Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Trinity Health•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works collaboratively with the health care team in partnership with and under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. Using principles of Relationship-Based Care, the LPN performs and coordinates direct patient care for a specific group of patients and implements designated aspects of the nursing process. The LPN practices within the scope allowed by Michigan licensure and their education, including authorized medication administration. The role requires demonstrated unit or area competencies. The LPN may not delegate tasks to or supervise other licensed or non-licensed health professionals. The LPN supports unit-based shared governance and promotes excellence in the patient care experience. The LPN performs nursing interventions delegated by an RN or physician, reports patient-condition changes, obtains clinical information, administers medications, and informs patients about planned procedures and treatments. Duties may include venipuncture and specimen collection; initiating and discontinuing peripheral IV catheters and urinary catheters; basic laboratory procedures; bedside care and selected procedures under RN supervision; point-of-care testing and monitoring; documentation and charge capture; and other unit-specific patient-care activities. The LPN maintains patient confidentiality, follows policies and procedures, supports quality improvement, keeps skills current, maintains a clean and stocked care environment, and contributes to safe, respectful, and cooperative care. Duties may vary by unit, patient needs, and treatment complexity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of specialized nursing education and proof of successful completion of a pharmacology course.
Current and active license to practice as an LPN in the State of Michigan.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or ability to obtain it during orientation and maintain it.
Ability to apply nursing techniques within defined responsibilities to meet patient and family needs.
Awareness of Michigan health professionals' scopes of practice, the LPN role, and its relationship to the RN.
Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, families, and coworkers.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for over 90% of work time.
Ability to walk and stand for up to 90% of work time.
Ability to lift, turn, and position patients frequently.

Responsibilities

Perform nursing interventions delegated by the RN or physician in support of treatment goals and use the interdisciplinary plan as the framework for care.
Report changes in patient condition, feedback, and follow-up information to the RN in a timely manner.
Obtain necessary clinical data from patients, families, or significant others.
Administer medications competently as authorized.
Inform patients about planned procedures and treatments to reduce anxiety and encourage participation.
Perform delegated procedures, including venipuncture and specimen collection, peripheral IV insertion and discontinuation, and indwelling or intermittent urinary catheterization.
Obtain laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory procedures, including point-of-care blood glucose testing and collection of stool or sputum samples.
Provide basic bedside care and selected procedures under RN supervision, including 12-lead ECGs, dressing changes, routine respiratory care, vital signs, and recognition, reporting, and intervention for life-threatening conditions.
Administer physician-directed treatments, such as eye irrigation, and perform unit-specific activities of daily living appropriate to the patient's condition.
Respond to patient requests promptly, introduce self, and explain patient-care measures.
Perform competency-based point-of-care testing and monitoring.
Record patient information and required data for documentation and charge capture.
Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures and participate in unit activities to improve quality of care.
Protect confidential patient, physician, employee, and visitor information and discuss it only with appropriate personnel in private settings in compliance with HIPAA.
Pursue ongoing learning, maintain skills and competence, and seek and incorporate feedback, including through self-appraisal.
Maintain a clean environment and clean, maintain, and stock equipment and supplies according to unit procedures.
Maintain cooperative working relationships, address conflict constructively, and help identify and resolve problems.
Behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Service Excellence Standards, and the organization's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Perform duties safely, report preventable hazards and unsafe practices to management, and use proper body mechanics.
Participate in unit-based and other committees and initiatives that promote safety, patient outcomes, and satisfaction.
Perform other duties as assigned, including non-clinical duties consistent with the needs of patients and the care team.