Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN General)

Job Title:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Summary:

Provides nursing care within the scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4723.01(F). Works under the direction of a Registered Nurse, licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, or chiropractor. Responsible for direct patient care, medication administration, documentation, and support of lower-level nursing staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Nursing Care & Medical Procedures

Administers nursing care within scope of practice (e.g., oxygen therapy, sterile dressings, catheterization, gastrotomy tube care, suctioning, irrigation, enemas, douches).

Collects specimens and assists with dialysis treatments, operating hemodialysis equipment under supervision.

Assists physicians with exams, treatments, and laboratory procedures.

Provides first aid, CPR, and emergency care when required.

Administers controlled and non-controlled medications (oral, topical, intramuscular, subcutaneous) and provides medication instructions to patients.

2. Medication Management & Documentation

Maintains medication accountability and patient records.

Prepares, counts, and stocks medications; maintains medical equipment and supplies.

Observes, documents, and reports patient conditions, responses to treatment, and unusual incidents.

Maintains seclusion/restraint logs, patient kardex, and team plans.

3. Direct Care & Patient Support

Assists with vital signs, personal grooming, bathing, and daily living activities.

Administers topical ointments, eye/ear/nose drops; repositions patients; responds to alarms.

Escorts patients to medical appointments and recreational activities; provides structured activities as outlined in treatment plans.

4. Staff Support & Training

Provides guidance, orientation, and supervision to lower-level direct care staff (hospital aides, psychiatric attendants).

Participates in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and in-service training programs.

5. Administrative & Operational Duties

Orders medications and medical supplies; maintains cleanliness of nurse station and medication rooms/carts.

Performs clerical duties including answering phones and filing.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of practical nursing procedures, pharmacology, first aid, CPR, hospital/clinic practices, HIPAA regulations, and human relations.

Skill in medical equipment operation (respirator, dialysis machine, sterilizer, oxygen equipment, BP cuff) and hypodermic administration.

Ability to recognize emergency situations, take appropriate action, follow instructions, and maintain professional rapport with patients.

Physical dexterity to administer injections, perform treatments, and reposition or restrain patients when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

License to practice as an LPN in Ohio issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Completion of an approved course in medication administration.

LPNs administering dialysis must possess Certification in IV Therapy pursuant to Section 4723.17 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Training & Development

Biennial renewal of LPN licensure.

Maintain CPR certification.

Unusual Working Conditions

Rotating nights, weekends, and holidays; may require mandatory overtime.

Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and unpredictable patient behavior.

May require travel to community sites under contract with the Department of Mental Health or Department of Developmental Disabilities.