Job Description
May work independently or as a part of the multidisciplinary team
•Complete physical and mental health assessments
•develop strategies for helping patients to be as independent as possible
•plan, implement and document physical and mental health nursing care plans
•Evaluate and update nursing care plans as needed
•provide nursing care as needed
•administer and assess the effects of prescribed medications and treatments
•utilize web-based, pyxis and written information to identify drug interactions/contraindications/side effects
•observe and report behavioral changes
•encourage patients to participate in interpersonal and other therapeutic activities to enhance their interpersonal skills
•teach strategies and activities designed to promote both mental and physical wellness
•ability to proficiently perform venipuncture
•interpret laboratory and diagnostic test results and inform physician
•Possess good working knowledge of nursing process and nursing diagnosis, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and basic pharmacology
•Must have deep respect for cultural diversity and its effect on patients response to treatments
•Understanding of healthcare system/structure
•understanding of infection control practices
•knowledge of proper use medical equipment , supplies and materials needed for medical treatment
•Must possess knowledge of techniques and principles of adult, adolescent and geriatric learning and health education
•Must have thorough knowledge of the Patient bill of Rights and act as an advocate in the patient’s behalf at all times
•must adhere to the Texas Nurse Practice Act in all aspects of patient care and interactions with other disciplines
•Must be proficient in time management, problem-solving and interviewing skills, leadership, crisis intervention, analytical, diagnostic and physical assessment skills, nursing case management and utilization skills
•must exhibit skill in maintaining working relationships
•Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
•must be able to proficiently read written physician’s orders and take/transcribe telephone/verbal/written physician’s orders and seek clarification of any orders that may be unclear before implementing these orders
•Conduct individual screenings/triage and seek medical review for potential hospital admission or referral to other healthcare providers as needed
•Obtain and document health history and make nursing diagnosis based on nursing assessment
•Monitor patient response to ordered medical/therapy/nursing interventions and document responses in patient’s medical record
Responsibilities include administering injections and other medications, processing and transcribing medication orders, obtaining medication consents and completing medication education. LVNs may also assist in patient therapeutic interventions or restraints as well as monitoring and assisting in daily patient care. Other duties may include collection of samples for testing or routine laboratory tests, treatment assessment, management of catheters, applying dressings, treating wounds, and monitoring patient’s response to medications while reporting any ineffectiveness of or adverse reactions to medications or treatments. These duties are completed under the supervision of the Registered Nurse who charges the unit.