Licensed Practical Nurse (Casual)

Purpose:

Act as a vital member of the healthcare team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience, and competency. Provide care and IV therapy following UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines, policies, and State Board Regulations. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment under the direction of a Registered Nurse or other licensed UPMC provider. In this role, the LPN must take nurse assignments at the top of their license in a med/surg/tele or Emergency Department setting.

Responsibilities:

• Function as a member of the healthcare team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience, and competency.
• Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment.
• Communicate with a licensed professional nurse and the patient's healthcare team members to seek guidance when:
  • The patient's care needs exceed the licensed practical nursing scope of practice.
  • The patient's care needs surpass the LPN's knowledge, skill, or ability.
  • The patient's condition deteriorates, there is a significant change in condition, the patient is not responding to therapy, becomes unstable, or needs immediate assistance.
• Obtain instruction and supervision if implementing new or unfamiliar nursing practices or procedures.
• Follow the written, established policies and procedures of UPMC, UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines, and the State Practice Act.
• Act within the LPN Practice guidelines, including IVs, and within the framework of Relationship-Based Care to create a healing environment.
• Formulate daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involve the patient as a partner and consider the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner.
• Communicate the patient's condition to other care providers.
• Ensure patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers.
• Incorporate national professional organization goals, as well as business unit and health system goals, to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work.
• Create a caring and compassionate patient-focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Actively participate in unit activities and provide assistance to care team members.
• Provide detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care and transition to another level of care and/or home.
• Demonstrate a passion for developing others by supporting the orientation and development of new LPNs and patient care support staff.
• Regularly seek feedback on performance and apply continuous professional improvement.
• Support continuous learning in the clinical areas by participating in organizational and system programs.
• Identify opportunities for clinical quality and workplace improvement.
• Seek and participate in opportunities to assist in identifying process improvement opportunities to improve patient care.
• Partner and collaborate with the healthcare team, patients, and families to achieve desired patient outcomes.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Demonstrate an understanding of cultural differences and hold peers accountable for healthy relationships.
• Maintain a conscious balance between work and personal life.
• Model safe work hours, time management, and a healthy lifestyle.
• Communicate with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
• Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.