Job Description

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Summary

Reporting to the Patient Care Manager or Resident Care Manager and working in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing nursing care to an assigned group of patients/residents according to established policies and procedures and the Standards of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia. The LPN functions as an independent practitioner, while recognizing situations such as increased patient acuity or care that falls outside the scope of an LPN as appropriate for accessing the RN/RPN for collaborative support and/or clinical intervention. The LPN assists patients/residents in meeting their physical, social, spiritual and psychological needs consistent with the mission, vision and values of Providence Health Care (PHC) and established protocols. Participates in developing care plans, conducting assessments, implementing and evaluating interventions, documenting information and acting as an advocate for patients/residents. Participates in a variety of meetings including care conferences, and assists with orientation of new staff and students as required. Responds and reports incidents according to established procedures and performs clerical duties as needed.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education
Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing LPN registrant. Current basic cardiac life support certification.

Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal with others effectively.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Ability to work as a member in an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to apply decision making and analytical skills.
Ability to role model conflict resolution strategies.
Ability to prioritize and organize work.
Ability to teach and identify patient/resident learning needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides safe and respectful nursing care to an assigned group of patients/residents, according to established policies and procedures, in combination with evolving individualized care plans and setting care priorities.
Conducts head-to-toe assessments, monitors and recognizes abnormal signs or symptoms including laboratory values, and communicates with the RN/RPN, if warranted. Consults other members of the interdisciplinary care team as required. Supports and partners with the RN/RPN in the care of patients/residents with complex or unpredictable outcomes.
Communicates with physician regarding assigned patient/resident and carries out verbal and/or written orders as required. Transcribes orders onto appropriate patient/resident record and processes written orders as needed.
Documents care provided, such as assessments, status, progress, treatments, changes in condition, medications administered and discharge planning, in manual and/or computerized environment.
Prepares patient for, and/or receives patient from surgical and/or diagnostic procedures, transfers and admissions. Contacts physician, or other member(s) of the interdisciplinary team for relevant patient orders and information.
Administers medications, including narcotics and excluding intravenous route, according to established procedures, and monitors medication\xe2\x80\x99s effects. Maintains communication with RN/RPN or other members of the interdisciplinary team as required.
Uses evidence-based resources such as Nursing Care Standards and drug reference guides, in-services and workshops, to keep nursing knowledge and procedures up-to-date.
Responds to a variety of incidents such as Codes, injuries or falls, hazardous spills, aggressive behavior and fire alarms. Reports incidents and fills out appropriate forms in accordance with established procedures.
Assists with the orientation of new staff and student preceptors by performing duties such as demonstrating work procedures, proper use/location of equipment, sharing clinical knowledge, using effective communication and acting as a positive role model.
Identifies patient/resident and their significant other(s)\xe2\x80\x99s actual and potential strengths and limitations including physiological, psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual needs. Encourages involvement of patient/resident and their significant other(s) in decisions that affect them, by respecting personal choices and providing information and opportunities to talk about their concerns.
Identifies and responds to patient/resident and family learning needs, provides educational and reference materials, incorporates patient/resident and family teaching activities into care plan and nursing interventions, and/or makes referrals to other identified resources.
Attends, provides input and advocates on patient/resident\xe2\x80\x99s behalf at care planning meetings and family conferences.
Participates with the interdisciplinary team in the development, modification and evaluation of individualized care plans that support the abilities, preferences and routines of the patient/resident.
Uses knowledge of patient/resident status, external supports and other relevant factors to assist the team with discharge planning.
Participates in staff meetings, special projects and relevant hospital committees to provide generalized information and feedback on patient/resident care and nursing practice.
Operates and/or cleans equipment related to patients/residents care and reports malfunctions to supervisor. Uses appropriate supplies for care in accordance with departmental procedures; handles, stores and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
Performs related clerical duties such as answering the telephone, faxing, taking and relaying messages and assisting in maintaining standardized records.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Providence Health Care