POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the clinic physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, the Licensed Vocational Nurse assists in providing care through the nursing process in the clinical area. Cooperates with other members of the health care team in meeting the total needs of the patients. Participates in patient teaching. Directs and assists in activities of ancillary personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in the assessment of physical, psychological, and social dimensions of patients.
• Assists with data collection and assessment of health care needs of patients.
• Observe patients systematically and continuously and report information according to prescribed hospital policy and procedure.
• Assesses patient/family understanding of illness and self-care.
• Assists in planning clinical care as a responsible team member; and responds to patient's needs.
• Transcribes provider orders and schedules tests, procedures, and treatments appropriately.
• Provides input, and directly participates in the implementation of the patient care plan.
• Implements clinical and technical aspects of care by established policies and procedures.
• Intervenes with proper technique, procedure, and safety precautions to meet the individual needs of the patient.
• Under the direct supervision of the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, the LVN gives direct care to patients with complicated nursing problems and assists with the care of patients in critical condition. Observes, records, and reports information pertinent to safe, effective patient care.
• Functions within limits of state Nurse Practice Act, hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.
• Provides care and demonstrates skills comparable to peers with similar training and experience, functioning under similar circumstances.
• Assists in the evaluation of nursing care. Evaluates patient response to specific therapies, communicating appropriate clinical information to other health care professionals involved in patient care. Evaluate and document patient progress based on the current problem list and or nursing diagnosis.
• Within their scope of practice administer and control narcotics and medications.
• Attends 75%, a minimum of 9, staff meetings annually to be successful.
• Responsible for reading minutes of monthly meetings.
• Demonstrates clinical competence by successful completion of the Annual Certification of Standardized Procedures. Participates in annual Hospital Orientation and In-services.
• Current knowledge of Standard Precautions in dealing with potential exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cooperates with health team members in planning a written, individualized plan of care for patients.
• Organizes patient care to be given to each patient, based on the individual needs of the patients/
• Demonstrates ethical behavior in the performance of nursing.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions and recognizes limitations and need for assistance. Offers and accepts constructive criticism and incorporates suggestions into nursing practice.
• Strives for excellence in patient care and, as necessary, challenges and/or corrects errors of peers to ensure patient safety and well-being.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship among healthcare team members.
• Communicate with patients, family, and visitors in a tactful and helpful manner.
• Assists in the overall operation of the health center.
• Assumes responsibility for safe and efficient use of supplies and equipment.
• Accountable for assignment and their completion within scheduled work hours. Maintains appropriate time records.
• Supports and promotes safety standards, identifies risk situations, and intervenes appropriately.
• Attendance in CPR classes and orientation is mandatory.
• Successful Completion of the Basic Arrhythmia Recognition and Treatment course, within 6 months of hire.
• Participates in QC/QI issues 75% to meet successful standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Completion of I.V. Therapy course.
2. Previous clinical experience in a patient care setting preferred, with successful completion of orientation and training to the point of competence.
3. Successfully completes basic dysrhythmia course within 6 months of hire.
4. Bilingual – English/Spanish

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

1. Current CPR certification
2. Current licensure to practice licensed vocational nursing in the State of California.

AGE OF THE POPULATION SERVED:

Newborn Infant/Pediatric Adolescent Adult Geriatric All No Patient Care

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Manual dexterity with fine motor ability to operate and handle equipment used in the department.
2. Ability to hear the spoken word, auscultate for physical assessment skills, and monitor alarms.
3. Ability to see written type.
4. Ability to stand for up to several hours at a time.
5. Ability to climb stairs.
6. Must be able to lift 25 pounds and able to perform tasks of lifting, turning, and transferring patients.
7. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours.