DUTIES

Provide skilled nursing care, under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.

Perform selected skilled actions in the provision of curative, rehabilitative, palliative, or preventative nursing care.

Is responsible, and accountable, for making decisions that are based on the individual's nursing experience and educational preparation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the Registered Nurse in carrying out the plan of care.

Assist the Registered Nurse in performing specialized procedures, as directed, by the Registered Nurse under physician's orders.

Assist with the preparation, implementation, and continuing evaluation of the patient care plan.

Recognize, and understand, the effects of social and economic problems upon patients and provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients.

Help teach the patient the appropriate self-care techniques.

Foster cooperative effort, among personnel, by understanding the functions of other persons involved in patient care and by active participation in team and staff conferences.

Assume responsibility for personal and vocational growth and development, through active participation in nursing organizations and participating in in-service programs and other on the job learning.

Prepare clinical and progress notes (not to include admission).

Observe, record, and report, to the appropriate person, patient symptoms, reactions, and changes including:

• The general physical and mental condition of patients and signs and symptoms, which may be indicative of changes in condition.

• Stresses in human relationships, between the patients and staff personnel, and between patients and their families and visitors.

Assist with the rehabilitation of patients, according to the medical care plan, by encouraging the interests and special aptitudes of the patient and encouraging patients to help themselves using their own capabilities.

Further assist, in rehabilitation, by reporting any abnormality in the patient’s range of motion, body mechanics, or body alignment.

Actively participate in nursing organizations; promote, and participate in, in-service programs.

TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES

The Licensed Practical Nurse, with the education and proven clinical competence, may perform certain treatments/procedures, provided the Home Health Agency’s policies and the State’s Regulatory Acts allow their performance. Only advance LPNs, with documented skill in performing these functions, may:

• Administer medications

• Hang I.V.s premixed with medications

• Hang hydrating fluid without medications

• Start peripheral I.V.s

• Flush peripheral lines with saline or heparin solutions

• Inspect insertion sites, change dressings, and remove peripheral I.V. needles/catheters

• Calculate and adjust flow rates

• Check blood with a Registered Nurse