Licensed Practical Nurse

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital - Pittsfield, ME

Department: Medical Surgical Unit

Position is located: Sebasticook Valley Hospital

Work Type: Full Time

FTE: 36 Hours/Week

Work Schedule: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for providing basic nursing attention to patients and attending to patient's healing process as a part of a larger multidisciplinary team. The incumbent is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the Rules and Regulations defined in the State of Maine Nurse Practice Act, Northern Light Health Standards of Care/Practice, policies, and procedures. The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care to assigned patients, and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the Licensed Practical Nurse has delegated patient care in accordance with scope of practice and policy. The nurse assists the Registered Nurse by collecting data that will aide in the development of a plan of care and reinforcing established education plans developed by the Registered Nurse. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs of the patient, and delivers the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job.

Responsibilities:

* Patient Safety o Provides safe and effective patient care by using best practices during hand off communication and when reporting patient care information and appropriately asks for assistance from other staff. o Demonstrates knowledge and skills in location, operation, and care of equipment. • Clinical Data Collection and contributions to nursing assessments o Collects and documents subjective and objective systemic data according to established criteria, documenting within the electronic medical record. o Recognizes and responds to abnormal diagnostic data and reports to Registered Nurse and/or provider. • Caring & Code of Conduct o Develops and maintains a professional and personable relationship and appearance with patients/ families and staff. o Treats patients with courtesy and respect. • Critical Thinking o Utilizes critical thinking to prioritize and operationalize care. • Documentation o Documentation is accurate and complete reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements • Population Specific Competency o Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service. o Provides culturally competent care to patients and families. o Provides patient centered care. • Evidenced Based Practice & Research o Practice is consistent with Northern Light Health policy and procedures. o Demonstrates awareness of evidence-based practice. • Leadership and Professional Conduct o Utilizes appropriate time management and meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance. o Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support the staffing needs of patient care areas. o Communicates effectively with patients, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team, seeking assistance for conflict resolution as needed. • Collaboration and Teamwork o Implements the plan of care and identifies resources to meet patient care needs. o Identifies and communicates changes in patient conditions that may impact unit staffing levels or the provision of safe patient care. o Contributes to a healthy work environment by exhibiting professional behaviors and seeks assistance in addressing interpersonal conflicts. o Seeks assistance from colleagues in the daily care of patients on the unit. o Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team to maximize patient care. • Resource Management o Utilizes available resources in an appropriate manner and seeks assistance when needed. • Professional Development o Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs, by completing clinical evidence-based competencies (CBO) and member specific competencies. o Obtains 12 contact hours or a 3-credit professional development course or as specified by individual member organization. o Maintains an up-to-date personal educational file to demonstrate compliance with educational requirements. o Actively participates in the peer review process. • Performance Improvement o Demonstrates and articulates awareness of performance improvement initiatives.

Other Information:

* Demonstrate system values and integrates them into daily organizational practice. • Actively support patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human experience. • Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure. • Ability to influence others' actions and decisions without express authority. • Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, database experience and other computer related skills. BLS certification is required.

Competencies and Skills

* Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
* No previous experience required.
* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
* Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.

Credentials

* Required Basic Life Support
* Required Licensed Practical Nurse

Education

* Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

* Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.
* Alternate shift schedules (day, evening, nights, weekends).