LPN - Respiratory Therapy Support FT

HOURS & SHIFT REQUIREMENTS: Full Time. 30-40 hours weekly, Monday-Friday.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in CPC provides patient care for individuals undergoing inpatient and outpatient respiratory diagnostic testing and related services. The LPN works collaboratively with the Respiratory Therapist (RT) and other members of the interdisciplinary health care team.

The LPN practices within the scope of the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, applicable policies, demonstrated competency, and authorized clinical responsibilities. The LPN supports respiratory therapy services but does not independently assume responsibilities that require respiratory care licensure or other professional authorization.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the Communities we serve.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrates competency in selected psychomotor skills as allowed within the
LPN scope of practice.

2. Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to patient and family rights, as
identified by the hospital.

3. Functions with an awareness and application of safety issues as identified by the
hospital/director of nursing structure standards.

4. Demonstrates an understanding of appropriate emergency responses and the
ability to remain calm in select situations.

5. Demonstrates an awareness of and assumes self-responsibility for nursing practice which falls within the prescribed scope of practice for LPNs as defined in this states Nurse Practice Act.

6. Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question.

7. Demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care/unit functions and actively supports risk management activities.

8. Participates in development and attainment of self, unit, and nursing department goals/ objectives.

9. Participates in unit Standards Development and Quality Improvement activities.

10. Promotes a constructive/positive atmosphere within the work area by demonstrating the ability to cooperate with and assist fellow health team members as well as patients and their families.

11. Remains flexible in co-operation with 24 hour staffing patterns and scheduling needs for provision of care in all departments; participation in temporary assignment measures as needed.

12. Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.

PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL SUPPORT

1. Prepare Patient for scheduled inpatient and outpatient respiratory diagnostic testing and related service.

2. Verify patient identity, confirm orders and required documentation, and assist with completion of applicable screening and safety checklists.

3. Obtain and document vital signs as appropriate to the patients condition and ordered treatment/procedure.

4. Performed focused nursing assessments within the LPN scope of practice.

5. Review relevant patient history and communicate pertinent information to the RT and/or appropriate clinical team member(s).

6. Assist patients with positioning, mobility, comfort, and preparation for testing.

7. Monitor patients for signs of distress, intolerance, adverse reactions, or changes in clinical status before, during, and after treatment/procedure.

8. Participate in patient handoffs and interdisciplinary communication to promote safe transitions and continuity of care.

RESPIRATORY DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT

1. Collaborate with RTs to coordinate patient flow and prepare patients and testing areas for treatment/procedures.

2. Assist with the preparation, organization, and turnover of testing rooms and equipment.

3. Support testing workflow for services offered by the department.

4. Perform nursing-related tasks associated with testing, including specimen collection, medication administration, or other interventions when ordered and within scope of practice.

5. Communicate patient symptoms, relevant observations, and changes in clinical status to the RT throughout the testing encounter.

6. Assist with post-procedure monitoring, recovery, patient comfort, and coordination of disposition as applicable.

7. Ensure timely documentation and required records are complete and accurate.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING & THERAPEUTIC EQUIPMENT

1. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
2. Stress Test
3. Holter Monitor
4. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
5. Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
6. Airvo

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Visual acuity to observe patient assessment data and use manual/automated
documentation tools.

2. Auditory acuity to hear patient verbal communication and gather data using auscultatory skills.

3. Manual dexterity of hands and feet to ambulate 8-12 hours per shift and skillfully manage multiple pieces of equipment/tubes/invasive lines.

4. Physical strength to perform CPR, occasional lifting whenever help is needed, constant walking, twisting and turning and stretching maneuvers to do patient care and departmental duties.

5. Physical strength to perform the following lifting tasks:

Floor to waist - 30 pounds
14 to waist - 40 pounds
Waist to shoulder - 20 pounds
Shoulder to overhead - 10 pounds
Carry 30 pounds for 30 feet
Push 40 pounds/force for 30 feet
Pull 40 pounds/force for 15 feet

6. Keen mental faculties to perform assessment and decision making skills related to patient care and departmental duties.

7. Able to handle stress during long hours associated with acute patient care, emotional demands of patients and families, demands of peers and demands of physicians.

8. Communication/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone.

9. Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to patient and family rights as identified by the hospital.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Director of Cardiopulmonary Care.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Current Illinois licensure to practice as a Practical Nurse.

2. BLS on hire.

INFECTION EXPOSURE RISK LEVEL

Category I – Maximal Risk – this job exposes you to potential blood, body fluids and tissues on a routine basis. It is recommended that you get the Hepatitis B Vaccine.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works in patient care areas where there are few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise and other irritants.

2. Works with patients and may be exposed to contagious diseases or infectious materials, but potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions and equipment are used.

3. Works in a normal office where there are relatively few discomforts due to adverse or hazardous working conditions. There is some exposure to noise.

4. Will work in an office with co-workers where traffic may be constant, subjecting your work to interruptions, which can produce stress and fatigue.