LPN - PRN

HIGHLAND CLARKSBURG HOSPITAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

ALL UNITS

JOB SUMMARY :

Works under the direction of a qualified professional nurse. Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, within the objectives, standards and policies of the department and within the parameters of his or her preparation. Cooperates with the members of the nursing and medical staffs and other hospital departments. Reports to the Clinical Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Provides direct and individualized nursing care to an assigned group of patients under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, while maintaining the assurance of patient safety at all times and following unit and hospital policies and procedures.

2. Assists in relevant health and psychiatric teaching for patient and family. Serves as a role model for patients and peers.

3. Shares responsibility for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care plans and nursing care.

4. Participates in team conferences, sharing knowledge, information, and ideas among team members.

5. Prepares, administers, and accurately records medications in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed practical nurse, with thorough

documentation regarding administration effect and / or adverse effects. Responsible for control and security of medications.

6. Observes, documents and communicates / report with the R.N. in charge any clinical, physical, unit or personnel, or other issues which could alter patient care. Communicates with all departments as needed to assure total quality patient care is delivered.

7. Records information concisely, accurately, and completely.

8. Identifies and utilizes appropriate channels of communication.

9. Constructively participates in appropriate communities within the nursing department while developing an understanding of and remaining informed regarding activities of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Medical Records Committee, Nursing Standards Committee, Utilization Review Committee, Infection Control, Safety, Quality Council (serving on team as assigned), and any other pertinent committees.

10. Has the ability to assess developmental stages of age groups working with and distinguishing expected reaction / activity.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Assists in the orientation of new personnel when requested.

2. Continues self-knowledge development by participating in staff development (internal and external), by reading current articles and by participation in unit staffing, treatment planning, and training.

3. Reviews and assures knowledge of new policies and procedures is current.

4. Serves as charge nurse as needed.

5. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience :

Graduation from an approved Licensed Practical Nursing Program.

Prefer experience in psychiatric nursing, preferably in a multi-disciplinary setting.

Knowledge of and experience with psychotropic medications and medication administration procedures.

Language Skills :

Ability to read and interpret instructions, documents and follow procedures.

Ability to write routine reports and speak effectively with patients and their families, employees and public.

Reasoning Ability :

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables as needed.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or

schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration :

Licensed by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Other Skills and Abilities :

Ability to work flexible hours.

Ability to work with children, adolescents or adults experiencing mental health

disturbances or dual diagnoses.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift or assist a patient and be able to move up to 100 pounds. Incumbent will be expected to participate as necessary in the physical restraint of patients, have the ability to respond to rapidly escalating patient situations, and adapt to the many varied resultant physical posturing as a result of such circumstances after Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.