Licensed Vocational Nurse

Job Summary: Under general supervision, provides para-professional nursing care to patients in the Hospital or clinic; administers prescribed medications and treatments to patients; provides bedside care for patients; assists physicians in physical examinations. Performs related duties as required.
 

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are performed by each individual in the classification.

1.  Administers care according to designated instructions and nursing care plans; irrigates eyes, ears, nose, and other areas; applies dressings to wounds; gives enemas; catheterizes patients; gives tracheotomy care and maintains sterile techniques.
2.  Assists physicians/clinicians in examinations and medical/clinical procedures. May assist in a variety of medical/specialty clinics; prepares patient for examinations and positions them as required; instructs and counsels patients regarding tests and collection of specimens; assures proper handling and transporting of laboratory specimens.
3.  Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity and rights of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
4.  Identifies patient care problems and communicates them to the RN. - If assigned to a telemetry unit, monitors telemetry units and alerts primary nurse staff of changes in underlying rhythms and of any life threatening arrhythmias that may develop; interprets and posts telemetry strips at the hours specified; admits and discharges patients with telemetry units as appropriate.
5.  Maintains current knowledge/certification/licensure per hospital policy and pursues professional growth and development. 

6.  Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of data collected (i.e., patients' vital signs and I&Os). 

7.  Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team, to ensure quality care. 

8.  May maintain a treatment, utility or equipment room; prepares sterile dressings and treatment sets. May supervise a small group of Nursing Assistants and/or medical assistants. In the absence of a Registered Nurse, may have responsibility for a shift on a ward or in the clinic.
9.  Obtains patient histories; takes patients’ vital signs and may test urine. Draws blood samples from patients. Keeps accurate patient records. 

10. Provides bedside care including bathing, changing patients’ clothing and other patient hygiene procedures. Turns patients to prevent bed sores. Assists patients in special equipment such as respirators and rocking beds. Transfers patients from one piece of equipment to another. Assists patients in motion exercises and other prescribed treatment; participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and their families.
11. Reads patient charts and records to note condition of patients and treatments; medications, special diets, and procedures ordered by physicians. Prepares, administers and records prescribed medications, injections and treatments under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse; observes and reports any deviation in patient’s condition from the normal to a physician or registered nurse.
 

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited LVN program.

Minimum Experience: Graduate from a school of vocational nursing within the last twelve months prior to hire date, or have had recent vocational nursing refresher courses, or have had recent related experience in an acute facility or Employee Health Services (a combination of education and experience acceptable).

Required Licenses/Certifications: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification - issued by AHA - American Heart Association. (As required by assigned unit)

Required Licenses/Certifications: BLS - Basic Life Support Certification issued by the American Heart Association. Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Completion of cardiac arrhythmia interpretation course and demonstration of sufficient proficiency in practice; must pass cardiac monitoring/EKG test with 90% proficiency or greater (required for certain positions).

Required Licenses/Certifications: CPI -Crisis Prevention Intervention Training (required for all positions at John George Psychiatric Pavilion; and certain positions in the Emergency Department).

Required Licenses/Certifications: NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification- AHA American Heart Association (required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies).

Required Licenses/Certifications: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification- AHA American Heart Association (Required for Emergency Department or if overseeing or providing pediatric care on a regular basis).

Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of California.