Practical Nurse - Long Term Care

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse and displays knowledge and ability in providing a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and / or behavioral problems. The LPN serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE HOWEVER ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING :

• Requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.
• Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting,\ bending, pulling, and pushing.
• Transferring patients and objects may be required.
• May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative / invasive procedures.
• May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.
• Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual employee health requirements as a condition of employment.
• Requires flexibility in schedule unit assignment and patient assignments and or detail, as this is a 24 / 7 facility.
• May be assigned to on / off station trips.
• Require rotation of tours or indefinite work on non-administrative tours as established by an immediate supervisor.
• Must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds.
• Willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments.
• Makes caring for the Veteran his / her priority while in the work setting and demonstrates customer service principles in all aspects of work.
• Self-motivated in the pursuit of meeting professional work standards.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for LPN's in direct patient care positions.
• Maintains all licensure requirements and education / training as determined by the facility.
• The expectations of the LPN / LVN include participation in data collected, planning, implementing and evaluating :
• Maintaining positive patient / family relationships.
• Assisting in the collection of objective and subjective data relative to more complex patient situations including :
• Identifying and reporting subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition.
• Identify and report variances related to neurological signs, l&O, IV flow rate, vital signs and other parameters.
• Participating in patient centered conference / shift reports and contributing information for the development and modification of the patient care plan.
• Anticipating a clean, safe and therapeutic environment and taking appropriate actions.
• Maintains & promotes safe waking practices in patient care.
• Identifying the need for obtaining non-routine supplies and equipment.
• Providing physical / psychosocial & spiritual support and instructions relative to diagnostic procedures.
• Performing aspects of nursing care in a variety of situations to meet patients' needs for :
• personal hygiene
• physical comfort
• activity, exercise, rest
• nutrition
• elimination
• prevention of skin breakdown
• rehabilitation aspects of care
• socialization
• Anticipating emergent situations and initiating appropriate action.
• Performing complex treatments relevant in a variety of situations.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient tà make judgments prior to preparing and administering medications and to recognize side effects and / or untoward reactions.
• Assisting with monitoring prescribed therapies such oxygen and IV therapy.
• Reporting patient status to a registered nurse and documenting information in the medical record including current status and / or subtle changes in patient's physical, psychosocial and spiritual status.
• Assisting in orienting patients / family to unit routines and pertinent medical center policies and participating in patient / family teaching conference.
• Working as a cooperative courteous member of the interdisciplinary team and promoting team efforts in the improvement of patient care. Utilizes effective communication techniques.
• Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes or nature of health problems.
• Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.
• Legibly and accurately documents pertinent information in the medical record including current status and / or changes in patients' physical, psychosocial and spiritual status.
• Consistently applies principles of asepsis to prevent infections and maintain a clean environment.
• Consistently uses proper body mechanics. Appropriately utilizes lifting / transport equipment, protective devices and staff assistance as indicated according to the patient care plan.
• Consistently identifies and reports potentially hazardous environmental factors and initiates appropriate actions according to policy to prevent injury.

Work Schedule : Schedule to be discussed with hiring manager, multiple shifts available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Incentive may be up to $12,000 may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.