Sr. Licensed Practical Nurse

UPMC Northwest Transitional Care Unit

Purpose: Act as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience in nursing and competency and able to provide care and IV therapy following UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines and policies, and the State Board Regulations. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment in settings where nursing takes place under the direction of a Registered Nurse or other licensed UPMC provider. Must select and complete 2 contributions annually that will assist in improving patient care OR must have and maintain a UPMC approved certification and also select and complete 1 contribution. The role of the Senior LPN encompasses partnership, and collaboration with the health care team and the patients and families to achieve desired patient outcomes. In this role, the LPN must take nurse assignment at the top of their license in a med/surg/tele or Emergency Department setting.

Responsibilities:

• The LPN is licensed to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience in nursing and competency. The LPN participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment in settings where nursing takes place. An LPN shall communicate with a licensed professional nurse and the patient's health care team members to seek guidance when: The patient's care needs exceed the licensed practical nursing scope of practice. The patient's care needs surpass the LPN's knowledge, skill or ability. The patient's condition deteriorates or there is a significant change in condition, the patient is not responding to therapy, the patient becomes unstable or the patient needs immediate assistance. An LPN shall obtain instruction and supervision if implementing new or unfamiliar nursing practices or procedures. An LPN shall follow the written, established policies and procedures of UPMC, UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines, and the State Practice Act. Acts within the LPN Practice guidelines including IVs and within the framework of Relationship Based Care to create a healing environment. Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner. Communicates the patient's condition to other care providers. Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families and colleagues.
• Actively participates in unit activities and willing to provide assistance to care team members. Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home. Demonstrates a passion for developing others by supporting the orientation and developing new LPNs and patient care support staff. Regularly seeks feedback on performance and applies continuous professional improvement. Supports continuous learning in the clinical areas by participating in organizational and system programs. Identifies opportunities for clinical quality as well as workplace improvement. Participates in the development, revision and implementation of policies and procedures designed to insure comfort and safety of patients in collaboration with other health care personnel. Seeks and participates in opportunities to assist in identification process improvement opportunities to improve patient care. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors. Performs other duties as assigned.

Successful completion and graduation from a Licensed Practical Nursing Program approved by the State Board of Nursing. 2 years of experience required. Successful completion of an IV therapy curriculum required within 4 months of hire/transfer. Must commit to obtain within 4 months of hire/transfer within 30 days of start. If graduated in 2012 to present day, IV therapy curriculum is included in the PA State Board Approved Programs. If graduated prior to 2012, the LPN will need to provide official proof of completion of IV therapy approved program. Must take nurse assignment at the top of LPN license in a med/surg/tele or Emergency Department setting. Must select and complete 2 contributions annually that will assist in improving patient care OR must have and maintain a UPMC approved certification and also select and complete 1 contribution.

The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures. Ability to identify process improvement opportunities to improve patient care and encompasses collaboration with the health care team and the patients and families to achieve desired patient outcomes. Participates in the development, revision and implementation of policies and procedures designed to insure comfort and safety of patients in collaboration with other health care personnel. Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families. Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment. Mobility and visual manual dexterity. Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients. Computer skills required to utilize the electronic health record.

UPMC offers a variety of flexible options in addition to traditional rotating/flexible shifts, special programs exist to work primarily night shifts or weekend shifts with a premium pay differential. Employees hired as or who choose to transition into one of these programs at a later time must have at least 6 months of nursing experience to qualify and may be required to complete any necessary orientation during regular business hours. If you are interested in these programs, please alert your recruiter when you are contacted for an interview.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Act 34
• OAPSA

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran