LPN (Casual) - T11 Trauma

UPMC•Altoona, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Altoona is seeking a casual Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to support the T11 Trauma unit. The LPN functions as a member of the nursing team, providing direct patient care and related activities in accordance with their education level. They are responsible to the registered nurse for the environmental and physical management of assigned patients, including factual observation and reporting. The LPN administers oral and intravenous medications when assigned by the registered nurse in charge and assists patients in developing their capacities and resolving their specific problems.

Requirements

Must have a temporary permit or a valid license as a practical nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
Must successfully pass the Altoona Hospital pharmacology challenge exam.
Must maintain CPR certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP).
Must complete licensure examination within FOUR MONTHS of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first.
Act 34.
Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.

Nice To Haves

LPNs who have graduated outside the state of PA on any date, or graduated in PA prior to August 25, 2012, and did not complete a PA state approved LPN IV course, the LPN will need to complete a 5-hour online module which is followed by a test and a 3-hour in person course which will be provided by the UPMC Altoona Education Department within 4-months of hire or transfer.

Responsibilities

Prepares patients for meals and nourishment; serves and collects trays; feeds or assists with feedings as directed, including tube feedings; provides fresh water and between meal nourishment.
Performs other assigned work such as cleaning utility room cupboards; collecting and bagging soiled linen; cleaning, sterilizing, and storing instruments and equipment.
Assists patients with toileting; collects and labels specimens for examination. Assists patients in and out of bed in turning, lifting, positioning, and ambulating.
Understands the special needs of patients with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse), and utilizes appropriate assessment and intervention techniques.
Observes, reports, and documents all unusual symptoms, condition changes, and care delivered as directed according to the unit policies.
Provides for recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed.
Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergency situations.
Adheres to universal precautions. Complies with established occupational exposure policies.
Utilizes restraints and protective mechanisms as directed when necessary and completes appropriate documentation.
Handles and stores medications following established procedures.
Cleans and cares for medication cart and supplies.
Keeps team leader informed of problems, observations, and reactions involving medication administration.
Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, topical, and ocular medications as ordered by a licensed physician or dentist under the direct supervision and responsibility of a registered nurse.
Demonstrates knowledge of medications and IV therapy administration according to policy.
Counts narcotic drugs at the end of the shift with a registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse.
Administers PRN medications following assessment by a registered nurse.
Follows procedure accurately for recording all data involving medication administration.
Follows Standards of Practice for use of Pyxis System.
Answers nurse call system and responds appropriately in a timely manner.
Escorts patients to and from designated departments or divisions.
Maintains patient's room and its equipment in an orderly fashion; terminal cleaning of patient unit and equipment in the absence of the environmental service aides.
Assists the registered nurse in the admission of patients and orients patients to their surroundings as directed. Transfers patients and assists registered nurse in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patients according to established policies. Assists other members of the health care team as directed.
Cares for patients in a manner conducive to their safety and comfort; adheres to instructions from registered nurse and established routines.
Gives treatment as assigned by team leader/charge nurse such as catheterizations, catheter irrigations and care; oral, tracheal, and nasal suctioning; enemas; dressing changes; perineal care; etc., in accordance with level of training. Assists with other procedures as directed.