Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Hospital LPN Job Description - Essential Responsibilities

Sep 13, 2026

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) job description outlining nursing care delivery for patients with routine complex medical problems under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role supports assessment, contributes to computerized plans of care, provides direct patient care using the nursing process, implements patient/family teaching protocols, assists with discharge planning, and helps with ADLs, treatments, safety, comfort, and dignity. It also emphasizes accurate documentation, patient information communication, guiding behaviors, adherence to safety policies, and evidence-based care, plus professional conduct, attendance, and participation in CQI and development activities. Qualifications cover accredited practical nursing education, active Iowa LPN licensure, IV therapy certification readiness, BLS/CPR, bedside skills, medication administration, communication, computer basics, and physical/cognitive capability details.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Summary

Organization Summary

Reports to

Supervises

Key Working Relationships

Essential Functions

Patient Assessment and Care Planning

Direct Patient Care and Teaching

Documentation and Guiding Behaviors

Additional Functions

Position Qualifications

Education

Experience

Special Skills & Aptitudes

Essential Physical/Cognitive Requirements

Working Conditions and Physical Demands Worksheet

Status Active PolicyStat ID 16967866 Origination Last Approved Effective Last Revised Next Review 04/2024 11/2024 11/2024 04/2024 11/2025 Owner Department Applicability JOSHUA Steinberg: Director Nursing Mitchell County Regional Health Center Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description I. JOB SUMMARY Provides nursing care to patients and assists in caring for patients with routine complex medical problems through the use of the nursing process, under the direction of the Registered Nurse. II. ORGANIZATION SUMMARY A. Reports to: Director of Acute Care Services and Assistant Administrator/CNO B. Supervises: None C. Key Working Relationships: Patients and families, nursing staff, PHO department staff, physicians. D. Primary Customer Groups: Patients, families, physicians, PHO staff. E. Age of Patients Served: | | Neonatal | | Adolescent | | Geriatric | | Not Applicable | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Pediatric | | Adult | X | All Ages | | | III. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS A. Assists the RN in assessing patients and identifying physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, environmental, and educational needs. B. Contributes information to the formulation of a computerized plan of care. Assists in implementing and evaluating the plan of care based on nursing principles, practice guidelines, protocols, and standards. C. Provides direct patient care, which reflects use of the nursing process. D. Implements teaching protocols for the patient/family, based on the assessment, and the developed teaching plan. E. Assists in assessing discharge needs and developing discharge plans. F. Assists patients in their ADLs and performs routine skills or treatments that provides for patient care, comfort, safety and dignity. G. Assists in promotion of nutritional needs of patients. H. Records and communicates patient information in an accurate, timely manner to the responsible RN. I. Demonstrates Guiding Behaviors in all interactions with all parties. J. Supports and abides by all PHO departmental and safety policies and procedures. K. Performs other responsibilities as requested by the registered nurse, Director of Acute Care Services, CNO, and/or Administrative Team. L. Provides competent, evidence-based patient care to the above-indicated patient populations. M. Acts in a professional manner reflecting the mission, philosophy and values of Mitchell County Regional Health Center and Mercy Health Network. N. Adapts positively to the ever changing health care environment by supporting technology and process changes. O. Documents patient information in the electronic/paper record in an accurate, timely manner. P. Maintains active log-ons/passwords for computer software systems that support patient care and education. Q. Regular and reliable attendance is expected. R. Participates in activities which promote evidence-based, best practice patient care, nursing development, and professional growth. IV. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS A. Attends departmental/hospital in-services and meetings as required or requested. B. Assists in CQI activities and process improvements. V. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS A. Education: 1. Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing. 2. Current LPN license in the State of Iowa. 3. Current IV Therapy Certification or willing to obtain within 1 year of hire. B. Experience: 1. Previous acute care experience is preferred. C. Special Skills & Aptitudes: 1. Demonstrates ability and knowledge in bedside nursing skills and administration of medications. 2. Demonstrates communication skills and promotes good working relationships with co-workers. 3. Ability to recognize personal learning needs and follows through to gain new competencies. 4. Current certification in BLS/CPR for Health Care Provider Certification. 5. Must have basic computer skills. VI. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE REQUIREME

FAQs

Who does the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) report to and what is their supervisory responsibility?

The LPN reports to the Director of Acute Care Services and Assistant Administrator/CNO, and supervises none.

What are the essential responsibilities of the LPN in this role?

The LPN assists the RN with patient assessments, contributes to computerized care planning, provides direct patient care, implements teaching protocols, supports discharge planning, assists with ADLs, and records and communicates patient information accurately and timely.

What qualifications and certifications are required for the LPN position?

The role requires graduation from an accredited practical nursing program, a current Iowa LPN license, and current IV therapy certification or willingness to obtain it within 1 year. BLS/CPR for Health Care Provider certification and basic computer skills are also required.

Sep 13, 2026

Upload by Bill Black