Lpn - Fall​/Winter Graduates - Locations

Job Summary

A Graduate an approved program by the State Board of Nursing, who has not completed examination for licensure is responsible for the complete nursing care of a group of patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The graduate nurse is responsible to the Clinical Director and accountable to the patient. Gradate Practical Nurses are given the opportunity to be paired with a nurse mentor for continued one-on-one support.

This program is designed as a series of learning and clinical practice experiences to assist newly licensed nurses as they transition from the student role to clinical practitioner.

Essential Job Functions

• Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with the Pennsylvania Practical Nurse Law, hospital policies, procedures, protocols and other professional standards of care.
  • Assists the RN in collecting patient health care data on admission by completing a focused assessment in an ongoing systematic manner, focusing on the physical, psychosocial, age, cultural and spiritual needs of the patient and which contributes to the comprehensive assessment by the RN.
  • Works directly with the RN to implement an individualized, age-specific plan of care and evaluate its effectiveness.
  • Assists the RN in reassessment of the patient's condition and takes appropriate action as indicated or by unit specific policy.
  • Involves the patient/family and other health care providers when appropriate.
  • Completes patient care related activities within scheduled time periods.
  • Complies with completeness, accuracy and timeliness of documentation, utilizing the electronic medical record.
• Observes, records and reports to the appropriate professional the symptoms, reaction and changes including:
  • General physical and mental condition of patients, and signs and symptoms which may be indicative of untoward changes; and stresses in human relationships between patients, between patients and personnel, and between patients and their families and visitors.
• Performs nursing functions as defined in Pennsylvania regulations, such as:
  • Initiates (peripheral short catheter) and maintains IV therapy;
• Assists with the rehabilitation of patients according to the medical care plan, being aware of and encouraging the interests and special aptitudes of patients.
  • Encouraging patients to help themselves within their own capabilities in performing activities of daily living.
  • Knowledge and application of the principles of prevention of deformities, the normal range of motion, body mechanics, and body alignment.
• Assists in providing education for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care and improve outcomes.
  • Assists the RN in assessing the patient's readiness to learn, identifying educational barriers and adapting the process to meet the needs of the patient.
  • Ensures education about safely and effectively using medication, pain and managing pain, available resources, how to obtain further care, and information about responsibilities in their care.
  • Acquires and distributes educational resources tailored to patient needs.
  • Provides and reviews, upon request of the RN, written discharge instructions that demonstrate an inter-relationship between education, discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care.
  • Communicates pertinent information for interdisciplinary patient care conferences, shift reports and internal and external transfers.
  • Reports changes in patient's condition to the RN, including the need to reassess patient or change the plan of care; confers with the RN when there is a need to contact the physician.
• Participates in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer service.
  • Assists in data collection process as requested.
  • Recommends modifications for performance improvement.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of the professional nurse.
  • Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
  • Delegates patient care appropriately.
  • Maintains accountability for actions taken.
  • Effectively functions as a resource person.
  • Acts as a patient advocate.
  • Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
  • Assists in maintaining/decreasing organizational/department costs.
• Assists in the department's compliance with State, TJC, OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
  • Participates in continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys.
  • Participates in the non-punitive medication reporting system.
  • Ensures accountability for narcotics per regulatory/organizational policies.
  • Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Provides for patient safety in…