LPN (Weekends) - T11 Trauma

UPMC•Altoona, PA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Altoona is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse to work weekends on our T11 Trauma unit! This is a full-time, weekends-only position, offering any shift from 3pm Friday to 7am Monday, totaling 24 hours per weekend. A minimum of 6 months of experience is required to qualify for the weekend program. Unit-based weekend LPNs, working in one department, are eligible for a 20% differential percentage. Eligible participants must work 48 weekends per year, 24 hours per weekend (either two 12-hour or three 8-hour shifts per weekend), between the hours of Friday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7 a.m. Tower 11 is a 44-bed, orthopedic, trauma, neurological, medical-surgical monitored unit, serving the adult population. It is the unit of choice for patients with orthopedic surgeries, neurological surgeries, fractures, trauma, neurological disorders, and medical cases. The unit is trained in caring for complex fractures and post-operative care of joint replacements. The T11 unit is described as a special place to work due to its amazing team of Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physicians, and Case Management, who collaborate to provide exceptional patient care to a diverse patient population.

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.
UPMC requires that GPNs take the licensure examination within 4 months of their start date or they will be terminated or demoted from the GPN position, at the discretion of the BU.
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.
Count narcotic drug at end of shift with registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse.
Administers PRN medications following assessment by 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 patient 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.