LPN - Days/Evenings - Surgical Trauma/Oncology

UPMC Altoona is seeking a full-time Licensed Practical Nurse to join our Surgical Trauma/Medical Oncology & Palliative Care team! This position will work day and evening shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays.

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 RN seeking a change, now is your moment to find your place at UPMC!

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

• $7,500 sign-on bonus available for nurses with over 1 year of experience
• $5,000 sign-on bonus available for Graduate Nurses and nurses with less than 1 year of experience

About Tower 14 - Surgical Trauma/Medical Oncology & Palliative Care

Tower 14 front: Surgical/Trauma is a fast paced, 23-bed unit specializing in the care of post-surgical adults and low acuity trauma patients. Our unit specializes in caring for patients who have undergone a wide range of abdominal surgeries, as well as general medical cases such as sepsis, renal insufficiency, respiratory conditions, pancreatitis, and a variety acute and chronic illnesses. Tower 14 is also able to provide medical telemetry monitoring for those patients who require this type of care.

Tower 14 back: Medical Oncology & Palliative Care is an 18-bed medical telemetry unit that provides specialized care to both oncology and palliative care patients. There are 5 palliative care suites to accommodate our patients with palliative care needs. Nurses are trained and certified to administer chemotherapy and provide care to patients who may require telemetry monitoring, require neutropenic precautions, and numerous other conditions. Each plan of care for our patients is tailored to meet each of their unique care needs.

Purpose:
Functions as a member of the nursing team in providing direct patient care and other related activities in accordance with 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 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 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.