WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Licensed Practical Nurse-
MAIN FUNCTION:
Provides nursing care to patients in an efficient, competent and caring manner. Works under the direction of an RN and within the Nurse Practice Act to provide care via the applicable portions of the Nursing Process. Communicates effectively with patients, support person(s) and other members of the health care team. Acts in compliance with the hospital and nursing policies and procedures. Follows WCH Nursing Philosophy and practice model which are derived from the Synergy model and appropriate Service Standards as outlined in Employee Handbook.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Manager, Assistant Manager, Charge Nurses, RN staff
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
- Licensed in the State of Ohio
- Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card while in this position.LPN with one year of home care experience
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- License in the State of Ohio
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Employees in this position may be:
- Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear personal protective equipment
- Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete nursing care tasks
- Required to take "on call" status
- Reassigned to another nursing unit to provide nursing care within current job description
- Subject to STHR (short term hour reduction) according to policy
POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.
Leadership
- Embraces teamwork by adhering to Nursing Practice Model
- Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
- Demonstrates professional behavior and competent nursing practice
- Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills
- Participates in the implementation of the nursing process within the scope of LPN practice
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Communication
- Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
- Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
- Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
- Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
- Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication
- Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction. Follows appropriate channels of communication.
- Participates in team collaboration/huddles
- Reports critical information to RN
- Interact with clinical students in a positive, productive manner
Operations
- Maintains appropriate clinical skills:
- Administers care according to WCH/unit policy/procedure current standards of care and Ohio Nurse Practice Act
- Under direction of RN, performs data collection and documentation relevant to patient's condition, needs and age, per nursing documentation guidelines. Communicates changes in patient condition to team leader/Clinical Coordinator in timely manner
- Reviews plan of care developed by RN Team Leader/Clinical Coordinator
- Under direction of the RN, provides age appropriate health teaching related to diagnosis, patient/family need, and medication using available teaching resources
- Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in a timely manner.
- Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills
- Other duties as assigned by management team
- Administers medication safely:
- Correctly demonstrates use of electronic MAR to document medication administration
- Demonstrates knowledge of drug purpose and effectiveness as related to diagnosis
- Follows 6 rights of medication administration (6th is right documentation)
- Demonstrates appropriate/safe medication handling
- Reassesses and documents effectiveness of medication
- Participates, in conjunction with the RN/Clinical Coordinator (Home Health role), in huddles and patient rounds to:
- Evaluate the environment to assure safety & infection control standards met
- Evaluate the care provided according to standards and evidence based practice
- Evaluate the educational plan and its implementation, assessing for gaps in care
- Evaluate for any additional /alternative care needs, and patient/family satisfaction
- Evaluate adherence to documentation of care
- Coordinate work to achieve maximum productivity. Able to multitask and prioritize workload.
- Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making
Customer Service
- Displays positive attitude. Treats others with honesty and respect. Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
- Assess customer satisfaction when rounding on patients and use appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems
- Use AIDET to:
- Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing the patient’s compliance
- Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction
- Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversation) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution
Staff Development / Personal Growth
In conjunction with the Department Manager, Clinical Specialist and / or Educator:
- Function as a mentor, seeking learning opportunities for students
- Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and career goals
- Demonstrate professional development by attending conferences, participating in committees/unit projects
- Demonstrate professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in nursing practice/evidenced based nursing care
- Accept feedback as opportunity for growth
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice, and initiatives. Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers.
Performance Improvement
- Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team. Assists in data collection as directed.
- Participates on at least one team, project and/or committee: unit, departmental or hospital based
- Develop and maintain awareness of, CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures
- Develop and maintain ongoing understanding of nursing best practices for the types of patients for whom care is provided
AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY
Dependent upon department and the population served:
Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days)
- Handles infants in gentle manner
- Speaks in soothing voice
- Holds and cuddles infant when necessary
- Facilitates parental interaction and care of infant
Infant (29 days thru 12 months)
- Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way
- Speaks in soothing way
- Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible
- Encourages parental interaction with infant
- Allows for familiar toys/blankets to be brought from home
Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)
- Allows choices when possible
- Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations
- Limits number of strangers entering room
- Provides consistent nursing assignments
- Does not shame parents for lack of cooperation
- Holds child for painful procedures
Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)
- Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
- Provides for patient's modesty
- Tells patient exactly what will be expected
- Allows patient control
- Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms
Geriatrics (65 years and older)
- Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations at discharge
- Teaches patient about one item at a time
- Repeats instructions several times
- Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient
Unit Specific Requirements:
Cardiac Rehab LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Participates in the leadership and monitoring of exercise sessions for Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heartworks programs. Assists with and participates in the client education component of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Under direction of the RN, assists in the operational aspects of the department.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
- ACLS within 1 year of hire, and maintain while in position
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Ability to read and operate cardiac monitor, recognize normal/abnormal rhythms, and institute appropriate interventions.
Additional Position Expectations
- Demonstrate knowledge and use of oral vasoactive medications under direction of RN
- Demonstrate competency using cardiac monitor and other equipment
- Recognize cardiac arrhythmias and institute appropriate interventions under direction of RN
Float LPN (Med Surg, Inpt Rehab, PCU)
MAIN FUNCTION:
Float staff will be assigned to one unit manager for performance evaluation, but will also be responsible to management team where they are assigned each shift. Float staff are held accountable to the job description for their base units.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
- 1 year current hospital experience as a LPN
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Ability to read and operate cardiac monitor, recognize normal/abnormal rhythms and institute appropriate interventions.
Additional Position Expectations
- Demonstrates basic knowledge of orthopedic procedures, treatments and equipment
- Demonstrates basic knowledge and care of oncology patients
- Identifies and reports oncology emergencies
- Demonstrates appropriate mother/baby couplet care
- Demonstrates the ability to check a fundus
- Demonstrates ability to do the clinical pathway for vaginal delivery and C-Section
- Maintains quarterly unit specific competency in each float unit
- Demonstrate knowledge and use of infant security system
Home Health Services LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Provides nursing care in patients homes on a skilled intermittent basis. Coordinates patient care with other disciplines, PT,OT, Home Health Aide, Speech Therapy and Social Worker to ensure that patient meets their goals. Follows Medicare Condition of Participation requirements in delivering patient care.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
- 1 year recent nursing experience in Med-Surgical Nursing, Community Health, Home Care or Hospice
- Flexibility with assignments and work hours based on patient needs
- Maintain current car insurance, active driver’s license
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- High personal productivity and energy
- Able to establish priority with daily schedule
- Demonstrates appropriate decision making skills/time management, problem solving techniques, conflict resolution skills, priority setting, effective use of resources
Additional Position Expectations
- Performs follow-up patient treatment according to the plan of care
- Utilizes nursing process in collaboration with the intra disciplinary team to provide care
- Evaluates patient’s appropriately for fall risk interventions and education
- Follows patient discharge goals and reviews with patients and/or caregiver at each visit
- Plans and institutes health teaching for individual patients and/or caregiver
- Utilizes/incorporates teaching packets
- Prioritizes and documents problems based on assessed needs
- Completes required documents appropriately and in a timely manner according to department policies
- Productivity is maintained at 5-6 units of care per day or 25-30 units of care per week
- Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with patients family and caregiver
- Utilizes supplies, health resources and community agencies for continuity of care in a responsible manner
- Maintains visit frequency consistent with plan of care
- Evaluates patient response to care and treatment and reports observations and changes in patient condition to staff RN and /or Clinical Coordinator
- Assist staff RN and/or Clinical Coordinator with updating the plan of care
- Educates patient on medication risks, benefits, drug to drug interactions
- Ensures medication reconciliation with patient, staff RN and physician
- Provides care according to the approved Plan of Care as directed by the staff RN, and/or Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists
- Educates patient, care giver about the plan of care and disease processes and assesses for educational gaps
- Develop and maintain awareness of ,CMS(Centers for Medicare Services), ODH (Ohio Department of Health) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Attend 90% unit staff meetings unless excused by unit manager. Reviews 100% of staff meeting minutes if meeting is not attended.
Inpatient Rehab LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Provide and document the care of Rehabilitation patient under the direction of the RN, using the Functional Instrument of Measure to support the goals identified by the rehabilitation physician and team.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- One year experience in rehabilitation nursing or acceptable related training and experience
Additional Position Expectations
- Maintains unit specific clinical skills
- Demonstrates basic knowledge of rehabilitation nursing
- Demonstrates basic knowledge and care of stroke patients
- Demonstrates accuracy in documenting FIMS (Functional Independent Measure Scores)
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Med Surg LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Provide and document the care of medical/surgical, oncology and orthopedic adolescent/adult patients under the direction of the RN.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Oncology/orthopedic experience
- Ability to read and operate cardiac monitor , recognize normal/abnormal rhythms , and institute appropriate interventions
Additional Position Expectations
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of orthopedic procedures, treatments, and equipment
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and care of oncology patients
- Identify and respond to oncology emergencies
- Recognize cardiac arrhythmias and notify RN Team Leader
- Demonstrate knowledge and use of infant security system
Progressive Care LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Under the direction of Registered Nurse staff, participates in the care of medical and surgical adolescent/adult patients with a cardiac focus.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Ability to read and operate cardiac monitor, recognize normal/abnormal rhythms, and institute appropriate interventions.
Additional Position Expectations
- Demonstrate knowledge and use of oral Vasoactive medications for Step-down patients under direction of RN
- Demonstrate competency using cardiac monitor and other equipment
- Recognize cardiac arrhythmias and institute appropriate interventions under direction of RN
Surgery LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Scrubs and assists the RN and other health care team members during surgical procedures. Assists in the care, preparation and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile equipment.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
- 2 years prior medical/surgical nursing experience
- Able to respond to WCH in 30 minutes
RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Manager, Surgery
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Prior operating room experience
Additional Position Expectations
- Uses sterile technique, sets up table with instruments and supplies according to procedure
- Verifies correct sponge, tape, needle and instrument according to procedure
- Accurately prepares and labels specimens for transfer to the Lab
- Assists the RN in receiving the patient in operating room, checks patient identity and chart to assure all necessary information has been completed
- Assists RN in assessing patient's physical and emotional needs; according to the patient's age and development. Take action as directed by RN.
- Assembles necessary supplies and equipment and ascertains all are in working order
- Assists in properly positioning patient on operating table and preparing the operative site
- Scrubs in the prescribed manner
- Using sterile technique, dons sterile gown and gloves according to procedure
- Using sterile technique sets up table with instruments and supplies according to procedure
- Gowns and gloves members of the surgical team according to procedure
- Assists the surgeon and/or assistant during the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgeon
- Verifies correct sponge, tape, needle and instrument count with the circulating nurse, as per count procedure
- Prepares sterile dressing according to procedure
- Clears table and disposes of linen and instruments in designated areas
- Properly dispose of sharps and needles
- Accurately prepares and labels specimens for transfer to the Laboratory
- Attends educational programs in order to meet professional competencies and personal goals
- Attends and appropriately participates in at least six (6) unit staff meetings annually, in-service programs, meetings with Director of Patient Services, and hospital and nursing committees
- Seeks evaluation of his/her own actions and suggestions for improvement
- Performs in an efficient manner in stressful or emergency situations
- Maintains supplies in assigned areas
- Maintains BLS certification according to policy
Wound Center LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Under direction of RN in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of patient in the Wound Center. Is responsible for meeting established WCH Standards of Nursing practice in the management of all assigned patients. Acts within the Federal and State Laws, and professional and ethical practice. Also administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diagnostic testing of patients under the supervision and orders of a hyperbaric physician.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Minimum 2 years of medical/surgical nursing experience
- Wound Care experience
Position Expectations:
- Assess, stage, measure and photograph wounds accurately and in accordance to policy
- Implement wound care and HBO protocols when clinically indicated
- Assist physicians with wound therapy
- Accurately complete superbill and ensure that all orders and charges are initiated accurately
- Coordinates activities with other disciplines (rehab, nutrition, diabetic education, home health, DME, nursing homes and other ancillary services)
- Coordinates office visits, pre-procedure work-ups and patient education with the multidisciplinary team
- Fosters continuity of care between WCH and care taker (home, hospital, HH, etc.)
- Triages telephone calls and assists with scheduling
Transitional Care Unit LPN
MAIN FUNCTION:
Provide and document the care of rehabilitation patient under the direction of the RN.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
- One year experience in rehab nursing or long term care is preferred
Additional Position Expectations
- Demonstrates basic knowledge of rehab nursing
- Demonstrates basic knowledge and care of stroke patients
- Demonstrates accuracy in documenting MDS
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Community Care Network LPN
Coordinates patient care with other disciplines, CCN Team to ensure that patient meets their goals. Follows- up on recommendations from the CCN Team meetings. Ensures that the patients are meeting their goals with the support of the disciplines involved.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS
- 1 year recent nursing experience
- Flexibility with assignments and work hours based on patient needs
- Maintain current car insurance, active driver’s license
PERFERRED ATTRIBUTES
- High personal productivity and energy
- Able to establish priority with daily schedule
- Demonstrates appropriate decision making skills/ time management, problem solving techniques, conflict resolution skills, priority setting, effective use of resources
Additional Position Expectations
- Performs follow-up patient treatment according to the Plan of Care
- Utilizes nursing process in collaboration with the CCN tam to provide care
- Evaluates patient’s appropriately for fall risk interventions and education
- Plans and institutes health teaching for individual patients and /or caregiver
- Utilizes/ incorporates teaching packets
- Prioritizes and documents problems based on assessed needs
- Completes required documents appropriately and in a timely manner according to department policies
- Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with patients family, caregiver and Health Coach
- Utilizes supplies, health resources and community agencies for continuity of care in a responsible manner
- Visits patients as needed with or without a Health Coach
- Evaluates patient response to care and treatment and reports observations and changes in patient condition to CCN Manager
- Assist with updating the Plan of Care
- Documents progress towards Plan of Care and monitors outcomes
- Educates on medication risks, benefits, drug to drug interactions
- Educates patient, care giver about the Plan of Care and disease processes and assesses for educational gaps
- Completes other documents as required
- Attends the CCN Team meetings
- Interacts with Health Coaches in coordinating patient care
- Performs initial assessment
- Provides support to the Health Coaches
- Works closely with the Medical Director and Manager in coordinating care for the participants in the CCN
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