*** Up to $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE ***

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

Under supervision of the registered nurse, performs a variety of patient care activities. Provides care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Assists the registered nurse in assessing, planning implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care. Is accountable for own nursing actions and competencies. Communicates effectively with others. Performs all duties in accordance with the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act and established standards, policies, procedures and guidelines. 

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Illinois Nurse Practice Act. 225 ILCS 65/55-1 Article 55-10.7.d requirements:
• Official written notification indicating successful passage of the practical nurse licensure examination
• Proof of application for licensure and required licensure fee as a practical nurse
• Proof of submission to a criminal history records check
• Practice as a LPNLP will terminate:
• At three months from the official date of passing the licensure exam (unless official extension granted by IDFPR and documentation of this extension provided)
• Upon receipt of the LPN license from IDFPR
• Upon notification from IDFPR that the application for licensure has been refused
• Upon request by IDFPR that the individual terminate practicing as a LPNLP until an official decision is made by IDFPR to grant or deny a LPN license
• Current BLS/CPR certification

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to position and/or transfer an average adult patient and possess gross coordination sufficient to perform other patient care duties as required. Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of standing.  Must be able to perform difficult manipulative skills such as IV insertion and IM injections.
• Environmental working conditions include exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, contagious diseases and/or radioactive or other potentially hazardous materials.
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Annual Requirements:

1. Attends all Joint Commission, OSHA, and hospital/nurse manager specified mandatory inservices.
2. Validates competencies and obtains credentials as identified in unit specific requirements.
3. Completion of annual self-evaluation and submission of peer feedback at time of performance appraisal.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Nursing Care

Data Collection:
o Observes, records and reports objective and subjective patient data.
o Demonstrates ability to detect signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
o Informs RN of abnormal or changing data and of patient/family responses to interventions.

Planning:
o Assists the RN in development the nursing plan of care.

Intervention:
o Competently performs tasks/procedures as directed. (See Table)
o Use equipment safely.
o Takes appropriate action in life-threatening situations/emergencies.
o Accurately administers medications by appropriately delegated routes
o Utilizes appropriate infection control and safety measures.
o Acts to prevent harm or injury to patient, self, and others.
o Documents and communicates to RN nursing interventions and patient responses.
o Seeks supervision prior to initiating new or unfamiliar nursing activities and/or with a change in patient condition.

Evaluation:
o Observes, records and reports patient responses to nursing interventions and other relevant data to the RN.
o Assist the RN to evaluate and modify the plant of care.

Patient/Family Education:
o Assists the RN to identify, implement and evaluate age appropriate teaching interventions.
o Reinforce teaching initiated by other members of the healthcare team.

Communication:
o Inform RN of abnormal and/or changing data and patient/family response to interventions.
o Develops and maintains interviewing skills required for data collection.

2. Quality and Safety
• Communicates and documents potential risk issues to appropriate personnel.

• Participates in continuous quality improvement.

• Participates in review and revision of policies, procedures, and standards of care.

• Complies with all safety policies.

3. Accountability
• Advocates for patients and families.

• Appropriately follows the chain of command.

• Adheres to the Memorial Health System Behavioral Standards.

• Identifies annual goals for own professional development.

• Provides constructive feedback to strengthen the Division of Nursing and the employee’s department/unit.

• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.

• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.

5. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.