Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

THIS IS A CLOSED POSITION. WE DO NOT HIRE NEW EMPLOYEES INTO THIS ROLE. This position is responsible for providing direct nursing care to assigned patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Independent Practitioner to enhance and improve outcomes and a safe therapeutic environment. The incumbent contributes L.P.N. knowledge and skills to the nursing unit and to the care of patients. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Qualifications

Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Current licensure to practice as a Practical Nurse in the State of Utah.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct patient care.
• Acts as a preceptor to other assistive personnel on the unit.
• Provides I.V. care for patients according to hospital standards and certification.
• Participates in nursing research, quality improvement and unit development.
• Contributes to the assessment of patient needs and plan of care.
• Documents ongoing patient assessment and care to the appropriate records.
• Provides medical treatments.
• Administers prescribed oral medication and gives intramuscular and subcutaneous injections and other routes according to hospital standards.
• Records vital signs, intake and output, medication administered, and performs other tasks within the scope of practice.
• Assists with patient teaching and discharge planning.
• Assists patients with personal hygiene, nutrition and daily activities.
• Prepares equipment and assists supervising practitioner with medical treatments, exams and surgical procedures.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.

Problem Solving

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
• Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills.
• Provide care appropriate to the population served.
• Incumbents in this position are authorized to administer prescribed oral medication and give injections.
• Incumbents in this position may provide IV care within the scope of practice as outlined in the hospital policies and procedures.
• Major challenges encountered by the incumbent include determining the appropriate nursing action in a crisis/emergency situation. The incumbent must assess the situation and initiate the proper response to the crises.
• Incumbents must have the ability to function during regularly scheduled, 12 hour, extended, or alternative shifts; demonstrates both mental and emotional stamina in situations dealing with death, multiple patients, family members, etc.; function calmly and competently in high stress situations; and the ability to deal with the hazards involved in assessing and providing care to patients. Incumbents face exposure to potentially dangerous infections contaminants as part of the daily hazards of the job.
• The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

Comments

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.