LPN - General Surgery Stepdown

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About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Licensed Practical Nurses - LPN

Shift: Rotating (3 / 12 hour shifts per week)

Unit Profile:

The General Surgery & Vascular Trauma Stepdown Unit at Duke strives to provide exceptional care to acutely ill patients. We are a 32 bed stepdown unit with a patient population consisting primarily of abdominal and vascular surgeries, abdominal oncology as well as a variety of trauma patients. Our unit offers an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking in a fast-paced environment that promotes team building and fosters learning. The RNs in our unit aim to provide the highest quality care to our patient population while serving as patient advocates.

On this unit, we strive to develop the foundational skills required to excel in the nursing field while working within an extensive interdisciplinary and supportive team. You will master skills such as:

* Tracheostomy care and maintenance

* Blood product administration

* Wound care including wound management systems

* Ostomy care and maintenance and patient education

* Management of chest tubes and various drains

* Maintenance of a variety of collars, braces, and orthopedic devices

* Polytrauma mobility

* Post-operative monitoring and care

* Various pain management techniques including Patient Controlled Analgesic (PCA), Epidural pumps,

• Ketamine, and Lidocaine infusions.

* Foley catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal

* Nasogastric tube insertion, maintenance, and removal

* Central and Peripheral IV maintenance and removal

* Administration of oral, intravenous, and via tube medications

* Collection of laboratory specimens, including but not limited to blood and urine

* Cardiac telemetry monitoring

* Parenteral and Enteral nutrition administration

* Coordination of patient and family education

General Description of the Job Class

Assume responsibilities for direct nursing care of assigned patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician in patient care area. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the LPN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Provide and document direct nursing care of assigned patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Nursing care is guided by the physician orders and the nursing plan of care. Patient response to care is reported to a registered nurse for evaluation, intervention and modification of the plan of care. Assist other health care personnel in the delivery of patient care.

Assist physicians and other nursing personnel in the performance of various diagnostic procedures.

Evaluate nursing care with emphasis on nursing procedures and patient responses; assist in the delivery of nursing care and selection of nursing priorities.

Assist in the development and implementation of general policies and procedures to provide for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients; participate in the formulation of new policies.

Participate in maintaining the environment of care including equipment and other material resources.

Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and assists in performance improvement activities.

Assist with control of material resources and maintenance; assist in appraisal of effectiveness of material and equipment and report any equipment malfunctions to charge nurse.

Participate in in-service education programs and other conferences within the service.

Assist in the training of new employees.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Work requires graduation from an approved or accredited Practical Nurse program.

Experience

No experience required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Current State of North Carolina LPN licensure or Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of scope of licensed practical nurse, ability to delegate to nursing support staff.

Considerable knowledge of the care and treatment of patients and special procedures that apply to practical nursing. Able to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively.

Able to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others.

Able to teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care.

Able to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up.

Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support requirements designated by work area or organization.

Able to use fine motor skills. Able to record activities, document interventions.

Able to use computer and learn new software programs.

Able to navigate the entity to provide clinical care for patients.

Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking.

Able to remain focused and organized.

Working knowledge of sterile techniques and special procedures that are applicable to work performed.

Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.

Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a hospital.

Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Working knowledge and completion of appropriate JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.

Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

N/A

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other