Acute Care - LPN​/RN

The Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse for Glendive Medical Center is a direct patient care position in a Critical Access Hospital that serves a diverse patient population. This nurse works with patients of all ages and needs. Our services include Medical, Surgical, OB, Pediatrics, ER, ICU, Transitional Care, and Behavioral Health. The Acute Care Directors of Nursing and Nursing Supervisors will work with each nurse to develop his/her education and competencies to be able to provide care in each area assigned.

The LPN will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN).

• Supervises care given by nonprofessional staff and provides instruction as needed for delegated tasks.

• Will demonstrate proficiency in administering the fundamentals of the nursing process.
• Will obtain and document a nursing history from patients and/or family that is comprehensive of present condition and prior problems.
• Performs basic assessment of patients, including vital signs, indicating adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The nurse will take into consideration a holistic approach to assess the physical, psychosocial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual needs of the patient.
• Must be able to note changes in clinical status and pursue more-specific investigations and assessments as needed.
• Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and shows a fundamental understanding of its implications by reporting information to the physician and others caring for the patient, and by incorporating information in the nursing care plan.
• Must be able to recognize clinical signs of a significant change in condition, quickly initiate emergency cares/resuscitation, and call for a rapid response or code blue as appropriate.
• In collaboration with an RN, the patient and patient's care team, the LPN will participate in the development of the plan of care establishing priorities and setting realistic and measurable goals.
• Development of nursing diagnosis based on patient history and clinical judgement to actual and potential health problems or life processes, such as fall risk, impaired skin integrity, nutritional deficit, and knowledge deficit.
• Contribution to development of the interdisciplinary plan of care:
  Uses assessment information to develop an individualized care plan before the end of duty time that communicates enough information for incoming staff to adequately care for the patient. Reviews care plans for assigned patients on a routine basis. Includes the patient and his/her family in planning care, establishing priorities, and setting measurable goals.
• Implementation of nursing interventions based on clinical judgement and knowledge to enhance patient outcomes such as direct care, education, disease prevention, health promotion, etc. Evaluates and documents the patient's response to nursing care defined in the nursing care plan.
• The LPN should assess the patient's progress towards goals and expected outcomes and evaluate the need for changes to the plan of care in conjunction with a RN or nursing supervisor.
• Supports nursing care standards through adherence to existing policies and procedures.
• Must use effective time management in completing nursing tasks/assessments, medication administration, treatments, patient education, documentation, etc. in order to give a concise/accurate patient report at the end of their shift.
• Incorporates safety, infection control standards, and risk prevention skills in all aspects of their daily work.
• Consistently uses a team approach by assisting other healthcare team members in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Participates in peer review as appropriate.
• Uses concepts of professional ethics while providing care.
• Each nurse must complete an initial skills competency check-off during orientation and participate in on-going/yearly competencies.
• Must have adequate knowledge of hospital and community resources to provide education and appropriate referrals to patients/families.
• Will use the appropriate processes for reporting incidents, notification of their nursing supervisor, and the chain of command.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth by attendance at educational programs or course, review of current practice in nursing literature, and routine unit meetings or in-services.

• Charge Nurse duties may be assigned when a nurse is able to demonstrate clinical leadership skills, critical thinking, ability to handle patient emergencies with confidence, is competent to work in each clinical area, and understands coordinating additional resources necessary for patient care coordination.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends,…