Med/Surg LPN (Nights)

PURPOSE STATEMENT 

Responsible for managing and/or assisting in the care of the neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, and adult patient experiencing acute requiring care in the Medical/Surgical unit. Effectively interact with patients and significant others while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will assist in patient care by obtaining data and providing care which meets the department's policies, procedures and standards of care. The LPN works as an adjunct to the nursing staff. Performs duties as assigned. The LPN assists the Registered Nurse (RN) to make assessments by collecting data and observations which are reported to the RN.  Functions within the identified scope of practice, and HIPPA regulations. Accountable for participation in performance improvement activities, infection control practices, and safety measures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when interacting with customers who have varying levels of comprehension.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with all hospital staff and external customers.
• Respond appropriately in difficult situations, demonstrating compassion and professional judgment.
• Demonstrate competence in computer skills.
• Possess ability to establish priorities and respond to emergency situations.
• Documentation reflects appropriate patient care, interventions, and patient response to care.
• Collaborate with the supervising RN.
• Demonstrate the ability to tactfully interact and provide instruction to staff, patients, family, and all other external guests in the department. 
• Must be able to move, lift and transfer patients.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve in patient care setting.
• Require high level of accuracy, excellent ability to understand instructions, reason and make judgments.
• Must document and instruct customers and personnel appropriately.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist providers with procedures such as but not limited to: thoracentesis, etc.
• Implement patient care according to planned interventions to attain the patient’s optimal level of function and document according to policy.
• Demonstrate positive customer service relations.
• Routinely participates in Quality Improvement projects and encourages the department to continuously improve. 
• Assist co-workers as needed/requested.
• Support the Medical Center’s Mission/Vision/Philosophy positively.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Expected to serve as sitters as needed, following the successful completion of designated sitter education and training provided.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate from an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program.
• Currently licensed to practice as a professional Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Missouri or be eligible to practice as a graduate practical nurse in the state of Missouri.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS required.
• Knowledgeable regarding growth and development and assessing the physical and psychological needs of patients in the following stages of life: neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescents, and adults.
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be able to sit and stand intermittently for 12 hours a day.
• Must be able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard.
• Continuously work under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines.
• Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition.
• Frequently reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.