Summary:

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide important patient care within the Nursing Department. Under the direction of the registered nurse assigned to each patient, and as delegated to by the RN, the LPN assists with patient care and other department activities as outlined in this job description and communicates effectively with the RN responsible for each patient. Work performed by each LPN must support the mission, vision, and values of Mary Free Bed.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Quality Pillar of Excellence

Patient Care – The LPN provides direct patient care, as delegated by the patient’s RN and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Patient care performed by a LPN includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Collects, monitors, and reports physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs of the patient and family as directed by and in coordination with the patient’s assigned RN. Administers medications (with the exception of IV administration) as ordered by the physician and as delegated by the RN. Provides input to the RN into an individualized plan of care for each patient. Reinforces patient and family education and documents as such on the patient plan of care. Obtains and records vital signs using appropriate equipment and technique. Provides direct patient care including bowel programs, patient hygiene, recording intake and outpatient, and other responsibilities as outlined in department policies. Answers call lights in a timely, respectful manner Documents care via computer/written patient record according to department policies, including content and timeliness of documentation. Transports patients in a safe and timely manner to facilitate patient diagnostic testing and therapy sessions, as needed. Communicates with other team members in order to ensure continuity of care and coordination of services. Maintains the patient’s living environment in a clean, safe manner Cleans patient areas, work areas, and equipment, as needed. Communicates any equipment malfunctions to the Central Supply Department or Nursing Supervisor and removes equipment from patient care in accordance with department policies. Assists with collection of quality data, as assigned by the RN or management Demonstrates appropriate use of all patient care equipment, in accordance with departmental policies.

Communication – Each staff member in the Nursing Department is responsible to communicate in a timely, professional, and respectful manner at all times. Responsibilities of the LPN include, but are not limited to:

Patients and their families or visitors are treated with kindness and respect. Customers, physicians, and other staff members are treated with kindness and respect. Maintains effective working relationships with employees throughout the organization. Treats patient call lights as a primary communication method between the patient and the caregiver, and promptly responds to call lights, in person, as soon as possible. Delivers care in a manner that is culturally sensitive and preserves the dignity and rights of each patient. Deals discreetly and sensitively with confidential information and follows all hospital policies related to protected health information.

 

Service Pillar of Excellence

Customer Service –

Each LPN is required to demonstrate excellent customer service standards and behaviors in all interactions with colleagues, patients, family members, physicians, and other customers. This employee is responsible to understand how patient satisfaction is measured within the nursing department, the expectations related to customer service, and the action plans that are in place to improve the satisfaction of MFB customers.

 

People Pillar of Excellence

Employee communication –

The LPN employee understands that communication with hospital and department leadership occurs in many ways, and that it is the responsibility of each employee to be aware of policy and practice changes. This information is shared through various methods such as administrative bulletins, staff meetings, bulletin board postings, email, department newsletters, individual discussions, and on the MFB intranet (InsideMFB).

Employee training and competency assessments –

Each LPN is responsible to complete a competency-based orientation at the time of hire, and all required training and competency assessments annually, prior to the posted deadlines. Questions about required education and competency modules should be addressed to the nurse educators or nursing supervisors to ensure that the requirements are completed prior to the deadlines.

Performance evaluations –

Each LPN will meet with a nursing supervisor to complete an annual performance evaluation prior to the department or organizational deadline. The employee will provide input to the supervisor when reviewing goals and performance from the completed review period. The employee will work with the supervisor to review organizational and departmental action plans, and to identify personal goals for the upcoming review period. As a preceptor, each LPN will collaborate with the assigned RN, Nursing Supervisor and Nurse Educator to provide a thorough and accurate orientation for the new team member.

Safety policies –

Each employee is responsible to demonstrate knowledge of and performance in accordance with hospital and department safety and infection control policies and procedures. Each employee maintains a safe and clean working environment for the benefit of patients and staff.

 

Financial Performance Pillar of Excellence

Fiscal Responsibility –

Each LPN documents patient chargeable items according to department policies. Avoids duplication and waste of supplies. Arrives to work on time and works throughout the shift, unless taking a designated break. If the LPN does not have work to do, asks a RN or a nursing supervisor for work to avoid downtime. Avoids overtime, and if overtime is expected, communicates this in advance with the nursing supervisor so that alternatives can be explored.

The LPN is also responsible for other department and patient-related tasks, as assigned, and in alignment with departmental policies and procedures. This employee is expected to perform assignments as directed by management and provides input on new services or revisions to new/existing policies and procedures as appropriate.

 

Limitations: A Licensed Practical Nurse:

May not delegate responsibilities to another LPN or to a non-licensed employee. May not take verbal or telephone orders from a physician. May not perform venipuncture or administer IV fluids or IV medications May not change tracheostomy tubes or insert nasogastric tubes May not change dressings, irrigate, flush, or discontinue central lines or access portacaths May not do peritoneal dialysis

 

Essential Job Qualifications:

Licensure Requirements: Active Michigan license as a Licensed Practical Nurse Education: Graduate of an approved practical nursing program. Successful completion of an accredited pharmacology course, NAPNES preferred. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Experience: None required. Previous experience as a LPN in a rehabilitation setting is preferred

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work environment described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while working as an LPN at Mary Free Bed. The ability to perform these tasks are required in order to provide the necessary patient care required by MFB patients:

Required to stand, sit, talk, type, read, and hear Required to use hands and arms to handle, feel, carry and work Required to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and rise from a kneeling position while performing patient care. Required to be independently mobile, with frequent bending, and reaching overhead, for activities such as positioning and transferring of patients and equipment. Must be able to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects (*). Due to possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and hazardous materials, must be able to understand and follow department policies related to employee safety. Must be competent with computer systems for the purpose of documenting patient care. Must be able to work effectively under time requirements and deadlines, problem-solve when facing unexpected issues, handle interruptions, and prioritize effectively.

(*) Source: Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Volume 1, United States Department of Labor, United States Employment Services, 1991

 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by:

Treating everyone with dignity and respect Opening more doors to opportunities for underrepresented cultures Growing talent and people Evaluating and eliminating disparities Taking action against injustices, bias and racism Honoring our differences and how to collaborate Educating staff, patients, and the communities we care for Restoring Hope and Freedom, together

 

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.