LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

POSITION SUMMARY
The LPN Under immediate supervision of a Registered Nurse provides provision of patient care; includes recording vital signs, discussing chief health concerns, performing testing, and administering injections; assists with procedures and documentation.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
1.      Works under the direction of the Registered Nurse and reports changes noted in patient’s status and documents in Meditech System.
2.      Functions within the limits of the Virgin Islands Practice Act; hospital policies and procedures
3.      Cares for patients’ health by contributing to the nursing process; collaborating with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; providing physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families; supervising assigned team members.
4.      Promotes patient’s independence by assisting in the establishment of patient care goals; teaching patients, friends, and family to understand condition, medications, and self-care skills; answering questions and/or referring to Registered Nurse, Physician or appropriate clinical provider.
5.      Assures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards; measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and standards; making or recommending necessary adjustments; following hospital and nursing division’s philosophies and standards of care set by state board of nursing, state nurse practice act, and other governing agency regulations.
6.      Resolves patient problems and needs by utilizing multidisciplinary team strategies.
7.      Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; calling for assistance from health care support personnel.
8.      Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
9.      Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
10.   Maintains continuity among nursing teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
11.   Ensures operation of equipment by auditing dates on and reporting upcoming preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
12.   Maintains nursing supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies; using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
13.   Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
14.   Performs additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
1.      Diploma from a LPN/LVN program
2.      Highly effective verbal and communication skills
3.      Current VI Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse license
4.      Current, ACLS, BLS, PALS,  and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (or related course) certification or evidence of continuing education toward requirements (requirements will be based on assigned business unit)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
1.      Knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations that apply to the practice of in an inpatient care setting.
2.      Knowledge of hospital/departmental policies and procedures, emergency protocols, Joint Commission, Center for Medicare and Medicaid services and all other local and federal regulatory standards
3.      Ability to make presentations before management, public groups, and staff.
4.      Knowledge of analytical and grammatical skills necessary to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
5.      Skilled in maintaining records and preparing reports.
6.      Ability to (or possess the skill level to gain ability to) define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; also apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
7.      Familiarity with spreadsheet and overall computer skills.
8.      Ability to work with a wide variety of other professionals and staff engaged in the delivery of health care services.
9.      Ability to recognize and maintain confidentiality.
10.   Ability to gain the confidence and respect of the public to be served.
11.   Ability to work well independently including without administrative support when required.
12.   Organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills are essential.
13.   Ability to work in a highly visible position undergoing significant changes with multiple constituents, each with demands exceeding resources.
14.   Ability to work independently, as part of a team and be available.
15.   Ability to recognize and maintain confidentiality.
16.   Ability to display time management skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Employee will work in an office and throughout the building daily. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in hand hygiene practices, Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated; is subject to interruptions and noise daily.