Job Summary:

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the emergency care setting by contributing to all steps of the nursing process (assessment; planning; implementation and evaluation). The LPN shall communicate with the RN and seek guidance when the patient’s care needs exceed the LPN’s scope of practice or surpass the LPN’s knowledge, skill or ability. The LPN will also communicate to the RN and/or ED Physician if the patient’s condition deteriorates or there is a significant change in condition. The LPN will notify the RN and/or the ED Physician if the patient is not responding to therapy or the patient becomes unstable and/or the patient needs immediate assistance. The LPN shall obtain instruction and supervision if implementing new or unfamiliar nursing practices or procedures. The LPN should be able to triage safely, rapidly and accurately. The LPN will provide care that reflects initiative, flexibility and responsibility indicative of professional expectation with a minimum of supervision. The LPN will determine priorities of care based on physical and psychosocial needs, as well as factors influencing patient flow through the system. The LPN will be able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment.

Characteristic job tasks and responsibilities:

• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment of all patients and reassessments as per policy recognizes changes in condition and report findings accurately to the RN. This includes infant/pediatric and general patient population.
• Rapidly and accurately assigns triage categories utilizing the Estimated Severity Index, Level 1-5.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.
• Communicates with the Emergency Department RN and physician about symptomatology and results of diagnostic studies.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, RNs, and other co-workers.
• Revises standardized ACI based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning while including family as appropriate.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Ability to function well under stressful situations.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures in the Emergency Department.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Assists manager in the development, implementation and evaluation of QI indicators to improve patient outcome and work environment.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Must attend all required staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as directed by Registered Nurse.

Knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics:

• Must work cooperatively with all members of the team, following EEO rules and regulations.
• Must demonstrate organizational skills.
• Must show respect for patients, families, and fellow employees in all actions.
• Must have a high degree of integrity.
• Must respect the resources of the organization.
• Must follow all infection control procedures and guidelines.
• Must present professionally in proper uniform according to Employee Handbook.
• Must demonstrate attention toward quality service according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must respect all patient rights according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must follow all Organizational policies and procedures.
• Must participate in continuing education as required.
• Must process adequate equipment skills to complete daily work tasks including but not limited to the copier, fax, computer, and other electronic devices.
• The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations.
• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM.
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in respectful and cooperative manner.

Education, experience, licenses:

High School Diploma or GED.  LPN License Required. Current BLS certification.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see. The employee must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to perform CPR.

Work environment:

Employee is responsible for performing duties in an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, coercion or harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.  The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate.

Safety:

Assists in the creation of a culture of safety and environmental protection by performing work safely in accordance with departmental safety procedures. Operates equipment safely and reports any unsafe work conditions or practice to supervisor.

LECOM’s full-time employees enjoy the availability of an industry leading benefits package along with competitive wages. Enhanced benefits include Highmark Blue Cross / Blue Shield Health Insurance starting at only $100 a month! Life insurance and AD&D Insurance is provided to all full-time employees at no cost. The health system also offers an excellent 403(b) retirement plan to qualified employees.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled