Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

The licensed practical nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor. Duties may include taking vital signs, recording patient symptoms, administering medications and treatments, and assisting with medical procedures. We are looking for someone with a caring personality, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing quality care to our patients. The licensed practical nurse must have a diploma from an accredited nursing program, and be licensed in the state of employment. You should also take accurate temperatures, pulse, respiration, height, and weight measurements, respond to call lights promptly, change bed linens and perform various housekeeping duties, and perform treatments authorized by the doctor or RN under their direction.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Take patients’ vital signs and monitor their health
• Provide basic care, such as changing bandages
• Help patients bathe and get dressed
• Discuss treatment with patients
• Consult with doctors and other nurses
• Update patients’ health records

Education and experience

Licensed practical nurses need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. They also must complete an approved educational program at a technical school or community college, which usually takes about a year. LPNs also need to pass an exam and be licensed.

Required skills and qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with patients, doctors and staff
• Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
• Physical stamina and emotional stability
• Compassion and a calm, caring demeanor
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Keen attention to detail

Preferred qualifications

• Must have strong observation skills
• Be able to work independently or with a team of healthcare professionals
• Be confident in their abilities to recognize patient needs and respond quickly

Education, experience, and licensure requirements

• Attended an accredited LPN program
• Currently licensed/registered in applicable State. Must maintain an active Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) license in good standing throughout employment.
• Prior health care experience preferred

Specific job requirements

• Proficient computer skills, including Excel and/or other staff scheduling programs
• Advanced knowledge in field of practice
• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Knowledgeable of practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing functions in the post acute care facility
• Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the department
• Perform proficiently in all competency areas including but not limited to: patient rights, safety, and sanitation
• Maintains professional working relationships with all associates, vendors, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
• Understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
• Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Care’s Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training

Duties

• Schedule facility staff at levels determined by DON/ED
• Prepare and maintain records of all shift schedules and communicate clearly to staff
• Understand State requirements and forecasting
• Perform functions of a staff nurse as required
• Exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients
• Assist in the evacuation of patients
• Demonstrate dependable, regular attendance
• Concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
• Communicate and function productively on an interdisciplinary team
• Sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours
• Read, write, speak, and understand the English language

How you’ll contribute

• Triage OB/GYN patients via phone and call patients with test results
• Prepare patients for examination and assists physician during treatment/procedures, examinations, and testing of patients
• Record patients’ medical history, health maintenance, and chief complaint
• Measure, record, and document vital signs
• Where applicable, perform phlebotomy, injections, and other specimen collection per established policies and procedures as directed by the provider
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a provider
• Authorize drug refills as directed
• Educate patients by providing information and instructions as directed by the provider
• Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following, and enforcing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations
• Sterilize medical instruments per established standards and procedures

Who you are

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of one year nursing experience in a clinic environment
• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
• Valid Florida LPN license and BLS/CPR certification
• Ability to work in a stressful environment in deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, provider, and patients in an effective manner
• Ability to use a computer and enter data in electronic medical record system
• Ability to maintain LPN license by successfully completing 24 hours of continuing education hours every two years

Education, experience, and licensure requirements

• Attended an accredited LPN program
• Currently licensed/registered in applicable State. Must maintain an active Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) license in good standing throughout employment
• Prior office experience preferred
• Prior health care experience preferred

Specific job requirements

• Proficient in Point Click Care
• Basic computer skills
• Advanced knowledge in field of practice
• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Knowledgeable of practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing functions in the post acute care facility
• Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the department
• Perform proficiently in all competency areas including but not limited to: patient rights, safety, and sanitation
• Maintains professional working relationships with all associates, vendors, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
• Understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
• Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Care’s Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training

Essential functions

• Communicate with physician and accurately receive and transcribe orders
• File all medical information timely and accurately
• File appropriate patient identification data on designed medical records, wristbands, ID cards, etc., as required
• Schedule appointments for services independently
• Manage telephone calls courteously and efficiently
• Perform functions of a staff nurse as required
• Exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients
• Assist in the evacuation of patients
• Demonstrate dependable, regular attendance
• Concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
• Communicate and function productively on an interdisciplinary team
• Sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours
• Read, write, speak, and understand the English language