LPN Acute Care

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and under the supervision of the professional Registered Nurse, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides skilled nursing care and administers medications to patients.

Essential Job Functions:

• Under the direction of a Licensed Professional (e.g., Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Registered Nurse), participates in the nursing process to include data collection, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the patient's plan of care accurately and in a timely manner while collaborating with other nurses and members of the healthcare team.
• Gives direct nursing care and assists with care of the patient at the direction of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Physician, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Practice Nurse.
• Contributes to the plan of care with input from patient/family and other members of the healthcare team.
• Performs patient data collection and observation considering patient's age group, severity of condition/disease (including physical, psychosocial, cultural, environmental, self-care, and education needs), and coordination of resources and referrals.
• Collect and document objective data, subjective data, and patient care including focused observations such as pain, pain relief, results of treatments, updates to plan of care, implementation, and evaluation of care following unit specific and hospital charting guidelines.
• Implements patient care in a safe, knowledgeable, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner.
• Administers ordered medications and treatments, within scope of care, prescribed by a Licensed Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner using appropriate medical equipment as needed.
• Performs phlebotomy services
• Contributes to the evaluation of the patient's response to nursing interventions, involving the patient, family, significant others, or other members of the health care team appropriately; documents and communicates patient's responses to appropriate members of the healthcare team.
• Recognizes and reports significant changes in the patient's condition and contributes to plan of care revision based on ongoing evaluation.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of a diverse patient population.
• Adheres to the safety policies and procedures of the organization. Recognizes and reports potential safety issues.
• Delegates delegable nursing tasks in accordance with the local State Board of Nursing Administrative Code.
• Accepts accountability and responsibility for delivery of care for optimal patient outcomes.
• Complies with all HIPPA and OSHA policies.
• Practices infection control procedures.

Licensing/Certification:

• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from the state of employment or LPN applicant (required)
• BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (required)
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support (may be required for specialty areas)
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support (may be required for specialty areas)
• NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program (may be required for specialty areas)

Education:

• None

Work Experience:

• 1 year of clinical patient care experience (e.g., PCT, CNA, LPN) in an acute care setting, long-term care facility, or physician practice (preferred)

Training:

• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)
• Completion of Basic Arrhythmia class with passing grade on exam (required for Telemetry/Remote Telemetry units)

Language:

Skills:

• Monitor patient conditions during treatment
• Administer medications within scope
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care
• Record patient medical histories
• Analyze data and information
• Attention to detail
• Acceptance of authority
• Critical thinking
• Communication with family members
• Verbal and written communication
• Collaboration
• Teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Active listening
• Relationship building
• Time management skills
• Dependability
• Adaptability
• Flexibility
• Patient Care Plans
• Accountable Delegation

Working Conditions:

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
• May be required to use physical restraints
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*
• May have periods of constant interruptions

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.): 34-66%
• Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.): 34-66%
• Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.): 34-66%
• Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.): 34-66%
• Stoop/Kneel: 1-33%
• Crawling: 1-33%
• Climbing: 1-33%
• Balance: 1-33%
• Bending: 34-66%
• Sitting: 34-66%
• Walking: 34-66%
• Standing: 34-66%

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards:

• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
• Perform shift work
• Maneuver weight of patients
• Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder
• Reach above shoulder
• Repetitive arm/hand movements
• Finger Dexterity
• Color Vision
• Acuity - far
• Acuity - near
• Depth perception
• Use of latex products
• Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts
• Exposure to dust/fumes
• Exposure to potential electrical shock
• Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
• Exposure to high pitched noises
• Gaseous risk exposure

Patient Population:

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical