General Summary: This position renders technical nursing care to assigned patients. The incumbent provides direct and indirect care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensed Practical Nurse direct and oversee assistants and collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members to achieve the highest standards of care specific to the age and needs of the patient. Provides patient care/services for all stages of the lifespan including pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.

Essential Functions:

• Practices in accordance with hospital philosophy; Nursing Department’s philosophy, goals, and standards or care; (State) Board of Nursing; (State) Nursing Practice Act and other regulating agencies.
• Ensures a secure and safe patient environment by practicing in accordance with organization and unit specific policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Participates in cost containment activities.
• Maintains job-specific competency which addresses effective, safe use of equipment, infection control, disaster preparedness training, emergency lifesaving procedures (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR), and patient information management.
• Demonstrates commitment to the hospitals and nursing division’s philosophy, goals, and standards of care.
• Assist Registered Nurses (RN’s) and other interdisciplinary care providers in individualizing plans of care.
• Implements the interdisciplinary plan of care within established guidelines to improve or maintain patients mental and physical health.
• Reports patient outcomes to the RN’s and other care providers.
• Practices safety and infection control measures and principles.
• Completes treatments, medication administration IV, therapy, and equipment use following established standards.
• Ensures comfort and hygiene measures are met to avoid infection or safety hazards.
• Monitors the patient care given by nurse assistants and other Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN’s) when in the Charge Nurse role.
• Communicates with the care team to ensure quality of care is continuous.
• Documents assessments, patient needs, interventions for improving/maintaining patient/family condition to address needs, responses to interventions, reinforcement of teaching, and patient status of designate forms.
• Communicating information and conveying patient needs sensitive to age and development level of the individual patient/family.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of practical nursing.
• No experience is required for the beginning practitioner.
• Refresher course required for LPN’s who have not worked in an acute setting for five (5) yeas or more.
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) charge nurses should have one (1) years’ experience.
• Current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in (state).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification required or must be obtained within probationary period.

Physical Qualifications:

• Walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching with arms, finger, and hand dexterity, talking, hearing, and seeing throughout shift.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling.
• May be required to work unusual or additional shift hours.
• Must be able to prioritize well in coordination with other disciplines and other levels of nursing staff.
• Excellent teamwork skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, nonverbal and listening skills).
• Ability to provide direct and indirect patient care.