LPN - Pulmonary (6SE)

Our Pulmonary Unit is 36-bed telemetry unit directed towards diagnosing and treating a wide range of patients with respiratory disorders. Nurses in this area have a 1:6 ratio and value the delivery of high-quality, specialized care for patients and their families suffering from a variety of lung diseases or injuries. This unit takes pride in the collaborative relationships with departments such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, care management and pharmacy.

This specialty requires a foundation of knowledge in general medicine as well as expertise in respiratory skills. Responsibilities Collects and documents data on each assigned patient on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the normal systems review, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors. Specific ages: neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

Performs basic and/or advanced nursing task, as appropriate for the department/unit including the following: Blood glucose testing Foley catheter insertion/removal NGT insertion/removal Enteral feeding Medication administration to include: (topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, Medication reconciliation Receiving handwritten, verbal, or electronic medical orders from the legally authorized prescriber Developing a plan of care for a stable patient Wound care (assessment, determining POA, and dressing changes) IV therapy (peripheral initial IV insertion, set-up, replacement, and removal of a peripheral IV) Administering IV piggy back medications via CVLs, with the exception of dialysis access devices Blood and blood product administration.

Participates in team conferences, care planning/problem identification and team shift reports. Provides and documents patient (significant other) education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning. Records and reports to the RN all observed abnormal and/or significant findings to include but not limited to symptoms, abnormal drainage, reactions, responses to treatments, medications, and changes in the patient’s condition.

Documents all patient care activities and/or observations according to policies and procedures. Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

DCH Standards: Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.

Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees. Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees. Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.

Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned. Qualifications Current Alabama LPN License and American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIIONS Physical : Physical presence onsite is essential. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient.

Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling. Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. Ability to run in emergency situations.

Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner. Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips. Environmental : Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions.

Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment. Psychological: Includes receiving delegation, working with team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.