Practical Nurse (LPN) - Observation Unit

Observation Unit:

We specialize in the care of postoperative patients including but not limited to orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urologic surgery, cardiac pacemaker/ablation, and breast surgery patients. We also care for a variety of general medical patients requiring overnight observation stays. Many of our patients are cared for by our in-house hospitalist team.

• 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
• Two 12 hr shifts per week
• Weekend and holiday rotation

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care according to established policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Assists with assessment by collecting and documenting data, actions and responses including biological, psychological, social and cultural factors. Detects significant changes in patient condition and reports these to the registered nurse.
• Assists with developing the plan of care and implements as directed by the registered nurse.
• Supports and reinforces patient teaching according to individualized plan of care.
• Documents performance of nursing interventions and patient's response to those interventions and communicates effectiveness of interventions and changes in patient condition to the registered nurse.
• Communicates changes in medical orders to the registered nurse.
• Performs clinical tasks or skills such as medication administration, IV therapy, wound care, venipuncture, etc.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and

Education Required:

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Practical Nursing.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, use of electronic mail and electronic medical records systems.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop rapport and maintain positive relationships with a variety of patients, family, staff and physicians.
• Good organization, prioritization and problem solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Position requires use of foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Must have functional vision, speech, and hearing.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.