Description

LPN – Medical Surgical Unit

Department: Medical Surgical Unit

Reports To: MedSurg Department Manager / Charge Nurse / Chief Nursing Officer

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The MedSurg Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) on the Medical Surgical Unit. This role is responsible for administering medications, monitoring patient conditions, performing basic nursing procedures, and supporting the interdisciplinary team to ensure quality, safe, and compassionate care. The MedSurg LPN helps maintain patient flow, assists with admissions, discharges, and transfers, and ensures accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·         Provide direct nursing care, including medication administration, treatments, vital signs, wound care, and specimen collection.

·         Observe and document patients' physical and emotional status and report significant findings to the RN or provider.

·         Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.

·         Support patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, nutrition, and mobility.

·         Maintain compliance with infection control, safety, and patient care standards.

·         Collaborate with RNs, CNAs, providers, and other team members to carry out individualized care plans.

·         Complete assigned tasks and treatments accurately and within designated timeframes.

·         Administer medications safely and accurately, verifying high risk medications with an RN per hospital policy.

·         Participate in patient education and reinforce instructions provided by RNs or physicians.

·         Maintain professional communication, teamwork, and a respectful attitude toward patients, families, and coworkers.

·         Participate in shift huddles, safety rounds, and staff meetings to promote unit wide communication and safety.

·         Assist in emergency situations under the direction of an RN or provider.

·         Maintain supply levels and ensure equipment is clean, functional, and properly stored.

·         Follow hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards for Critical Access Hospitals.

·         Maintain competencies and participate in required continuing education and skills validation.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of Arkansas (or compact state).

·         Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

·         Minimum 1 year of nursing experience preferred, especially in a hospital or acute care setting.

·         Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and communicate promptly.

·         Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.

Physical Requirements

·         Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.

·         Able to lift and support at least 50 lbs.

·         Able to respond rapidly to medical emergencies or changes in patient status.

Work Environment

·         Fast paced, team oriented acute care hospital unit.

·         Exposure to infectious diseases, biohazards, and bodily fluids.

·         Twelve hour shifts, rotating weekends and holidays as needed.

Core Values

·         Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and compassionate service.

·         Teamwork, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions.

·         Respect for the dignity and well being of every patient.

Requirements

·         Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of Arkansas (or compact state).

·         Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

·         Minimum 1 year of nursing experience preferred, especially in a hospital or acute care setting.

Summary

The MedSurg Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) on the Medical Surgical Unit. This role is responsible for administering medications, monitoring patient conditions, performing basic nursing procedures, and supporting the interdisciplinary team to ensure quality, safe, and compassionate care. The MedSurg LPN helps maintain patient flow, assists with admissions, discharges, and transfers, and ensures accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR).