Licensed Practical Nurse - Emergency Department

WellSpan Health•Chambersburg, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse functions as an integral part of the patient care team by providing and being accountable for direct patient care under the supervision of the registered nurse. The LPN III role includes IV therapy and reflects the full scope of the practice as outlined in the 1990 and future revisions / additions of the PA Practical Nurse Law. Included is recognition and treatment of the physical and psychosocial changes unique to the age/population group served on the specific unit. This is a PRN position in a 30-bed Emergency Care Unit, a fast-paced, high-acuity unit with approximately 155 visits per day and over 55,000 annual visits. ACLS, PALS, and EKG are provided. An orientation program facilitated by a Clinical Educator, focused on Emergency Nursing especially for the novice nurse, is offered. The Emergency Nursing Association (ENA) orientation curriculum is also available online. PRN staff will need to work a minimum of 24 hours off-shift per 6-week schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed. Shift and Weekend Differential are eligible.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical / Vocational Nursing required.
Evidence of participation in educational programs to update and maintain current knowledge and clinical skills.
Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.
Eligible for / or currently licensed as a Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania.
CPR certification required.

Nice To Haves

Previous nursing experience in specialty area preferred.
Cath Lab: Critical Care and/or Emergency Room experienced required. Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiac Cath Lab experience preferred.
Emergency Department: Emergency Department and/or Urgent Care experience preferred.
Successful completion of EKG class with minimum score of 80% required within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
Accurately transcribes physician’s orders within scope of practice.
Completes chart check to ensure no missed orders.
Demonstrates therapeutic communication skills.
Demonstrates involvement in unit by attending 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services for area.
Demonstrates ability to communicate pertinent information to the Registered Nurse.
Acts as a resource person regarding patient care, specialty area, orientation and teaching of staff.
Assumes responsibility and accountability for assisting in the completion of patient admission and documentation throughout hospitalization.
Collects data, identifies priority problems and documents on the Plan of Care in PCS.
Effective problem-solving skills related to patient status.
Identifies critical factors evidencing changes in patient condition and responds appropriately and reports to the Registered Nurse.
Collaborates with the Registered Nurse to identify and initiate appropriate interventions to deal with problems/needs/education.
Initiates and maintains Intravenous Therapy according to IV standards.
Safely administers medications within the practice setting.
Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others. Safely positions, transfers & transports patients.
Functions as a virtual nurse as assigned which includes, but is not limited to, admissions, discharges, education, documentation through a virtual platform and working collaboratively with the bedside nursing staff.
Collects complaint-focused data and thoroughly documents in EMR. Reports pertinent data findings to RN and/or physician.
Understands role and responsibility of prompt reporting to the RN and/or provider of physical, emotional, sexual abuse and/or neglect.
Documents interventions according to approved departmental format.
Clinical knowledge and skills remain current to meet the unique needs of the infant, pediatric, adult, and older adult patient related to functional capacity, physical limitations, psychosocial needs, and age/population-associated illnesses.
Efficiently operates and maintains equipment used in assigned duties.
Successfully completes annual ED skills day for all other unit specific competencies and reviews.
Works in collaboration with the Emergency Department provider to deliver care to patients assigned to basic care.
Accurately applies orthopedic splints and dressings with associated patient/family teaching as directed.
Accurately completes and transmits 12 lead EKGs.
Demonstrates proficient phlebotomy skills on all age groups and processes specimens to assure proper handling, labeling, and EDM documentation.