The LPN is responsible for performing a wide variety of nursing care, patient activities, and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders and under the guidance and direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs basic nursing care and patient procedures as required.
• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
• Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition, observations made, complaints voiced, and nursing care performed.
• Participates in patient and family health education as necessary.
• Provides a safe and secure environment for patients.
• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
• May administer I.V.F. in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act.
• Checks, irrigates, and maintains drainage tubes as needed.
• May insert N/G tubes after training (KY & VA).
• May administer tube feedings.
• Suctions patients according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Functions in emergencies and on the code team as designated.
• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.
• Administers oral, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, I.V., P.B., and approved medications.
• Administers I.V.P. medications as approved (Virginia only).
• Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy and analyzes oxygen concentration of O2 tents, isolettes, and croupettes.
• Administers respiratory treatments (I.P.P.B.).
• Applies sterile and unsterile compresses and bandages of all types and styles.
• Answers call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.
• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH, weighs patients, and obtains vital signs.
• Cares for patients in isolation.
• Assists with physical and vaginal examinations and obtaining Pap smears.
• Administers post-operative care, including coughing, deep breathing, turning patients, and obtaining vital signs.
• Prepares patients for surgery, including completion of pre-operative checklists.
• Applies ace bandages, all types of traction, hot water bottles, and ice caps.
• Measures and records intake and output.
• Collects specimens, including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.
• Administers post-mortem care and transportation.
• Administers enemas, including retention, cleansing, therapeutic, and colonic irrigation.
• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in nursing care.
• Responds appropriately in emergency situations, providing patient care, initiating CPR, and performing duties designated by the RN or physician.
• Assists with the care and security of patient valuables.
• Checks narcotics and barbiturates, reports discrepancies, completes incident reports, and submits documentation to appropriate management.
• Cares for patients with radium and assists physicians with removal of radium.
• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.
• Cleans and maintains storage of equipment and requests repairs as appropriate.
• Follows up with physicians and staff regarding equipment performance.
• Complies with hospital policies for obtaining, documenting, and following through on telephone and verbal orders.
• Monitors glucose using a glucose monitoring device.
• Collects Quality Improvement data as requested.
• Uses universal precautions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing.
• Must maintain current licensure in the state of practice.
• Must successfully complete the I.V. Therapy Course.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties.
• Technical skills in special nursing fields preferred.
• Ability to provide safe and effective patient care in accordance with nursing standards and scope of practice.
• Ability to perform nursing procedures and treatments accurately.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), the Healthcare System of Appalachia, and ranked as one of the Top 10 Employers in Kentucky by Forbes Magazine, is a not-for-profit health system operating 13 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Prestonsburg, South Williamson, West Liberty and Whitesburg in Kentucky; as well as Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs more than 6,000 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $330 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia, and is consistently recognized for its medical excellence.
