LPN Ortho Nights

Community Health Systems•Gadsden, AL

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential nursing care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and in collaboration with the healthcare team. The LPN supports patient care by conducting assessments, administering medications, and implementing care plans. The role ensures safe, high-quality care in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, professional standards, and state regulations, while contributing to positive patient outcomes. For orthopedics, the LPN assists with mobility, transfers, and assistive devices; applies braces, splints, or slings as directed; provides prescribed pain medication; monitors neurovascular status and reports changes; and supports patient education and discharge instructions under RN guidance. Other specialty duties listed include telemetry, dialysis, and cath lab care, as detailed in the posting. The LPN performs other assigned duties, maintains regular and reliable attendance, and complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

0–1 years of experience as an LPN in a healthcare setting required.
LPN state licensure or LVN licensure required.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification required.
Strong knowledge of nursing principles, medication administration, and patient care practices.
Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and documentation.
Excellent communication skills for interactions 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.
State-specific certification requirements apply: Alabama requires ACLS, PALS, and CPI; Florida requires ACLS, PALS, and NRP; Georgia requires ACLS, PALS, and NRP within 90 days of employment; Indiana requires CPR within 90 days of employment; Mississippi requires ACLS, PALS, and NRP, plus STABLE within 6 months; New Mexico requires ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, and NIH Stroke Scale certification, plus STABLE within 6 months; North Carolina requires ACLS, PALS, and NRP; Oklahoma requires ACLS, PALS, and NRP; Pennsylvania requires ACLS.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred, except where state-specific requirements make it required.

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 accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and safety protocols.
Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care, interventions, and observations in the medical record.
Educate patients and families on health maintenance, medication management, 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.
For orthopedics: assist with mobility and transfers, use assistive devices, apply braces, splints, or slings as directed, provide prescribed pain medication, monitor neurovascular status and report changes, and support patient education and discharge instructions under RN guidance.
For telemetry: record and report cardiac telemetry readings without interpreting them; monitor vital signs, provide basic care, administer medications, support patients with cardiac diagnoses, and report rhythm or condition changes to the RN or provider.
For dialysis: take vital signs, prepare patients for treatment, monitor patients during dialysis and report concerns, provide comfort and reinforce post-treatment instructions, and support mobility and hygiene.
For cath lab: prepare patients for procedures by taking vitals and verifying consent forms; start IVs if trained and permitted; administer oral pre-medications; monitor patients post-procedure, check dressing sites, assist with discharge, and provide patient education under RN guidance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with all policies and standards.