Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Surgical Inpatient Care

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) contributes professional nursing knowledge and skills in the provision and management of care to patients through the application of the nursing process.

• Assess patient's status through interview, observation, and physical assessment under the supervision of an RN
• Assist in developing an individualized plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team
• Use appropriate interventions identified in the plan of care to achieve expected patient outcomes
• Evaluate and document patient's progress toward expected outcomes/goals on an ongoing basis throughout the shift
• Modify plan of care based on evaluation
• Complete required documentation as appropriate, including patient chart and event reports
• Analyze clinical situations in a systematic way and act to obtain resources or correct problems to meet or exceed expected outcomes or patient needs
• Provide goal-focused shift report
• Advocate with physicians on patient's behalf when necessary
• Adapt teaching strategies based on patient's response, readiness to learn, and level of comprehension
• Consult appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education
• Utilize patient education system and other resources for patients and family members
• Work with interdisciplinary team in identifying opportunities for improvement in patient care and patient/family satisfaction
• Promote and achieve customer satisfaction (patient, family, departments, physicians)
• Serve on unit-based councils
• Identify practice problems on the unit