Job: Licensed Practical Nurse - Inpatient Behavioral Health - St. Mary's Hospital

POSITION SUMMARY:

St. Mary's Hospital, new in 2004, is located in the Heart of the Northwoods in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. We provide the very best in patient care by putting patients first in everything we do. See what it is like to be part of a multi-disciplinary team of top-notch professionals who provide patient and family centered care that is compassionate, holistic, respectful, and values-driven, while striving to excel in skill performance, personal growth and professional excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS or RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists RN with collection of subjective and objective admission data; VS, weight,orientation to room/unit
Provides personal hygiene care including complete, partial and assisted bathing, proper skin care, hair washing, facial hair shaving, and oral hygiene including denture care.
Meets patient's elimination needs including use of bedpan, urinal, bladder catheter.
Assists patients with their nutritional requirements including observing diet restrictions and accurately collecting data and recording I&O.
Responds to call lights in a prompt, courteous manner and responds to requests appropriately.
Assists patient with ambulation as needed.
Performs and documents specific assessments and treatments per patient need, nursing standards, unit norms and licensure.
Uses observation skills to assess patient's response or lack of response to care on an ongoing basis.
Recognizes and communicates to the RN abnormalities and urgent needs.
Recognizes life-threatening situations and emergencies, and takes appropriate actions.
Documentation is complete, legible, timely and accurate.
Provides input to RN regarding adjustments to plan of care based on achievement of desired outcomes.
Participates in education to patient/families consistent with the plan of care and desired outcomes.
Maintains therapeutic boundaries with patients.
Appropriately triages crisis situations. Takes precautionary measures to minimize crisis situations. Reports actual or potential safety concerns toRegistered Nurse. Documents events timely.
Assists Registered Nurse with patient education. Knowledgeable with patient teaching materials (i.e. lifeskills, worksheets, videos, literature).
Performs group education as delegated by Registered Nurse. Orients patients from and to unit upon admission as delegated by RN.
Performs related tasks necessary to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff. Always wears code strong button. Aware of unit activity. Aware of patient and coworkers locations throughout the shift. Continuous communication with coworkers in regards to safety status of unit

Must be graduate of accredited vocational technical LPN school of nursing.
At least one year of experience as LPN preferred.
At least one year of experience in a Behavioral Health facility strongly preferred.
Must be licensed to practice as an LPN in Wisconsin.
Must be able to assist patient with nutrition, physical, and elimination needs.
Must be able to perform specific skills including starting IVs, medication administration, bladder catheterization, bladder and NG irrigation