Valley LVN

Where compassion meets innovation and technology and our employees are family.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:
The staff nurse Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a nurse who has a directed scope of practice under supervision of a registered nurse, advance practice registered nurse, physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or dentist. The LVN provides nursing care to an assigned predictable patient population. The LVN, using the nursing process, delivers effective patient care within the Texas scope of practice and within the framework of Driscoll Health System’s vision of excellence and integrated care delivery. The LVN complies within the established standards of practice, policies and clinical guidelines reflective of evidence-based best practice. The practice of the LVN contributes to creating an environment that is patient-focused, family-centered and is designed to provide
continuation of care and patient transition management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or hospital administration as required.

COMMUNICATION- Conveys information and shares ideas using the appropriate techniques to reach different audiences; promotes understanding and open information sharing. Listens actively; solicits and gives constructive and honest feedback. Is sensitive to the needs, ideas, and feelings of others. Develops and maintains rapport with others.

• Adheres to confidentiality guidelines.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients and family using
  individualized interventions to ensure patient comfort and dignity.
• Identifies barriers to learning and reports using chain of command to modify education plan based on needs.
• Uses clear, closed-loop communication that enhances team information sharing and decision making.
• Use chain of command to obtain appropriate health care response as an advocate for the patient.
• Functions as a patient/family advocate, seeking direction as needed to provide safe, effective, efficient, and timely care.
• Documents timely and accurately in the electronic medical record to reflect patients’ response to interventions.

CUSTOMER/PATIENT FOCUS - Understands and anticipates the needs of both internal and external customers. Meets customer needs while remaining a good steward of organizational resources.

• Performs focused assessments to collect data and information, recognizes changes in conditions and follows through with appropriate reporting and actions.
• Implements, and collaborates Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP)/RN to modify
  individualized plan of care that reflects cultural aspects as appropriate of illness/hospitalization to meet patient needs and diagnoses.
• Prioritizes, and organizes care of assigned patients.
• Involves the patient and family in healthcare decisions and reports needs to the LIP/RN to plan care as appropriate.
• Reports pertinent patient response to interventions based on evidence-based best practice.
• After competency validation, administers medications and other therapeutic treatments according to scope of practice and as ordered. Recognizes abnormal responses
  to medication therapy and reports using chain of command immediately.
• Seeks assistance for correlating clinical picture to therapeutic treatment plan.
• Selects and uses appropriate equipment, devices, and supplies based on the patient’s needs and plan.
• Ensures the correct functioning of equipment and identifies deficits and reports appropriately.
• Participates in clinical research by following specific protocols
  .

TEAMWORK- Fully participates in maintaining a positive team environment that is conducive to customer satisfaction. Build trust among co-workers, focusing on accomplishing hospital and departmental goals. Works effectively with a diverse group of people in pursuit of the organization’s goals. Shifts personal goals when necessary to focus on group objectives. Looks for ways to help others and to support their work. Initiates warm transfer techniques to refer customer service concerns to the right individual; does not display “it’s not my job” attitude. Values others’ contributions and shows respect for all individuals throughout the organization. Can be counted on by others.

• Demonstrates flexibility in staffing and scheduling to meet departmental needs.
• Supports real time staffing decisions and assignments for the greater good.
• Supports goals through participation and compliance in departmental activities and decision-making.
• Participates in improving patient care by engaging in reviewing and supporting practice change based on evidence-based practice.
• Maintains and respects relationships, and builds rapport with peers and
  leadership.

ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes responsibility and ownership for delivering results through personal initiative and commitment. Willing to make recommendations and assume additional responsibilities. Organizes work and uses time efficiently. Takes the initiative to find additional work dining slow or downtimes. Recommends innovative ways of doing work more efficiently and effectively.

• Complies with and supports regulatory and organizational policies and professional standards.
• Completes required ongoing development and education, competency, certifications as required.
• Recognizes personal limitations and seeks guidance.
• Participate in Quality Improvement.

LEADERSHIP- Exhibits confidence in self and others, inspiring respect and trust. Reacts effectively under pressure, and motivates others to perform well. Demonstrates the ability to change behaviors and plans to meet rapidly changing/ competing job demands (new or unusual situations). Receives change as a challenge. Revises plans to meet changing circumstances.

• Ensures safe care by using effective communication and interactions with the health care team.
• Identifies conflict and helps to initiate resolution, seeking assistance when appropriate.
• May make assignments for unlicensed assistive personnel who are overseen and under the delegation of an RN/MD

LICENSE, EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Current LVN license in the State of Texas.

CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

• BLS required before hire and continuously maintained ongoing