Margarita Sarmiento

LPN DUTIES

Interviews patient about current problems, medications, and allergies and reviews medical record for pertinent previous and current information.

Keeps patients informed of their medical condition and the course of treatment being prescribed by an MD. Participates in patient treatment regimen, including administering medications (under the supervision of a physician and registered nurse).

Establishes and documents patient treatment regimen under supervision of RN or MD and implements treatment as directed.

Performs routine immunizations, nebulizer treatments, and visual acuity testing, and administers and reads TB tests.

Assists in phlebotomy: identifies patient, checks requisition form for requested tests, and prepares equipment, patient and puncture site.

Assists in IV set-up: verifying solution to be administered, evaluating infusion site, checking IV function and patient comfort, and discontinuing IV at appropriate time, as ordered by MD and under supervision of an RN.

Maintains adequate inventory of narcotics after each tour of duty, examination room supplies and prepares exam rooms at the beginning and end of day and between each patient contact.

Performs variety of office responsibilities: answers phones and takes messages and performs triage within scope of licensed practical nursing practice in an accurate and timely manner.

Facilitates and assists in the coordination of patient referrals.

Participates in the orientation and training of new personnel.

Demonstrates commitment to service excellence by consistently adjusting work pace when needed in order to maintain or improve patient care outcomes.

Follows and performs all related unit specific policies and procedures, as detailed on the unit specific competency check-list.

Utilizes job and unit specific equipment as required. Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise).

A licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) caregiver provides direct patient care to the residents and patients of the health and rehabilitation center (skilled nursing home), assisting them in activities of daily living under the direction and supervision of a professional nurse. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Assist in the implementation of individualized treatment plans for each assigned resident

• Supervise CNAs and participate in their evaluation

• Oversee Falls Program and Pressure Sore Program

• Provide nursing services

• Conduct and document a thorough evaluation of each resident's medical status upon admission and throughout the resident's course of treatment

• Other duties as assigned

Meet routinely with supervisors to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.

Develop and modify care plans to reflect health status.

Promote and comply with OSHA programs to maintain safe and clean working environment.

Coordinate care planning, Minimum Data Set processes, and committee meetings.

Collaborate with direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care.

Measure patient outcomes, report results, and take corrective action on variances.

Communicate with patient, family, or caretaker to advise and release instructions.

Support patients by promptly answering calls and offering skilled care.

Educate patients and families on terminal diagnosis, disease process.

Coordinate patient care plans effectively by collaborating with RN supervisor, case manager and physician.

Observe patients, charting, and reporting promptly to RN supervisor and/or provider changes in patients’ conditions such adverse reactions to medications and treatments, including side effects and treatment progress.

Support office team with clerical records keeping and appointments setting.

Evaluate the effectiveness of different nursing interventions and recommend changes to improve patient outcomes.

• Documented patient progress, medication administration, and nursing care using medical charts
• Supported patient care plan development, monitoring implementation progress through scheduled check-ups
• Discussed patient care and discharge instructions and fielded family members' questions before releasing patients
• Checked symptoms and behavior to triage incoming patients
• Administered fluids, cleaned, and dressed wounds for admitted patients to boost recovery
• Observed HIPAA protocols to safeguard patient privacy and confidentiality
• Collected and prepared biological samples for lab testing purposes to identify ailments
• Treated and dressed different wounds and monitored progress before changing dressings
• Used EMR software to record and update patient medical charts
• Administered medications per physicians' orders to in-patient and out-patient patients
• Recorded patient fluid and food intakes and outputs and monitored wellness to report changes
• Kept treatment and personal information confidential to maintain patient privacy
• Trained and mentored nursing students, orderlies, and new team members in organizational policies and care standards
• Charted and reported on changes in the patient's condition, including medication side effects and treatment progress
• Educated patients and families on terminal diagnosis, disease processes, coping mechanisms, and pain management
• Supported office team with clerical recordkeeping and appointment setting
• Evaluated the effectiveness of different nursing interventions and recommended changes to improve patient outcomes
• Administered prescribed medications and started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts
• Developed care plans and supervised services of certified nurse aides
• Monitored post-operative patients, obtaining vital signs and dispensing post-surgical medications ordered by physicians
• Provided basic patient care or treatments such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, and performing catheterizations
• Prepared patients for examinations, tests and treatment, providing ongoing support and comfort to smooth the processes
• Provided comfort measures, pain management, and palliative care for end-stage disease processes
• Observed patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment
• Examined patients and took vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
• Sterilized equipment and supplies to protect patients and staff by minimizing infection risks
• Maintained records and performed clerical duties to document patient progress or response to treatment
• Supported patients by promptly answering calls and offering skilled care
• Perform some skilled procedures as Urodynamics, catheterizations with Foley's, and remove stitches, grapes and sutures at post operatory follow ups.

• Monitored post-operative patients, obtaining vital signs and dispensing post-surgical medications ordered by physicians
• Coordinated patient care plans effectively by collaborating with RN case manager and physician
• Supported patients by promptly answering calls and offering skilled care
• Evaluated the effectiveness of different nursing interventions and recommended changes to improve patient outcomes
• Administered prescribed medications and started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts
• Maintained records and performed clerical duties to document patient progress or response to treatment
• Observed and recorded changes in patient conditions and promptly communicated information to supervising RN
• Provided comfort measures, pain management, and palliative care for end-stage disease processes.

Collect specimens according to established procedures.
Administer oral solutions according to established training.
Research test/client information and confirm and verify all written and electronic orders by utilizing lab technology systems or directory of services.
Responsible for completing all data entry requirements accurately including data entry of patient registration; entry of test order from requisition or pulling order from database; managing Standing Orders.
Enter billing information and collect payments when required, including the safeguarding of assets and credit card information.
Data entry and processing specimens including: labeling, centrifuging, splitting, and freezing specimens as required by test order.
Perform departmental-related clerical duties when assigned such as data entry, inventory, stock supplies, and answer phones when needed.
Read, understand and comply with departmental policies, protocols and procedures: (i.e. Procedure Manuals, Safety Manual, Compliance Manual, Automobile Policies and Procedures, Employee Handbook, Quality Assurance Manual); and ensure that all staff members follow instructions.
Perform verification of patient demographic info / initials including patient signature post-venipuncture to verify tubes were labeled in their presence and that the name on the label is correct.
Assist with compilation and submission of monthly statistics and data.
Maintain all appropriate phlebotomy logs in a timely manner and based on frequency, such as maintenance logs and temperature logs.
Complete training courses and keep up-to-date with the latest phlebotomy techniques.
Perform Point of Care (POC) testing at those sites where needed and the complete training/competency evaluations per Standing Operating Procedure (SOP).
Assist with periodic inventory counts, report shortages and problems to group leader or supervisor as they occur.
Assist with the preparation of schedules for the assigned work group or PSC's.
Communicate professionally with clients to resolve or refer, and document problems, prepare problem documentation and report critical issues as they occur.
Ensure staff is following all safety precautions by wearing a clean, button lab coat, gloves and face shield when required.
Ensure facilities are neat, clean and in good repair, takes appropriate action to advise Group Leader or Supervisor of required repairs and maintenance.