The Practical Nurse (PN) is responsible for providing safe, compassionate, and patient-centered nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The Practical Nurse supports inpatient care activities including bedside nursing care, monitoring patients, assisting with activities of daily living, documentation, infection control, and maintaining patient comfort and safety.
The role focuses on delivering high-quality nursing support while complying with hospital policies, patient safety standards, and scope of practice regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care
- Provide direct bedside nursing care to assigned patients under RN supervision.
- Monitor and record vital signs, intake/output, pain scores, and patient observations.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, feeding, mobility, and elimination.
- Assist in patient admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
- Observe patient condition and promptly report changes to the RN or physician.
- Maintain patient comfort, dignity, privacy, and safety at all times.
Clinical Support
- Assist RNs and physicians during procedures and treatments.
- Perform non-invasive nursing procedures as per hospital policy and scope of practice.
- Collect specimens and transport them as required.
- Prepare patients for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Ensure proper functioning and cleanliness of patient care equipment.
Medication & Treatment Support
- Assist with medication preparation and administration as permitted by regulatory scope and hospital policy.
- Ensure accurate documentation of treatments and nursing care provided.
- Monitor patients for adverse reactions and report immediately.
Documentation
- Document nursing care, observations, and patient responses accurately in the medical record.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Complete required nursing checklists, forms, and reports.
Infection Control & Safety
- Follow infection prevention and control guidelines.
- Adhere to hand hygiene and isolation precautions.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized patient environment.
- Report incidents, hazards, and equipment malfunctions promptly.
Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Participate in shift handovers and nursing huddles.
- Support teamwork and collaborate with healthcare staff to ensure continuity of care.
Quality & Professional Development
- Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
- Attend mandatory trainings, competency assessments, and educational programs.
- Maintain professional conduct and ethical nursing practice.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Nursing / Practical Nursing (minimum 3 years).
- Valid DOH Practical Nurse license/
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Previous inpatient or hospital experience preferred.
