Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.
Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.
At Shepherd Center, you’ll discover a diverse and inclusive environment, enlightened leadership, a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect. If you are seeking career advancement, continuing education opportunities coupled with a welcoming and fun workplace, competitive compensation and employment benefits, visit our careers page to explore current openings.
The Licensed Practical Nurse “LPN” provides basic care to patients, performing all job functions in an ethical manner and ensuring patient safety, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. This role interacts with and contributes to the professional development and image of all unit staff practicing in a Shared Governance model of nursing practice.
Job Responsibilities:
- The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ensures that the ANA scope and standards of practice and the code of ethics for nurses are the foundation for nursing practice.
- Promotes high quality care, outcomes, nursing research, and evidence based practice and contributes to building and maintaining a strong environment that facilitates collaboration to achieve quality outcomes.
- Utilizes a consistent, patient-focused care approach to meet patient needs and demonstrates initiatives to utilize a holistic approach to identify patient needs.
- Utilizes analytical skills and advanced assessment skills necessary to assess a patient’s condition and utilize that data through the nursing process and clinical judgement to provide comprehensive care.
- Core LPN practices including admission and discharge processes, physical assessments, medication administration and management, lab specimen collection, glucose monitoring, documentation, patient/family education, wound care, pre-op and post-op care, ostomy care, orthotic devices, and pain management.
- Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Safely administers medications following policy/procedure Reports errors, near misses or adverse drug reactions in a timely and efficient manner.
- Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.
- Assists with medical appointments and medical procedures as requested by MD.
- Educates and prepares the patient/family for future self-management by facilitating patient movement from passive to an active partnership and eventually to a personal self-care expert.
- Serves as a clinical preceptor for new staff/students as appropriate. Provides shadowing experiences for prospective new employees as requested.
- Ensures appropriate usage/ordering of supplies and proper charging.
- Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
- Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
- Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect nursing practice.
- Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
- Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
- Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process
- Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
Required Minimum Education
- Graduate of an accredited LPN program.
Required Minimum Certification
- BLS required.
- Active Georgia LPN license.
Required Minimum Experience
- Minimum one (1) year LPN experience preferred.
Required Minimum Skills
- Basic computer skills.
- Basic competencies are expected in nursing practice, patient and employee safety, infection control, performance improvement, practice innovation, professional nursing practice, standards of clinical nursing practice, and systems for patient safety.
- Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
- Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
- Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
- Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
- Maintains congenial working relationships with others.
- Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
- Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.
Physical Demands
- Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
- Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.
Working Conditions
- Normal patient care environment.
- Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.
