Licensed Practical Nurse - Massena Hospital

Job Title: LPN

Department: Med-Surg

Location: Massena Hospital

Hours Per Week: 40 scheduled weekly hours

Schedule: 12-hour days, 730a-730p

SUMMARY: Observes, reports and documents patient's physical, emotional and mental symptoms, conditions and reaction; participates in conferences about patients' conditions and care plans and provides information used in evaluating and revising such plans. Helps provide for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients. Assists patients to adjust to their hospitalization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs nursing duties using standard procedures

• Assists physicians with examinations treatments, tests and dressings.

• Administers pre-calculated or unit dose medications with the exceptions of intravenous medications and Gamulin May give Control Drugs.

• Maintains or discontinues intravenous infusions. May add I.V. bottle without medication to an existing infusion.

• Recognizes and takes immediate and appropriate steps to alleviate conditions of shock, respiratory distress, fainting and/or hemorrhage.

• Assists in patient rehabilitation; encourages use of purposeful activities required in daily living; diversional activities; normal range of motion exercises; applies principles of body mechanics and assures proper body alignment; assists patient and family to seek help available through various community services.

• Accepts reassignments to other nursing units as needed.

• Performs basic treatments and procedures including the following:

• Administers nasogastric feedings, gastrostomy feeds, enemas, douches, perineal care, soaks.

• Applies ace bandages, elastic stockings, compresses and simple dressings, Aqua-K pads, ice bags.

• Gives baths, oral hygiene, shampoos, back rubs. Shaves patients.

• Passes, collects, empties equipment such as bedpans, urinals, gastric drainage and suction bottles.

• Obtains and applies bed cradles, eggcrate mattresses.

• Inserts and irrigates catheters. Irrigates colostomies.

• Collects specimens such as urine, stool, and sputum. Measures and records intake output.

• Takes and record weights, temperatures, pulses, respirations and blood pressures.

• Positions, lifts, transfers, and transports patients.

• Cares for patients in isolation, casts, and traction. Cares for patients receiving radiation therapy. Utilizes equipment such as bed/chair scales, Hoyer lift.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Degree

• Graduation from an approved school of practical/vocational nursing (or its equivalent)

Required Certification/Licensure

• Current New York State licensure or permit to practice as licensed practical nurse.

• BLS required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to perform and record effectively a wide variety of technical patient care procedures such as catheterizations, obtaining vital signs, and changing dressings.

• Must possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively (up to 80% of work time) with sick and/or irritable patients in order to gain their cooperation and allay apprehensions