Purpose of Job
- Accountable for the delivery of quality care to patients and families according to the individualized needs of the patient.
- Assist the Registered Nurse by obtaining initial assessment of patient and on-going patient observation.
Job Requirements
- Education
  - Graduate of accredited school of nursing required.
- License/Certifications
  - Current valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License, valid compact multistate license to work in Nebraska or temporary permit while awaiting licensure required.
  - Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Experience
  - N/A
- Skills
  - Knowledge of nursing practices and principles, medications and effects, charting and notes.
  - Knowledge of the operation and use of equipment and manual dexterity.
  - Ability to apply nursing practices and principles.
  - Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with staff, patients, visitors, physicians and other departments.
  - Ability to learn and adapt to changing nursing practices.
  - Ability to apply positive patient relations when dealing with patients, staff, physicians or the public.
Physical Requirements
- Physical
  - Weight Demands
    - Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force.
  - Physical Activity
    - Occasionally Performed (1%-33%):
      - Climbing
      - Crawling
      - Kneeling
      - Sitting
    - Frequently Performed (34%-66%):
      - Balancing
      - Carrying
      - Crouching
      - Distinguish colors
      - Keyboarding/typing
      - Lifting
      - Pulling/Pushing
      - Repetitive Motions
      - Stooping/bending
      - Twisting
    - Constantly Performed (67%-100%):
      - Fingering/Touching
      - Grasping
      - Hearing
      - Reaching
      - Seeing/Visual
      - Speaking/talking
      - Standing
      - Walking
- Environmental
- Hazards
  - Not Related:
    - Electrical Shock/Static
    - Radiation Non-Ionizing (Ultraviolet, visible light, infrared and microwaves that causes injuries to tissue or thermal or photochemical means)
  - Rare (1-33%): - Radiation Alpha, Beta and Gamma (particles such as X-ray, Cat Scan, Gamma Knife, etc)
  - Occasionally (34%-66%):
    - Physical hazards (noise, temperature, lighting, wet floors, outdoors, sharps) (more than ordinary office environment)
    - Equipment/Machinery/Tools
    - Explosives (pressurized gas)
  - Frequent (67%-100%):
    - Chemical agents (Toxic, Corrosive, Flammable, Latex)
    - Biological agents (primary air born and blood born viruses) (Jobs with Patient contact) (BBF)
    - Mechanical moving parts/vibrations
Essential Job Functions
- Essential Functions I
  - Promotes positive relations when interacting with patients, visitors, families, physicians, customers and co-workers.
    - Greet, smiles and makes eye contact.
    - Introduces self by name.
    - Volunteers to help co-workers and other employees.
    - Addresses patients and others by surname.
    - Responds quickly to patients and/or other peoples' needs.
    - Accomplishes the development of a rapport with patients through conversation, joining patients in activity and through initiating activities.
  - Assist the Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining and contributing to the initial assessment of patient and on-going patient observation.
    - Completes initial assessment and documentation within standards set by nursing service.
    - Informs RN team of change in patient's status immediately and on-going patient observation and assessments including continuous monitoring and analysis of patient cardiac rhythms.
    - Utilizes policies and procedures to assess patient.
  - Performs nursing care as assigned by Lead Nurse/RN, utilizing Policies and Procedures (P/P), Standards of Care and Care Plan. Demonstrates skill in conceptual, technical and procedural nursing practice to include unit specific policies and procedures outlined from orientation checklist.
    - Performs patient assessments, care and treatments in a timely manner.
    - Documents care and patient responses following Policies and Procedures (P/P) for documentation.
    - Demonstrates skill in conceptual, technical, and procedural nursing practice to include unit specific policies and procedures outlines from orientation checklist.
    - Documents care and patient responses following policies and procedures for documentation.
    - Safely and accurately administers medication without incident.
    - Watches the patient take their medicine.
    - Observation, communication and documentation of medication effects - to include side effects and positive response.
    - Reports variances to team lead/manager immediately.
  - Conducts patient teaching according to needs identified by discharge planning and care plan.
    - Conducts patient education utilizing available resources and documentation on patient education form.
    - Documents appropriate information on discharge forms.
  - Safety Initiative – Complies with Methodist Fremont Health safety policies and procedures and regulatory requirements e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Joint Commission (JCAHO), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
    - Performs job duties in a manner consistent with organization and departmental safety policies and procedures.
    - Completes departmental safety requirements, i.e.- blitz, departmental in-services, etc., on an annual basis.
  - Communicates verbally and in writing with patients, visitors, employees and medical staff.
    - Demonstrates courteous, helpful and professional behavior.
    - Provides team RN with complete and accurate report on patient's condition.
    - Actively participates in unit meeting.
    - Utilizes appropriate communication channels in attempting change.
  - Accurate checking and follow through of physician orders.
    - The orders checked completely and without error.
  - Provides timely and accurate observation and documentation.
    - Night rounds include observation of each assigned patient within a 15 minute time.
    - Observations include: sleep patterns, sleep apnea and a more close observation of the patient with suicidal tendencies.
    - Communicates any negative finding immediately.
    - Completes patient safety rounds per policy (timely and accurately).
    - Assists with Environmental Safety Checks every shift.
  - Maintains awareness of the unit as a whole.
    - Keeps self aware of what is happening in all areas of the unit and applies self when and where ever needed according to unit's policy.
- Essential Functions II
  - Participates in mandatory in-services and/or CE programs as mandated by policies and procedures/external agencies and as directed by management.
  - Follows and understands the mission, vision, core values ~ Living Our Values, and company policies/procedures.
  - Other duties as assigned.