Definition of Work:

The Licensed Practical Nurse performs nursing care and assists with planning and implementing care for the comfort and wellbeing of the patient. The Licensed Practical Nurse implements care to patients experiencing general/various medical conditions or surgical procedures which require general assessments related to specific conditions, and general therapies and interventions. The Licensed Practical Nurse assists in maintaining a safe work environment, performs all job responsibilities in a safe manner, and maintains clinical and professional competency as appropriate to the ages, developmental stages, and special needs of the patients served and incorporates this knowledge and concern into daily care delivery.

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.

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.