of nursing profession

Education : Bachelors Degree