Licensed Vocational Nurse - Wound Care

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Technical Director of the Hyperbaric Medicine Department, the Hyperbaric Medical Nurse/Technician administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patient as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Physician. Operates and maintains the hyperbaric chamber(s) and associated systems and equipment. Assists in the delivery of patient care appropriate to the level of his/her medical training. In addition to the above duties, nurses will be expected to: coordinate patient treatments into the total nursing care plan for patients, participates in patient and family teaching and provides leadership by working cooperatively with ancillary nursing and other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional nursing practice in the clinical setting.

Supervises the Following Positions

Positions: None, except when serving as coordinator or charge nurse.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
• Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
• May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
• May have to handle emergency situations.
• May be subject to irregular hours.
• May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
• May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
• Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
• Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
  • Sitting- Occasionally
  • Walking- Continuously
  • Standing- Occasionally
  • Bending-Occasionally
  • Squatting - Occasionally
  • Climbing-Occasionally
  • Kneeling-Occasionally
  • Twisting-Occasionally

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eye wear.
• Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

Working Conditions

Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. Works in various conditions.

Performance: Essential Functions

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.

Time Management: Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.

Quality & Quantity: Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.

Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use: Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.

Resource Utilization: Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.

Confidentiality: Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Assesses the patient's condition and nursing needs, set goals, prescribes appropriate nursing actions to meet the goals and the physical, psychological, social and rehabilitative needs to the patient, including discharge planning.
• Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patients to the appropriate person (i.e. physicians, head nurse, charge nurse and/or nursing supervisor) and records those observations accurately and concisely.
• Administers medications and performs treatments to assigned patients within the Wound Center.
• Establishes and maintains communication and utilizes teaching opportunities patients and other significant individuals.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients such as cardiac arrest and other emergencies.
• Coordinates and performs physician-ordered patient wound care following the standardized wound care guidelines.
• Understands that attendance affects team morals and confidence. Demonstrates reliability and punctuality in regard to attendance. Consistently is present and ready to begin work activities at start of shift, stays within established break periods, arrives on time for meetings and leaves work area promptly at the conclusion of the shirt to reduce potential distractions. Schedules personal appointments or requests adjustment to schedule with least amount of disruption to service delivery. Provides prompt notice for unexpected absences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Completion of an accredited Nursing program

Experience:

• Preferred
  • Two or more years of experience in Nursing

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), with authorization to practice in the State of Texas
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
    • Must obtain within ninety (90) days of start date
  • Certification in Hyperbaric from an organization recognized by the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)
    • Must obtain within one (1) year of start date
• Preferred
  • Certification in a Nursing Specialty Area, by an organization recognized by the Texas Board of Nursing