Licensed Practical Nurse

General Summary

Under moderate supervision, performs as a licensed patient care provider who has thorough knowledge of scientific principles, methods and technical skills. All work is performed under direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Mission

All employees are responsible for extending the mission and values of Baltimore Washington Medical Center by dedicating oneself to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the communities we serve.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to Registered Nurse

Competency Assessment Process

• Demonstrates specialty specific competencies.
• Demonstrates competencies required as outlined in the departmental performance standards.
  • Maintains safe environment utilizing appropriate equipment and safety devices.
  • Recognizes vital signs that fall outside of normal limits.
  • Recognizes the potential for abuse or neglect.
  • Demonstrates knowledge base and actions in the care of age specific populations.
• Demonstrates an awareness of own learning needs and seeks ways to meet these in order to maintain competency and respond to departmental demands.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates as a member of the patient care team by providing direct patient care under the supervision of the RN.
• Maintains accountability for meeting basic physical, psychosocial and environmental needs of the patient.
• Performs any and all duties involving direct patient care as assigned by the RN within guidelines provided by the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and hospital policies and procedures.
• Performs unit documentation which is timely, accurate, concise, legible, and in accordance with performance standards and guidelines for use of the clinical information system.
• Maintains effective communication with all levels of the patient care team utilizing lines of authority appropriately.
• Formulates and maintains effective working relationships with all healthcare team members, patients, and significant others.
• Participates in development and attainment of unit and department of nursing goals/standards.
• Attends hospital and departmental meetings as required or assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of Practical Nursing, current LPN licensure by the Maryland State Board of Nurses required. Recent appropriate nursing practice (within past 5 years) or refresher course within the past six (6) months. American Heart Association (AHA) BLS required. Must meet unit specific certification as required such as (PALS, ACLS, NRP).

Working Conditions

Works inside. May be exposed to frequent interruptions and multiple crisis situations. Potential for regular exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials, such as chemicals and cleaning agents, requiring the observation of Standard (Universal) Precautions and safe handling practices. May be physically and verbally abused by patients. Expected to work on rotating shifts including weekends and holidays as necessary. May be expected to work on other than regular unit to provide adequate staffing, if the need arises. This position has been classified as medium exposure risk and requires the completion of an annual respirator mask fitting.

Physical Requirements

Standing, sitting, bending, and walking is required three (3) to five (5) hours/shift. Involves heavy (up to and in excess of one hundred 100 pounds) lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift, in accordance with Safe Patient Lifting policy.

Requires appropriate listening and speaking skills to converse with patients, staff, visitors, and physicians. Requires hearing/listening to differentiate sounds zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift. Visual acuity is necessary to read labels, charts, document, and use various instruments/equipment zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift.