Licensed Vocational Nurse Acute - Night Shift

Description

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

POPULATION SERVED

The position involves direct patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PATIENT

• Participates in an on-going systematic assessment of the physical, emotional, social, educational, and functional needs of the patient/family through interview, observation, and physical examination.
• Provides plans, coordinates or manages nursing care, nursing services, and health education to patients/ residents.
• Interprets assessment data and information to develop a nursing care plan which contains problem identification, nursing diagnosis, nursing orders, approaches, interventions, short/long term goals, and discharge planning.
• Revaluates nursing care plan utilizing nursing diagnosis
• Revaluates safety and fall risk levels for patients
• Assures that medical orders are transcribed and processed accurately, and integrates the medical care plan into the provision of nursing care.
• Assures that medication administration is correct and according to the established nursing policies and procedures.
• Looks up unfamiliar medications
• Processes medication orders
• Administers medications as ordered
• Evaluates effectiveness of PRN medications
• Verbalizes process for self-administered medications
• Verbalizes patient education on identified medications
• Verbalizes standing orders
• Administers I.V. hydration, if I.V. certified 
• Provides for personal and environmental safety in accordance with hospital and nursing policies and procedures
• Demonstrates skills in handling emergency and life-threatening situations
• Locates and uses crash cart items
• Calls Code Blue and Medical Emergency
• Initiates CPR
• Follows P&P and POLST
• Provides nursing care to meet patient needs
• Performs a complete head-to-toe reassessment of each assigned patient per shift using proper documentation tools.
• Acts promptly on changes in patient condition, utilizing SBAR method
• Reviews lab and test results, notifying provider of abnormal and critical results
• Performs wound care in accordance with policy, utilizing proper documentation tools.
• Assures that documents in the medical record are complete, factual, accurate and timely.
• Documents materials and equipment used.
• Verbalizes method to noting orders.
• Documents discharge in chart.
• Revaluates and updates care plan as appropriate.
• Provides discharge instructions.
• Completes interagency transfer form.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES TO UNIT STAFF

• Provides direction and leadership in patient care to assigned personnel.
• Acts as a team leader and provides guidance to unlicensed personnel.
• Makes assignments for team.
• Prioritizes activities and plans for effective use of time for patient needs.
• Communicates the plan of nursing care for each patient through reports, conferences, rounds, and patient care records.
• Shift to shift report and shift huddle with aides
• Delegates tasks to aides; monitors to make sure delegated tasks are completed appropriately.
• Demonstrates responsibility for the teaching of nursing assistants in areas of new techniques, policies and procedures.
• Preceptor
• Participates in the quality improvement activities of nursing.
• Attends appropriate meetings.
• Communicates identified learning needs of self and others to the DON.
• Assists the DON in the orientation of new staff.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures of the hospital and Nursing Department.
• Actively participates on nursing committees.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF

• Evaluates own performance and seeks opportunities for growth and expansion of skills
• Takes initiative in upgrading and maintaining skills necessary to provide quality care to provide quality care to patients and leadership to assigned staff.
• Acquires continuing education sufficient to maintain licensure and certification
• Maintains current nursing licensure
• Provides Human Resources and DON with a copy of current nursing license.
• Maintains required competencies
• Completes assigned program tracks assigned by DON/DSD.
• Completes appropriate level of Clinical Advancement within established timeframes
• Membership in appropriate professional organizations.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining/enhancing physical health and alleviating stress
• Attendance
• Demonstrates competency in a variety of nursing skills as demonstrated and evaluated on at lease an annual basis.
• Attends annual skills fair
• Displays a “customer service” attitude toward patients, visitors, and other staff members at all times.
• Demonstrates basic telephone skills (how to answer, place on hold, and transfer a call.)
• Utilizes intercom
• Demonstrates how to page physicians or others on call.
• Abides by all safety, infection control, and other guidelines as required.
• Follows guidelines for caring for patients in isolation
• Utilizes hand-washing techniques
• Cleans equipment between patient usage.
• Reports personal symptoms of suspected illness or contagious disease to the Employee Health Nurse.
• Demonstrated knowledge of universal blood and body fluid precautions
• Promotes an ethic of continuous quality improvement in all matters associated with the position, and documents specific quality improvement implementation.
• Performs all other tasks and duties as may be assigned.
• Provides a level of competency to treat patients 18 and older.
• Pediatric:
• Involves family and or care provider in all aspects of procedures assessment or care.
• Identifies learning strategies that are age appropriate. 
• Adults:
• Involves them with care planning by meeting any needs they identify during assessment
• Identifies their normal patterns of living and strives to attain them
• Geriatric:
• Strives to obtain understanding by speaking distinctly and moving slowly.
• Involves family as much as possible

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a valid temporary or permanent CA State Practical/ Vocational

Nurse License. The individual must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to

manage multiple priorities, be dedicated to the provision of quality patient care, and use

sound judgement in decision-making. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification 

required upon hire, a valid IV & Blood withdrawal certification required within six

months of hire.