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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

6E Trauma (Surgical Progressive)

.9 full time, 7a-7p/7p-7a rotation (36 hours/week) – every other weekend

Union position: AFSCME

Posted: 3/22/2024

Why choose an LPN role at UPMC Altoona?

• Competitive wages & work/life balance with dayshift, 3 day/week schedule

• NEW STARTING PAY for this position is $19.90/hour (+ applicable experience!)

• An incomparable benefit package (found to be 15% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!)

• Generous vacation accrual & tuition assistance

• Plus, these positions are eligible for a generous sign-on bonus! (see details below)

Sign-On Bonus Details:

· $7,500 sign-on bonus available for nurses with 1 or more years of experience

· $5,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with less than one year of experience (includes GPNs)

· Candidates hired into a sign-on bonus eligible role will be asked to make a two-year work commitment.

About Surgical Progressive:

Our Surgical Trauma Stepdown Unit (also referred to as SPCU – Surgical Progressive Care) is a dynamic, fast-paced 28 bed surgical, trauma, cardiopulmonary progressive care unit, serving the adult population with a wide variety of medical diagnosis, surgical procedures, and trauma injuries. SPCU is the only critical care surgical trauma stepdown unit which specializes in chest tube management and assists with bedside procedures. We are experienced in all types of post-surgical patients with a specialty in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgeries. SPCU is skilled in complex diagnosis and respiratory compromised situations requiring Bipap/CPAP, high flow oxygenation, and continuous pulse oximetry. We are trained in caring for epidurals and PCA pumps as well as complex IV drips requiring telemetry monitoring.

Our team is recruiting an LPN who enjoys variety, a fast-paced environment, and multiple learning opportunities!

Purpose:

Functions as a member of the nursing team in providing direct patient care and other related activities by the level of education. Responsible to the registered nurse for the environmental and physical management of patients to which assigned and for factual observation and the reporting and recording of same. Administers oral and intravenous medication when assigned by the registered nurse in charge.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares patients for meals and nourishment; serves and collects trays; feeds or assists with feedings as directed, including tube feedings; provides fresh water and between-meal nourishment.

• Performs other assigned work such as cleaning utility room cupboards; collecting and bagging soiled linen; cleaning, sterilizing, and storing instruments and equipment.

• Assists patients with toileting; collects and labels specimens for examination. Assists patients in and out of bed in turning, lifting, positioning, and ambulating.

• Understands the special needs of patients with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse) and utilizes appropriate assessment and intervention techniques.

• Observes, reports, and documents all unusual symptoms, condition changes, and care delivered as directed according to the unit policies.

• Provides recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed.

• Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergencies

• Adheres to universal precautions. Complies with established occupational exposure policies.

• Utilizes restraints and protective mechanisms as directed when necessary and completes appropriate documentation.

• When assigned medication administration: a. Handles and stores medications following established procedures. b. Cleans and cares for medication carts and supplies. c. Keeps team leader informed of problems, observations, and reactions involving medication administration. d. Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, topical, and ocular medications as ordered by a licensed physician or dentist under the direct supervision and responsibility of a registered nurse. e. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and IV therapy administration according to policy. f. Count narcotic drugs at end of shift with a registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse. g. Administers PRN medications following assessment by a registered nurse. h. Follows procedure accurately for recording all data involving medication administration. i. Follows Standards of Practice for use of Pyxis System.

• Answers nurse call system and responds appropriately and promptly.

• Escorts patients to and from designated departments or divisions.

• Maintains patient's room and its equipment in an orderly fashion, terminal cleaning of patient unit and equipment in the absence of the environmental service aides.

• Assists the registered nurse in the admission of patients and orients patients to their surroundings as directed. Transfers patients and assists registered nurses in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patients according to established policies. Assists other members of the health care team as directed.

• Cares for patients in a manner conducive to their safety and comfort; adheres to instructions from a registered nurse and established routines.

• Gives treatment as assigned by a team leader/charge nurse such as catheterizations, catheter irrigations and care; oral, tracheal, and nasal suctioning; enemas; dressing changes; perineal care; etc., by the level of training. Assists with other procedures as directed.

• No experience required.

• Must have a temporary permit or a valid license as a practical nurse in the State of Pennsylvania

• Must successfully pass the Altoona Hospital pharmacology challenge exam.

• Must maintain CPR certification.

*Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.

• Must take nurse assignment at the top of LPN license in a Med/Surg/Tele OR Emergency Department setting.

• LPNs who have graduated outside the state of PA on any date, or graduated in PA prior to August 25, 2012, and did not complete a PA state approved LPN IV course, the LPN will need to complete a 5-hour online module which is followed by a test and a 3-hour in person course which will be provided by the UPMC Altoona Education Department within 4-months of hire or transfer.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

• Must complete licensure examination within FOUR MONTHS of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first.

• Though temporary permits are valid for one year from the date of graduation, not one year from issue of permit (or until the results of the examination are known at which time it becomes null and void), UPMC requires that GPNs take the licensure examination within 4 months of their start date, or they will be terminated or demoted from the GPN position, at the discretion of the BU.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP)

• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran