UPMC Altoona is seeking a casual Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to support the T9 Birth Center!

UPMC Magee Women’s Birthing Center (T9) is a 22-bed multidisciplinary unit that contains its own triage and Operating Rooms. Patients labor, birth, recover and have their postpartum stay in the same unit permitting continuity of patient care throughout their hospital stay promoting skin to skin, support of breastfeeding, delayed bathing, and infant rooming-in. Within the unit is a 4-bed triage area for maternal monitoring of baby and evaluation of emergent obstetrical situations and concerns. Nurses are trained in labor and delivery, how to circulate in the OR for cesarean sections, care of the infant and mother postpartum, triaging patients, and neonatal resuscitation after delivery. Neonates may need to transition in our 8-bed special care nursery, currently caring for neonates 35 weeks and greater.

The LPN 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:

• The LPN is prepared to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience in nursing and competency. The LPN participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment in settings where nursing takes place.

• An LPN shall communicate with a licensed professional nurse and the patient's health care team members to seek guidance when: The patient's care needs exceed the licensed practical nursing scope of practice. The patient's care needs surpass the LPN's knowledge, skill or ability. The patient's condition deteriorates or there is a significant change in condition, the patient is not responding to therapy, the patient becomes unstable or the patient needs immediate assistance.

• An LPN shall obtain instruction and supervision if implementing new or unfamiliar nursing practices or procedures. An LPN shall follow the written, established policies and procedures of UPMC, UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines and the State Practice Act. Acts within the LPN Practice guidelines (except IVs) and within the framework of Relationship Based Care to create a healing environment. Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner. Communicates the patient's condition to other care providers.

• Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families and colleagues. Actively participates in unit activities and willing to provide assistance to care team members.

• Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home. Regularly seeks feedback on performance and applies continuous professional improvement. Supports continuous learning in the clinical areas by participating in organizational and system programs. Identifies opportunities for clinical quality as well as workplace improvement.

• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.

• One (1) year of LDRP experience is required.

• Successful graduation from a Licensed Practical Nursing Program approved by the State Board of Nursing.

• The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment. Mobility and visual manual dexterity.

• Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients.

• Computer skills required to utilize the electronic health record.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

LPN must maintain state licensure where they are practicing or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located. A licensed practical nurse whose license has lapsed for 5 years or longer or has been placed on inactive status for 5 years or longer, as permitted in section 13.1(b) of the act (63 P.S. 663.1(b)), may reactivate the license by following the state guidelines and would not be eligible to hire into an LPN role until that time. Basic Life Support OR Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.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.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

*Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran