LPN WEEKEND - ADULT INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works as a member of the health-care team, exercising sound nursing judgment while providing direct and indirect care to an assigned group of adult and adolescent behavioral health patients. The LPN works under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and follows the plan of care based on physician orders and RN assessment. Care includes physical care, emotional support, and patient and family education. The position requires availability for both Adult and Adolescent Units. Scheduling is based on operational need and may include rotating shifts, standby, and on-call work. Local travel between system locations may be expected. A special weekend rate applies.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing.
Zero to two years of behavioral-health experience.
Current licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED program.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance.
Strong leadership, organizational, independent and critical-thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of the legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Availability for both Adult and Adolescent Units.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including patient care, mobility, lifting and transfers; assistance from two people and/or a transfer device is required for lifts over 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Previous LPN experience.
Experience in a health-care setting.

Responsibilities

Deliver direct and indirect patient care in accordance with Pennsylvania Practical Nurse Law, hospital policies and procedures, and professional standards.
Assist the RN with admission data collection and focused assessment of patients’ physical, psychosocial, age-related, cultural, and spiritual needs.
Work with the RN to implement individualized, age-specific plans of care and evaluate their effectiveness.
Assist with reassessment and take appropriate action according to patient needs and unit policy.
Involve patients, families, and other health-care providers in care when appropriate.
Complete patient-care activities on schedule and maintain complete, accurate, and timely electronic medical-record documentation.
Observe, record, and report patients’ general physical and mental condition, symptoms, changes, and relevant interpersonal stresses to the appropriate professional.
Perform nursing functions permitted by Pennsylvania regulations, including administering prescribed medications, immunizations, and treatments and preparing and caring for patients receiving specialized treatments.
Assist with patient rehabilitation, encourage activities of daily living within patients’ capabilities, and apply principles of preventing deformities, range of motion, body mechanics, and body alignment.
Assist with patient education, including assessing readiness to learn with the RN, identifying barriers, adapting education, and providing resources tailored to patient needs.
Provide or review written discharge instructions at the RN’s request, supporting discharge planning and continuity of care.
Maintain collaborative relationships with physicians and other health-care providers; communicate pertinent information during care conferences, shift reports, and transfers.
Report changes in patient condition to the RN and confer with the RN when physician contact or a change in the plan of care may be needed.
Participate in unit performance-improvement activities, assist with data collection, and recommend improvements.
Demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, accountability, appropriate delegation, resourcefulness, patient advocacy, and preceptor or mentor effectiveness for new hires or students.
Assist with maintaining or reducing organizational and departmental costs.
Support compliance with state, TJC, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements; participate in survey readiness and the non-punitive medication-reporting system; and account for narcotics according to policy.
Follow infection-control procedures, including standard precautions, to reduce infection risks.
Promote patient safety by using two patient identifiers, involving patients or families in safety processes, minimizing restraints and monitoring and documenting their use when needed, and performing the appropriate code-team role during emergencies or disasters.
Perform other duties as assigned.