Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - 6B Cardiac

Under supervision of the registered nurse, performs a variety of patient care activities. Provides care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Assists the registered nurse in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care. Is accountable for own nursing actions and competencies. Communicates effectively with others. Performs all duties in accordance with the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act and established standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Specifications: Knowledge, Training, and Work Experiences:
1. Current LPN licensure in the state of Illinois.
2. Current CPR certification.
3. Must be able to position and/or transfer an average adult patient and possess gross coordination sufficient to perform other patient care duties as required. Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of standing. Must be able to perform difficult manipulative skills such as IV insertion and IM injections.
4. Environmental working conditions include exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, contagious diseases and/or radioactive or other potentially hazardous materials.

Annual Credentialing:
1. Attends all JCAHO, OSHA and hospital/nurse manager specified mandatory inservices. Submits supporting documentation to the nurse manager in conjunction with the annual performance appraisal.
2. Validates competencies and obtains credentials as identified in unit specific requirements.
3. Complete self-evaluation as a part of the annual performance review.

Nursing Care:

A. Data Collection
1. Observes, records and reports objective and subjective patient data.
2. Demonstrates ability to detect signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
3. Informs RN of abnormal or changing data and of patient/family responses to interventions.

B. Planning:
1. Assists the registered nurse in developing the nursing plan of care.

C. Intervention:
1. Competently performs tasks/procedures as appropriately delegated.
2. Uses equipment safely.
3. Takes appropriate action in life-threatening situations/emergencies.

C. Interventions continued:
1. Accurately administers medications by appropriately delegated routes.
2. Utilizes appropriate infection control and safety measures.
3. Acts to prevent harm or injury to patient, self and others.
4. Documents and communicates to RN nursing interventions and patient responses.
5. Seeks supervision prior to initiating new or unfamiliar nursing activities and/or with a change in patient condition.

D. Evaluation:
1. Observes, records and reports patient responses to nursing interventions and other relevant data to the RN.
2. Assists the registered nurse to evaluate and modify the plan of care.

E. Patient/Family Education:
1. Assists the registered nurse to identify, implement and evaluate age appropriate teaching interventions.
2. Reinforces teaching initiated by other members of the healthcare team.

F. Communication:
1. Informs RN of abnormal and/or changing data and patient/family response to interventions.
2. Develops and maintains interviewing skills required for data collection.