Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Neuro/Med-Surg

Trinity Health•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works collaboratively with the health care team in partnership with and under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. Using Relationship-Based Care principles and the applicable scope of practice in Michigan, the LPN implements specific aspects of the nursing process and performs and coordinates direct care for an assigned group of patients. The position includes authorized medication administration and demonstration of unit and area competencies. The LPN does not delegate tasks to or supervise other licensed or non-licensed health professionals and supports unit-based shared governance and excellence in patient care. The role is on 6 South, a 35-bed medical neuroscience unit caring for patients with medical and neurological diagnoses, including patients requiring telemetry monitoring, as well as neuro-surgical patients. The position is full-time, with 12-hour night shifts, a weekend rotation, and holiday commitment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of specialized nursing education and proof of successful completion of a pharmacology course.
Current and active license to practice as an LPN in the State of Michigan.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or ability to obtain it during orientation and maintain it.
Ability to apply nursing techniques within defined responsibilities to meet patient and family needs.
Awareness of Michigan health professionals' scopes of practice and of the LPN role and relationship to the RN.
Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, families, and coworkers.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for over 90% of work time.
Ability to walk and stand for up to 90% of work time.
Ability to frequently lift, turn, and position patients.

Responsibilities

Perform nursing interventions delegated by the RN and/or physician to support treatment goals, using the interdisciplinary plan of care, and promptly report patient-condition changes, feedback, and follow-up to the RN.
Obtain clinical data from patients, families, or significant others.
Administer medications competently and provide patients with information about planned procedures and treatments to reduce anxiety and encourage participation.
Perform delegated activities including venipuncture for specimens and blood cultures; starting and discontinuing peripheral short intravenous catheters; inserting and discontinuing indwelling and intermittent clean urinary catheters; obtaining laboratory specimens; and performing basic laboratory procedures such as point-of-care blood glucose testing, stool sampling, and sputum collection.
Perform basic bedside care and selected procedures under RN supervision, including 12-lead ECGs, dressing changes, routine respiratory care, vital signs, and recognition, reporting, and intervention for life-threatening conditions.
Administer physician-directed treatments such as eye irrigation and perform unit-specific activities of daily living appropriate to the patient's condition.
Respond to patient requests promptly, introduce self, and explain care measures.
Perform competency-based point-of-care testing and monitoring.
Record patient information and required data for documentation and charge capture.
Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures and participate in unit activities that improve quality of care.
Maintain patient, physician, employee, and visitor confidentiality and discuss patient and hospital information only with appropriate personnel in private, in accordance with HIPAA.
Pursue ongoing learning to maintain current practice, develop professionally, and maintain skills and competence; seek and incorporate feedback, including through self-appraisal.
Maintain a clean environment and clean, maintain, and stock equipment and supplies according to unit procedures.
Maintain cooperative relationships, address conflict constructively, help identify problems and solutions, and participate in resolving issues.
Behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Service Excellence Standards, and the health system's mission, vision, and values.
Perform job duties safely, use proper body mechanics, and promptly report preventable hazards and unsafe practices to management.
Participate in unit-based and other committees and initiatives promoting patient and workplace safety, optimal outcomes, and satisfaction.
Perform other assigned duties, which may vary by unit, patient type and needs, and treatment complexity, and may include non-clinical duties supporting patients and the care team.