LPN - Neuro (Inpatient) at CARLE
Towanda, IL
About the Job
***$2,500 Sign on Bonus***
When unit is full, LPN will work with RNs with highest acuity or will be paired with an RN who has a heavy patient load. When the UNL has patients, the LPN will be paired with the UNL to assist with the UNL patient load. LPN tasks may include oral meds, IV piggyback meds, trach care, dressing changes, documentation on assessments and care plans after the RN has completed the first assessment and initiated the care plan.
Position Highlights: 9B Neurology
- Number of beds on unit: 26 bed unit, 22 private beds + 1 Safety Monitoring Unit (SMU) with 4 beds.
- Patient population (age, diagnosis, specifics about unit): The unit serves patients typically above 17 years of age. The patients are admitted with various diagnoses such as stroke, TIA, aneurysms, seizures, epilepsy, brain tumor, dementia, neuromuscular diseases, and ETOH withdrawal. Also includes patients with neurosurgery procedures such as laminectomy, craniotomy, and ACDFs. The SMU has one staff member assigned to the room. These patients are redirectable but need frequent rounding due to confusion, impulsiveness, or lack of understanding of their limitations. The SMU helps them build and maintain a routine until they get a placement.
- Nurse to Patient ratio: 1:5 (occasionally 1:6)
- Department culture and resources: 9B is specialty unit with complex, high acuity neurology and neurosurgery patients. The nurses and HCTs on the unit work collaboratively with the providers, patient families, therapists, and pharmacists to provide safe and quality care. The success of patient care is strongly rooted in teamwork and communication. The unit also focuses on early ambulation of neurosurgery patients. The unit leadership focuses on reinforcing teamwork and individual growth through employee engagement and various opportunities within the organization.
- Frequent nursing skills/equipment used: NIH Stroke Scale, neuro assessment, nursing assessments, medication administration, collaboration with multiple disciplines, and ability to communicate patient care needs with the care team. Hands-on skills such as IV insertion, foley insertion, tracheostomy care, using plum pump for fluid and medication administration, administering tube feeding, wound care and wound vacs, and ostomy bag care. BLS (within 30 days of hire). NIHSS certification (completed upon hire).
When unit is full, LPN will work with RNs with highest acuity or will be paired with an RN who has a heavy patient load. When the UNL has patients, the LPN will be paired with the UNL to assist with the UNL patient load. LPN tasks may include oral meds, IV piggyback meds, trach care, dressing changes, documentation on assessments and care plans after the RN has completed the first assessment and initiated the care plan.
- Passes all medications, hangs IV piggybacks and fluids, excluding IV Push meds.
- Charts assessments on assigned patients, given that an RN has charted the initial assessment.
- Charts on care plans, which the RN has opened. As needed will have RN open new care plans.
- Communicates with physicians/APPs to receive orders and coordinate care for patient.
- Complete dressing changes as needed.
- Complete trach care as needed.
- Insert and care for NG tube and feedings through NG tube.
- Care for and change ostomy.
- Reinforce education and discharge instructions.
- Passes all medications, hangs IV piggybacks and fluids, excluding IV Push meds
- Charts assessments on assigned patients, given that an RN has charted the initial assessment.
- Charts on care plans, which the RN has opened. As needed will have RN open new care plans
- Communicates with physicians/APPs to receive orders and coordinate care for patient.
- Complete dressing changes as needed
- Complete trach care as needed
- Insert and care for NG tube and feedings through NG tube
- Care for and change ostomy
- Reinforce education and discharge instructions