Job Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse is a member of the patient care services team with primary responsibilities for technical, multi-skilled direct and indirect patient care activities. The LPN is assigned to work under the supervision of a registered nurse who delegate tasks based upon patient needs and LPN skills and abilities. The registered nurse delegates medication administration per policy to the Licensed Practical Nurse. The LPN will report all deviations from expected patient parameters to the registered nurse.

1. Collaborates and cooperates with care team members to ensure consistency and quality of care and promotes productive employee relations among staff members. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and objective of continuous improvement, team work and the mission, vision and values of the DMC.

2. Performs a variety of basic patient care activities under the direction of a registered nurse which may include, but are not limited to, performing designated respiratory procedures (e.g., aerosol treatment, cough and deep breathing exercises, meter dose inhalation treatments, tracheotomy care and pulse oximetry); maintenance locomotion (gait belt ambulation); maintenance functional activities (e.g., range of motion procedures, assisting in bed/chair repositioning; turning, placing and removing prescribed splints and transferring); specimen collection; phlebotomy; dressing changes; performing EKG's; initiation, set-up, maintenance or discontinuation of peripheral IV lines; maintain eternal tubes; urinary catheterization; suctioning; blood glucose monitoring; assisting with post mortem care; etc. 

3. Assists the registered nurse by gathering data on patient conditions, direct patient observation, obtaining vital signs, recording oral intakes, monitoring input and output, weighing patients, recording/charting patient information and interacting with patient and family members. Reports changes in patient medical and/or emotional condition to the registered nurse. Documents interventions and patient responses according to policy. Assists nursing personnel in responding to various emergency patient situations. 

4. Prepares and administers medications to patients per policy and procedure; observes patient response to medication; records unexpected reactions and reports them to the registered nurse. 

5. Assists patient in activities of daily living by feeding, bathing, toileting and other personal hygiene regimes.

 6. Assists in the training/orientation of other licensed practical nurses, associates and care team members as directed. 

7. Follows all departmental policies, procedures and objectives; continuous improvement initiatives; safety environmental and infection control standards. 

8. Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy and expresses interest in patient progress. Answers questions from patients and their families and explains procedures and processes within the scope of their training/abilities. Maintains confidentiality. 

9. As required by unit needs, performs general clerical duties which may include, but are not limited to, answering telephones and call lights, greeting patients and visitors, maintaining departmental files, performing selected order entry and charge capture, paging professional staff, requesting prior medical records, ordering equipment, etc. 

10. As required by unit needs, performs various support service duties which may include, but are not limited to, ensuring adequate stock of patient care linens and other supplies; transporting patients, specimens and/or supplies; cleaning patient rooms, bathrooms and unit common areas; making beds; removing trash; assisting patients with menu selections; passing and picking-up of trays, snacks, water and other fluids; setting-up and removing various pieces of equipment, etc. 

11. Enhances personal growth through participation in workshops, educational programs, in-service meetings and reviewing current literature. Shares joint accountability (with the institution) for maintaining competencies. 12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Graduation from a school of practical nursing. 3. Completion of NAPNES course. 4. Licensed as a practical nurse by the state of Michigan.