Licensed Practical Nurse 36 days, 7a-7p

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

3d•$27 - $40

About The Position

Under the direction of a registered nurse, the licensed practical nurse and graduate practical nurse functions within the team as a professional caregiver, providing quality care to patients and their families. The role involves collecting data, collaborating with the RN in planning patient care, implementing the plan, and assisting in evaluating outcomes. The position is in the Respiratory Care Unit at Hospital for Special Care and is scheduled for 36 hours per week on the first shift, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The work takes place indoors in an often noisy and distracting environment, with occasional outdoor work. The schedule may fluctuate frequently and unpredictably. The role involves continuous interaction with others and responding to emergencies. Possible exposures include bloodborne and airborne pathogens, body fluids, infections and contagious diseases, latex, antineoplastic drugs, and other hazardous drugs. Employees may be required to float to other patient care units or departments based on operational and patient care needs, provided they have the required competencies and qualifications. Physical demands include continuous walking, standing, bending, and reaching, with periodic sitting; occasional climbing, squatting, and kneeling; lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds continuously, 20 pounds frequently, and up to 40 pounds for patient transfers and bed mobility; and pushing or pulling up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. Frequent gross, fine motor, and sensory skills are needed to pass medications, perform assessments and treatments, and handle patient-care equipment. Cognitive demands include independent problem identification, abstract reasoning, adaptability, quick decision-making, concentration, written and verbal communication, reading and auditory comprehension, familiarity with medical terminology and documentation, and arithmetic skills.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited licensed practical nurse program.
Current licensure as a licensed practical nurse in the State of Connecticut.
Ability to meet the physical, cognitive, communication, and work demands described for the role, including responding to emergencies.
Ability to float to other patient-care units or departments when required, provided the employee has the competencies and qualifications for the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Valid/current CPR certification; the posting says it is required within three months of employment.
At least one year of LPN experience in a medical/surgical or long-term care setting.

Responsibilities

Assist the registered nurse, as delegated and within scope of practice, in collecting data.
Collaborate with the RN to form a prioritized, goal-directed plan of care based on anticipated patient outcomes.
Collaborate with the RN in developing a discharge plan consistent with the patient’s progression through the continuum of care.
Organize and prioritize patient care and demonstrate competency in psychomotor skills.
Respond appropriately to emergencies according to Hospital for Special Care policy and protocol.
Provide direct care that accounts for patients’ disabilities, ages, developmental levels, and cultural backgrounds.
Recognize changes in a patient’s condition and communicate them to the RN.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and identify and use appropriate resources to deliver patient care.
Collaborate with the RN and physician, physician assistant, or APRN to evaluate or revise a patient’s medical plan of care.
Plan for discharge and education needs and provide necessary materials, referrals, and resources to patients, families, and caregivers.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and/or external agencies to support effective discharge outcomes.
Administer medications according to hospital policies and standards and document medication administration.
Document patient data, plans of care, interventions, education, interdisciplinary communication, and outcomes in collaboration with the RN as needed.
Participate in admission, discharge, and transfer processes.
Perform assigned patient-care activities according to Hospital for Special Care standards and adhere to nursing and multidisciplinary standards, policies, and protocols.
Complete assignments within required time frames and attend staff meetings.
Adhere to regulatory agency guidelines and standards.
Serve as a resource to unit staff and students on clinical affiliations.
Attend internal or external educational in-services and conferences to further knowledge.