POSITION: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
DESCRIPTION
This is professional nursing work in the delivery of nursing care services. Employees in this class are responsible for providing clinical and technical aspects of nursing care in accordance with established policies and procedures of the hospital; assists the Registered Nurse in the delivery of nursing care. Employees receive direct supervision from a Registered Nurse/Head Nurse who is in charge of a nursing operation/unit.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)
- Assists in assessment of physical, psychological and social dimensions of patients;
- Assists in planning a formal plan of care for patients;
- Assists in and directly participates in implementing plan of care;
- Implements clinical and technical aspects of care and nursing orders in accordance with established policies and procedures. Intervenes with proper technique, procedure and safety precautions to meet individual needs of patients;
- Administers drugs under the supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse;
- As authorized, set up intravenous fluids to be started, hang the fluid bottle, monitor and discontinue the fluid and change tubing as necessary;
- Implements medical plan through passing medications and documentation of same;
- Functions within the limits of V.I. Nurse Practice Act, hospital and nursing department policies and procedures;
- Assists in evaluating nursing care provided;
- Gives direct care to patients with complicated nursing problems and assists with care of patients in critical condition;
- Performs treatments or assists in treatments and procedures, such as insertion of straight and retention catheter, administering tube feedings, changing and application of dressings and compresses; and doing oral, nasal and tracheal suctioning;
- Observes patients and records information according to prescribed hospital policy and procedure;
- Keeps nursing personnel informed regarding changing conditions of patients and/or other pertinent observations;
- Assists in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family instruction;
- Provides support for emotional needs;
- Teaches appropriate self-care;
- Advocates use of community resources;
- Develops and maintains interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors and hospital personnel;
- Keeps patient information confidential and respects patients’ right to privacy;
- Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and co-workers;
- Transports patients to other units and/or departments;
- Assists in and performs unit assignments as required;
- Participates in in-service programs for self-enrichment to maintain the high quality of nursing practice and seeks further growth through other education opportunities.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of common health illnesses and their social implications;
- Knowledge of current developments in the field of nursing;
- Knowledge of operation procedures, practices and techniques;
- Knowledge of hospital nursing policies, rules and regulations governing patient care;
- Knowledge of methods of cleaning and sterilization;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative and nursing staff, patients and community;
- Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions;
- Ability to express ideas clearly;
- Ability to exercise care in handling patients;
- Ability to perform under somewhat hazardous conditions;
- Ability to perform under pressure;
- Ability to perform technical skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of High School or equivalent; and
Graduation from an accredited school of Practical Nursing; Completion of accredited pharmacology courses.
Current V.I. license as a Practical Nurse.
