LPN Preadmissions Surgical Services

Community Health Systems•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses and in collaboration with the healthcare team. The role supports safe, high-quality care in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, professional standards, and state regulations. This full-time, day-shift position supports Surgical Services in the Preadmissions department at Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, Monday through Friday. The LPN assesses patients by phone and in person before procedures or surgery, obtains health histories and information about anesthesia risks, draws labs for pre-procedural testing, and uses critical thinking to identify surgical patients’ knowledge and care needs. Preadmissions duties also include supporting triage, collecting patient history and vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, verifying consent forms, starting IVs if trained and permitted, administering oral pre-medications, and providing patient education under RN guidance. Northwest Medical Center is a 287-bed hospital and Level III Trauma Center with a Women's Center and a large physician group. Its Surgical Services department performs specialized and minimally invasive procedures and includes 16 operating rooms and GI Lab Endoscopy Services. The organization describes a culture of teamwork, respect, and appreciation, with employee appreciation celebrations and opportunities for growth.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience as an LPN in a healthcare setting.
State licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification.
Strong knowledge of nursing principles, medication administration, and patient care practices.
Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and documentation.
Excellent communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities.
Knowledge of safety protocols, infection-control measures, and regulatory requirements.
Adaptability to changes in patient care needs and healthcare practices.
Self-motivation, strong communication skills, and critical-thinking skills.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care under RN supervision, including monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and responding to patient needs.
Conduct focused patient assessments and report changes in patient condition to appropriate team members.
Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and injections in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and safety protocols.
Assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care, interventions, and observations in the medical record.
Educate patients and families about health maintenance, medications, and post-discharge care.
Follow infection-control protocols, safety standards, and healthcare regulations.
Assist with basic procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and specimen collection within scope of practice.
Participate in orientation and training of new staff or nursing students as assigned.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate care.
Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies needed for patient care.
Respond to medical emergencies and support code team interventions within competency.
Support triage and collect patient histories and vital signs in the Preadmissions department.
Prepare patients for procedures, including checking vital signs and verifying consent forms.
Start IVs if trained and permitted, and administer oral pre-medications.
Provide patient education under RN guidance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with policies and standards.