Description

UPMC Altoona is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse (of future LPN!) to help support the Operating Room!  This is a full-time, dayshift position (6:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m with rotation to evening, nights, and weekend shifts. On-call shifts for evening, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This position has a minimum start rate of $16.45.  Starting pay rate based on years of LPN experience.

Why choose UPMC?

• Competitive wages
• An incomparable benefit package including a Career Ladder with advancement opportunities
• A generous vacation accrual & tuition assistance
• This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus! 

Sign-On Bonus Details (Full Time or Flex Full Time status)

• $15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with over two years of experience
• $10,000 sign-on bonus available for Graduate Nurses and nurses with less than two years of experience
• If you are eligible for the $10,000 sign-on bonus, then you may be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 student loan repayment bonus!

Purpose:
Functions as a member of the nursing team in providing direct patient care and other related activities in accordance with the level of education. Responsible to the registered nurse for the environmental and physical management of patients to which assigned and for factual observation and the reporting and recording of same. Administers oral and intravenous medication when assigned by the registered nurse in charge. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) on the psychiatric inpatient unit requires the ability to relate well to both individual and social agencies. He/she will assist patients in developing their capacities and resolving their specific problem(s).

Responsibilities:

• Prepares patients for meals and nourishment; serves and collects trays; feeds or assists with feedings as directed, including tube feedings; provides fresh water and between meal nourishment.
• Performs other assigned work such as cleaning utility room cupboards; collecting and bagging soiled linen; cleaning, sterilizing, and storing instruments and equipment.
• Assists patients with toileting; collects and labels specimens for examination. Assists patients in and out of bed in turning, lifting, positioning, and ambulating.
• Understands the special needs of patients with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse), and utilizes appropriate assessment and intervention techniques.
• Observes, reports, and documents all unusual symptoms, condition changes, and care delivered as directed according to the unit policies.
• Provides recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed.
• Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergencies
• Adheres to universal precautions. Complies with established occupational exposure policies.
• Utilizes restraints and protective mechanisms as directed when necessary and completes appropriate documentation.
• When assigned medication administration: a. Handles and stores medications following established procedures. b. Cleans and cares for medication cart and supplies. c. Keeps team leader informed of problems, observations, and reactions involving medication administration. d. Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, topical, and ocular medications as ordered by a licensed physician or dentist under the direct supervision and responsibility of a registered nurse.e.Demonstrates knowledge of medications and IV therapy administration according to policy. f. Count narcotic drugs at end of shift with a registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse.g.Administers PRN medications following assessment by a registered nurse. h. Follows procedure accurately for recording all data involving medication administration. i. Follows Standards of Practice for use of Pyxis System.
• Answers nurse call system and responds appropriately and promptly.
• Escorts patients to and from designated departments or divisions.
• Maintains patient's room and its equipment in an orderly fashion; terminal cleaning of patient unit and equipment in the absence of the environmental service aides.
• Assists the registered nurse in the admission of patients and orients patients to their surroundings as directed. Transfers patients and assists registered nurses in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patients according to established policies. Assists other members of the health care team as directed.
• Cares for patients in a manner conducive to their safety and comfort; adheres to instructions from a registered nurse and established routines.
• Gives treatment as assigned by a team leader/charge nurse such as catheterizations, catheter irrigations, and care; oral, tracheal, and nasal suctioning; enemas; dressing changes; perineal care; etc., in accordance with the level of training. Assists with other procedures as directed.

Qualifications

Education and Formal Training Required:

• Must have a temporary permit or a valid license as a practical nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Must successfully pass the Altoona Hospital pharmacology challenge exam.
• Must maintain CPR certification.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• CPR is required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire must complete licensure examination within FOUR MONTHS of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first. Though temporary permits are valid for one year from the date of graduation, not one year from the issue of the permit (or until the results of the examination are known at which time it becomes null and void), UPMC requires that GPNs take the licensure examination within 4 months of their start date or they will be terminated or demoted from the GPN position, at the discretion of the BU.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with Renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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