Description

Licensed Practical Nurse
3G Behavioral Health
0.7 Flex Full Time, Days and Evenings (28-40 hrs/week)
Union position: AFSCME
Posted: 2/1/2023

UPMC Altoona is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse to join our Inpatient Behavioral Health team on the 3G unit for day and evening shifts! This position is flex full-time (28-40 hours per week) with a holiday rotation and every other weekend rotation. 

Our Behavioral Health Unit holds 34 adult patients. We have a mix of RN's LPN's PCT and Mental Health Workers that support the team. Our patients come in for a wide variety mental health issues, depression, anxiety , PTDS , co-existing substance issues , psychosis. Our staff are trained on how to help our patients process, learn coping skills, medication management and compliance. Our Psychiatrist sees our patients daily to ensure they are on the proper dosage of medications, if there are any side effects and if patient is having clinical improvement. 3G has a wonderful work environment with a wide variety skill sets and every day provides rewards and challenges.

This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus! Whether you’re a recent Graduate Nurse looking to launch your nursing career, or a seasoned LPN seeking a change, now is your moment to find your place at UPMC!

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

*Part Time status positions are also eligible for sign-on bonus at a prorated amount - $7,500 for experienced nurses with over 2 years of experience, and $5,000 for GNs and nurses with less than 2 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

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 for recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed.
• Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergency situations
• 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, observa-tions, and reactions involving medication administration.d.Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, topical, and ocular medications as ordered by a licensed physician or dentist under the direct supervision and responsi-bility of a registered nurse.e.Demonstrates knowledge of medications and IV therapy administration according to policy.f.Count narcotic drug at end of shift with registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse.g.Administers PRN medications following assessment by 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 in a timely manner.
• 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 nurse in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patient 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 registered nurse and established routines.
• Gives treatment as assigned by 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 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:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP)
• 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 issue of 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.
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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