LPN (36 hrs/wk) - Operating Room

at  UPMC

UPMC Altoona is hiring a Future Graduate or an experienced Licensed Practical Nurse to help support our Operating Room! This is a full-time, with on-call. Shifts will be a 50/50 split between 6:45am-7:15pm & 11am-11:30pm. Must be able to respond to on-call within 30 minutes.

EDUCATION AND FORMAL TRAINING 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.
• 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.

• 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 for recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed.
• Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergency situations.
• 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 cart and supplies. c. Keeps team leader informed of problems, observations, and reactions involving medication administration. d. Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intra-muscular, 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 drug at end of shift with registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse. g. Administers PRN medications following assessment by 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 in a timely manner.
• 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 nurse in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patient 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 registered nurse and established routines.
• Gives treatment as assigned by team leader/charge nurse such as catheterizations, catheter irrigations and care; oral, tracheal, and nasal suctioning; enemas; dressing changes; perineal care; etc., in accordance with level of training. Assists with other procedures as directed.