A Licensed Practical Nurse or Vocational Nurse provides basic medical care under the direction of registered nurses and other healthcare specialists. The tasks that they are permitted to perform vary by state, but usually include changing bandages, checking blood pressure, or helping feed patients. May work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.
Clinical Services or Specialty Department Immediate Supervisor Title:
Physician; clinic administrator
Job Supervisory Responsibilities:
None General Summary:
A nonexempt position responsible for nursing care under the supervision of physicians and clinical services manager.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
1. Obtains, verifies, and records health history of patients. Gathers pertinent health data through physical assessments and biological samples. Collects specimens for laboratory analysis. 2. Provides basic patient care as ordered. Administers medications and treatments as directed. Assists other health care professionals in performing exams, diagnostic procedures and treatments, and minor medical procedures. Adheres to infection control/safety guidelines and confidentiality policies. 3. Documents assessments, interventions, patient/family responses, medication dispensed/prescribed, and test results in medical records. 4. Promotes wellness by providing patient education materials, communicating physician advice/instructions.
Education:
High school diploma. Graduation from an approved practical nursing program.
Experience:
Minimum one year of LPN experience; clinic experience preferred.
Other Requirements:
State-licensed practical nurse.
Performance Requirements:
Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Familiarity with health care systems, regulations, policies, and functions. Understanding of documentation standards. 2. Knowledge of equipment, supplies, and materials needed for medical treatment. Understanding of basic laboratory procedures including preparation and screening. 3. Knowledge of infectious disease management and control and safety standards.
Skills:
1. Skill in reading and following written and oral medical orders. 2. Skill in initiating appropriate emergency procedures. 3. Skill in handling a number of tasks simultaneously. 4. Skill in performing blood draws.
Abilities:
1. Ability to use manual dexterity to perform medical treatments. 2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and diverse patient populations. 3. Ability to perform mathematical calculations for drug dosages.
Equipment Operated:
Phone, computer, medical charts, stethoscope, echocardiography (EKG) machine, ear-washing instruments, blood pressure cuff, speculums, and other nursing items. May involve use of walkers, wheelchairs, pulse oximetry, and oxygen tanks.
Work Environment:
Medical exam and treatment rooms and medical offices. Environmental setting (lighting, temperature, air quality, acoustics) controlled.
Mental/Physical Requirements:
Occasional exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards. Daily standing, squatting, walking, bending, and maneuvering. May require lifting up to 50 pounds to transfer/turn patient with/without assistive devices. Stress can be triggered by workload and difficult patients.
