General Summary

Under moderate supervision, performs as a licensed patient care provider who has thorough knowledge of scientific principles, methods and technical skills. All work is performed under direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Mission

All employees are responsible for extending the mission and values of Baltimore Washington Medical Center by dedicating oneself to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the communities we serve.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to Registered Nurse

Competency Assessment Process

• Demonstrates specialty specific competencies.
• Demonstrates competencies required as outlined in the departmental performance standards.
  • Maintains safe environment utilizing appropriate equipment and safety devices.
  • Recognizes vital signs that fall outside of normal limits.
  • Recognizes the potential for abuse or neglect.
  • Demonstrates knowledge base and actions in the care of age specific populations.
• Demonstrates an awareness of own learning needs and seeks ways to meet these in order to maintain competency and respond to departmental demands.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates as a member of the patient care team by providing direct patient care under the supervision of the RN.
• Maintains accountability for meeting basic physical, psychosocial and environmental needs of the patient.
• Performs any and all duties involving direct patient care as assigned by the RN within guidelines provided by the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and hospital policies and procedures.
• Performs unit documentation which is timely, accurate, concise, legible, and in accordance with performance standards and guidelines for use of the clinical information system.
• Maintains effective communication with all levels of the patient care team utilizing lines of authority appropriately.
• Formulates and maintains effective working relationships with all healthcare team members, patients, and significant others.
• Participates in development and attainment of unit and department of nursing goals/standards.
• Attends hospital and departmental meetings as required or assigned.

Experience the highest level of appreciation at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center — named Top Workplace in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun two years in a row (2019 & 2020); Top Workplace in the USA for 2021! As part of the acclaimed University of Maryland Medical System, our facility is one of three ANCC Pathway to Excellence® designated hospitals in Maryland. UM BWMC features one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, as well as a team of experts who care for our community and one another. The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve.

Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we’re home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians.

Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland’s health. Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of Practical Nursing, current LPN licensure by the Maryland State Board of Nurses required. Recent appropriate nursing practice (within past 5 years) or refresher course within the past six (6) months. American Heart Association (AHA) BLS required. Must meet unit specific certification as required such as (PALS, ACLS, NRP).

Working Conditions

Works inside. May be exposed to frequent interruptions and multiple crisis situations. Potential for regular exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials, such as chemicals and cleaning agents, requiring the observation of Standard (Universal) Precautions and safe handling practices. May be physically and verbally abused by patients. Expected to work on rotating shifts including weekends and holidays as necessary. May be expected to work on other than regular unit to provide adequate staffing, if the need arises. This position has been classified as medium exposure risk and requires the completion of an annual respirator mask fitting.

Physical Requirements

Standing, sitting, bending, and walking is required three (3) to five (5) hours/shift. Involves heavy (up to and in excess of one hundred 100 pounds) lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift, in accordance with Safe Patient Lifting policy.

Requires appropriate listening and speaking skills to converse with patients, staff, visitors, and physicians. Requires hearing/listening to differentiate sounds zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift. Visual acuity is necessary to read labels, charts, document, and use various instruments/equipment zero (0) to three (3) hours/shift.

4South is a 24-bed acute Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Kaiser Permanente unit with remote telemetry capabilities. The unit provides 24-hour compassionate nursing care to a diverse patient population. We accept patients admitted with diagnoses such as, but not limited to Stroke, Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cellulitis, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Sepsis, Infectious Diseases, Various Gastrointestinal Disorders, Renal Failure and General Surgical Needs. Nursing care follows the Relationship Based Care Model. This model emphasizes the importance of the relationships between the nurses, patients, and families. Whenever possible, the patient and family are included in the plan of care, treatment and setting of goals during their hospitalization. We have a very active Unit Practice Council and we also promote and encourage our team members to apply for advancement on our Professional Advancement Model. 4 South also incorporates virtual nursing into their workflow. Virtual nurses are responsible for completing admissions, discharges, some checklists and patient education. If you are a motivated individual who is looking to work in an environment that fosters creativity, professionalism, and collaboration then 4 South is the place for you.