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Dept. Code 6020 Under general supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer and direct supervision RN-1, 3-S Telemetry Nurse Manager, charge nurse or RN, the LPN uses the nursing process to safely coordinate total patient care and education for an assigned number of patients. At all times, patient assignments will be determined based upon the acuity level of the patients, the department's patient census and the staffing levels which are reviewed shift-to-shift. As determined by the Nurse Manager, the nurse will be assigned up to 40 hours per week and may rotate between day and night shift according to the needs of the unit and staff. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is expected to function within the scope of approved policies, procedures, and regulations for the department and organization and Mississippi State Board of Nursing (MSBN). Will be responsible to assist with the orientation and preceptorship of personnel assigned to unit. Must be able to work and relate in a professional, non-defensive manner with peers, physicians, mid-level providers, administration, patients, and visitors. Will be responsible to document total care given, review and maintain patient chart per policy, and assist with accurate and timely entry of patient data, orders, and charges into the computer system. The LPN demonstrates responsibility for the assessing, monitoring and management of patients, developing and updating the plan of care, administering medication and treatments as prescribed, collaborating with teams for patient care, ordering, evaluating and performing diagnostic test ( i.e. stool, sputum, urine), reviewing and interpreting the result(s) of the test(s) performed, assisting the RN in conducting physical examination head to toe assessments at the beginning of their shift to assess the overall health of their patients, monitoring patients' health (records any relevant symptoms, carefully checking the patient's record to ensure the correct medication dosages are listed, maintaining IVs lines to ensure they are changed regularly according to policy, monitoring patients vital signs, assessing and recording nonverbal cues, providing support, education, and advice to patients to make sure they feel cared for, listened to, and comforted. The LPN will demonstrate knowledge in conducting head to toe assessments, recording detailed medical history and symptoms, and operating medical equipment (i.e. stethoscopes, glucometers, pulse oximeters, thermometers, blood pressure machines, IV pumps, code carts, wound drainage systems, ventilation equipment, etc.). The LPN will demonstrate knowledge on educating patients about their illness, treatments and medications, providing clear instructions on how they can manage their symptoms (i.e. explain meds: what type of medication , why they are taking the med, side effects of the meds, explaining the importance of their follow up appointment, rehab, and things to do at home to improve their overall health and prevent readmission to the hospital). The LPN must ensure the safety of their patients, be an advocate for their patients by taking the time to actively listen to their concerns, encouraging the patient to ask questions, respecting their wishes, and communicating what the patient wants with family and the other team members all while providing emotional support to both the patient and their family. LPNs are responsible to ensure the basic care needs are completed and/or assist with those basic care needs as indicated which includes but not limited to: bathing, turning, cleaning, feeding, and hygiene related activities. The LPN is responsible to report assist with ordering supplies/ inventory. The LPN should notice irregularities and problems that arise with the patients and then records and reports those irregularities/problems to the appropriate personnel. Maintains clinical competence by continuously learning to perform any job duty within the scope of LPN practice. Maintains knowledge about and en ures delivery of nursing care at or above the standards of practice for nursing. Administers medication safely: Demonstrates the knowledge of proper medication administration according to the physician's order and the hospital policy adhering to the 6 rights of medication administration: (i.e. Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time (be aware of dosing frequency, schedule/med log, set an alarm, clear communication), Right Route, Right Documentation), Demonstrates the knowledge of high risk and time critical medications (i.e. Insulin, potassium K-riders, Vancomycin peak / trough, Heparin, Coumadin, knowledge of the timeframe for labs drawn for indicated meds i.e. PT, PTT etc.). Documents adverse drug reactions and reports per departmental and pharmacy policy. Performs IV therapy while demonstrating skill and accuracy per physician's order and hospital policy. Monitors and documents the patient's level of consciousness, demonstrates knowledge and able to perform wound care according to hospital protocol/policy. Promotes unit and organizational philosophy and goals. Supports and assists with staffing and scheduling to meet unit needs. Assists with the establishment of departmental policies and procedures that reflect the services provided by the department. Participates in organizational committees as assigned. Provides important information on trends related to patient outcomes to the Nurse Manager. Demonstrates professionalism and reinforces professional behavior of other staff members. Maintains current knowledge of regulatory requirements: IFC, CDC, DNV, MSDH, MSBN, Baby Friendly Initiatives, Quality initiatives, and CMS. Demonstrates knowledge and skill related to patient throughout and customer service / satisfaction providing kind, compassionate care to all patient types. LPNs are required to float between departments as indicated by the unit's needs and census, Staffing is reviewed by managers and RN-1 shift to shift -- floating is non-negotiable and it's an expectation when needed. WE are all on the same team. Teamwork is expectation to complete all tasks for patient care needs- Our patients are ALL our patients (i.e. there is no ME in TEAM). Pays close attention to the census with special emphasis on patients throughout. Addresses any patient concerns at the bedside, reports concerns to RN, charge nurse, or RN-1 as indicated. The successful candidate will have to pass a pharmacology test for this position. Completion of the yearly mandatory in-service (YMI) is a requirement and is nonnegotiable. It will be the responsibility of the employee to arrange and attend the sessions. Must stay current with HealthStream assignments.