Licensed Practical Nurse - 6A Surgical

About the 6A Surgical LPN role at UPMC St. Margaret :

UPMC St. Margaret is a four-time ANCC Magnet Designated community hospital in Aspinwall, PA. The 6A medical-surgical unit cares for pre and post-operative patients in General, Colorectal, Urology, Vascular, and Plastic Surgery. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide care and IV therapy according to UPMC guidelines and state regulations, working under the direction of a Registered Nurse or other licensed UPMC provider. LPNs operate at the top of their license in med / surg / tele or Emergency Department settings. Our nurses benefit from flexible scheduling, a supportive work culture, and comprehensive orientation. We strive to offer compassionate, high-quality care in a collaborative environment that promotes respect, accountability, and professionalism.

• As a nurse at UPMC, you will find :
• Competitive wages
• An incomparable benefits package, including tuition reimbursement
• Top clinicians, leading researchers, and the most modern equipment and technology in health care today

_The Licensed Practice Nurse is a valued step in the UPMC nursing career ladder, with opportunities for continued growth and advancement. Title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience._

• Responsibilities :
• Function as a member of the health-care team, exercising sound nursing judgment.
• Participate in planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment.
• Communicate with the health care team when patient care needs exceed LPN scope, knowledge, or ability.
• Obtain instruction and supervision for new or unfamiliar practices.
• Follow UPMC policies, LPN Practice Guidelines, and State Practice Act.
• Act within LPN Practice guidelines, including IVs, to create a healing environment.
• Formulate daily goals and care plans involving the patient as a partner.
• Communicate patient conditions to other care providers; ensure comprehensive documentation.
• Improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction by incorporating organizational goals.
• Create a compassionate patient experience and build healing relationships.
• Participate in unit activities and assist care team members.
• Provide detailed teaching to patients and families for effective care transitions.
• Support orientation and development of new LPNs and patient care staff.
• Seek feedback and apply continuous professional improvement.
• Participate in continuous learning and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with the health care team to achieve desired patient outcomes.
• Maintain productive working relationships and demonstrate accountability.
• Understand cultural differences and promote healthy relationships.
• Balance work and personal life, model safe work hours, and communicate safety hazards.

_Perform other duties as assigned._

• 0 - 2 years of experience
• Successful completion and graduation from a Licensed Practical Nursing Program approved by the State Board of Nursing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• LPN must maintain state licensure where they are practicing or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located
• If graduated prior to 2012, the LPN will need to provide official proof of completion of IV therapy approved program within 4 months of hire / transfer.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran