Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - General Surgery (Coverage) - The Arora Group

Currently recruiting a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) General Surgery in Portsmouth, Virginia to work in the General Surgery Clinic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. The Licensed Practical Nurse General Surgery will provide medical care for Active-Duty military heroes, their family members, and retirees. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-General Surgery position will work full-time, 80 hr./two weeks, Sun - Sat. 12.5 hr. Or 8.5 hr. Shifts (30 min uncompensated meal break), between 7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-General Surgery will normally work six 12.5 hr. Shifts and one 8 hr. Shift per two-week period. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-General Surgery Unit are coverage positions.

DUTIES OF THE LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE- GENERAL SURGERY:

• Ensure patient care is carried out in accordance with the Standards of Nursing Care and the policies and procedures of the clinic.
• Check patients into the clinic and triage using clinic guidelines. Inform the nurse or physician of the patient s condition and potential problems.
• Obtain and document patient and pertinent family history.
• Perform a full range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, obtaining, recording and tracking results of diagnostic tools.
• Assist the physician in a variety of diagnostic examinations such as lumbar punctures, colposcopies and sigmoidoscopies, by preparing, positioning and monitoring patients, and setting out and handling instruments and equipment.
• Perform laboratory tests such as checking urine for sugar and stool for blood. Record and report results of test.
• Perform a range of treatment procedures that include sterile dressing changes, applying compresses, monitoring IV fluids, inserting catheters and suctions, inserting nasogastric tubes, administering medications, giving enemas, setting up and giving treatment that requires auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Ambulate patients to other areas to include Radiology, various clinics, and physical therapy.
• Prepare patients for tests, examinations, treatments, and/or surgery. Collect specimens such as urine, sputum and stool. Label specimens for laboratory examinations and follow up by using CHCS/AHLTA or calling the laboratory for reports. Alert provider to conditions which deviate from expected findings.
• Prepare, start, monitor and discontinue intravenous fluids with accuracy and in accordance with established procedures.
• Observe, report and document all observed symptoms, reactions, treatments and changes in the patient condition to the registered nurse or physician. Make careful observations to assess that nursing procedures and treatment do not cause additional distress.
• Perform routine nursing care activities such as taking blood pressures, temperatures, baths and hygiene care, passing and removal of trays, changing of linen, and otherwise assist in the care of the physical needs of the patient.
• Operate basic equipment required in delivery of patient care such as pumps, intravenous (IV) pumps, oxygen administration apparatus and incentive spirometers.
• Execute physician s orders within the guidelines of standard nursing practice. Ensure accurate medication is administered in correct form and dosage to the proper patient as directed by the physician.
• Maintain records of nursing care, dose and time of medication administered, and indicate if the medication was not administered and the reason.
• Administer immunizations in a safe and accurate manner with strict adherence to all applicable immunization policies.
• Recognize emergency situations and assist with, or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients such as cardiac arrests.
• Perform preoperative procedures for minor surgery, and fill out pre-op checklist.
• Assist patients in admission, transfer, and perform discharge planning follow-up and documentation.
• Support the patient and/or family members toward the achievement of treatment plan goals. Provide instructions to the patient on invasive procedures, surgical procedures and post-surgical conditions which were previously provided to the patient by a nurse or physician.
• Instruct patients on how equipment is used such as oxygen, suction, cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter. Instruct patients and family on use of prescribed medications, contraindications of medications, and the necessity of proper follow-up care.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families.
• Ensure necessary supplies are available and equipment is in functioning order.
• Provide an orderly, clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy and respect for patient confidentiality. Receive information and distribute messages as necessary.
• Report to supervisor any need for maintenance and re-supply of pharmaceuticals.
• Ensure upkeep and perform checks of emergency equipment i.E., oxygen, emergency cart, suction apparatus, etc. And maintain appropriate logs. Inform the Charge Nurse of any discrepancy on daily checks.
• Perform additional duties within the scope of LPN practice including but not limited to, update of Standards of Nursing Care, and other collateral duties required for efficient, quality patient care.
• Transport patients to and from other areas of the facility to include hospital clinics and ancillary departments, as ordered by the physician.
• Assist the professional nurse and/or physician with individual, group, and family health instruction in relation to the patient's condition and his/her ability for self-care. Assist in the dissemination of appropriate literature dealing with subjects related to the particular health problems involved. Assist in providing physical and psychological support to patients, assist in the explanation of procedures and treatment, and promote cooperation among staff, patients and families.
• Render nursing care to patients within assigned clinic/unit, to include the taking and recording of patient, complete patient assessment, patient vital signs, AM/PM care, measurement and recording of food and fluid input and output and understanding the use of and following the guidelines for inpatient clinical pathways.
• Perform duties such as urinary catheterization, tube feedings, sterile dressing changes, peripheral venous catheterization, blood sampling from venipuncture or from existing arterial/venous access lines, irrigation of gastric tubes, rectal tubes, and bladder catheters as prescribed, and care of all drainage systems tubes, simple ostomy dressings, enemas, tracheal suctioning, and oxygen therapy, as directed, dressing changes and other nursing duties as required by patient needs. Assist with a variety of diagnostic procedures and provide emotional support to the patient.
• Administer and monitor medications and intravenous infusions within the scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse in compliance with hospital policy.
• Assist in the administration and monitoring of tube feedings, intravenous and hyperalimentation fluids, and monitor for complications of administration.
• Administer and monitor oxygen therapy using pulse oximetry and pulmonary care techniques.
• Monitor epidural fluids and Patient Controlled Analgesia pumps;refer to RN for any issues or concerns.
• Maintain quality and timely records and documentation of nursing care and of clinical work performed.
• Liaison with other disciplines to plan care for patients according to their current physical requirements.
• Identify and respond appropriately to changes in the patient s condition.
• Upon request provide information in response to command surveillance programs and occupational health.
• Assist with the orientation and teaching of new personnel.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary specialty nursing projects.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE - GENERAL SURGERY:

• Possess a minimum of one year experience as an LPN/LVN working in an inpatient medical/surgical setting within the last two years.
• Graduate from an accredited community college, junior college, college, university or vocational nursing program approved by the appropriate State agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In lieu of graduation from an ACEN or CCNE accredited Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) educational program, the nurse may be a graduate of an accredited Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse educational program or have completed an equivalent military training program.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted license (any state or U.S. Territory) to practice as an LPN or LVN.
• U.S. Citizen (for access to Government computer systems)
• BLS is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• 17 days paid vacation/sick leave per year
• 10 paid Federal holidays per year
• Dental and Vision plans
• 401(k) savings plan

ABOUT THE ARORA GROUP
The Arora Group is an award-winning, Joint Commission-certified nationwide healthcare services company that, for over 30 years, has provided medical care for the men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide world-class care and give our over healthcare professionals opportunities to improve their skills, learn from the best, and serve the needs of active-duty service members, their families, and veterans.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability