LPN Wound Center - PRN

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

 Licensed Practical Nurse

MAIN FUNCTION:

Provides nursing care to patients in an efficient, competent and caring manner. Works under the direction of an RN and within the Nurse Practice Act to provide care via the applicable portions of the Nursing Process.  Communicates effectively with patients, support person(s) and other members of the health care team.  Acts in compliance with the hospital and nursing policies and procedures.  Follows WCH Nursing Philosophy and practice model which are derived from the Synergy model and appropriate Service Standards as outlined in Employee Handbook.

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Department Manager, Assistant Manager, Charge Nurses, RN staff

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed in the State of Ohio
• Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card while in this position.LPN with one year of home care experience
• IV Certification for the following units: TCU, IRU, Float, PCU, MS, ED, WP

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

1. Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear personal protective equipment
2. Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete nursing care task
3. Subject to STHR (short term hour reduction) according to policy

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:   All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Leadership

1. Embraces teamwork by adhering to Nursing Practice Model   
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
3. Demonstrates professional behavior and competent nursing practice
4. Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills
5. Participates in the implementation of the nursing process within the scope of LPN practice

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Communication

1. Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
2. Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
3. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
4. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations 
5. Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication
6. Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction. Follows   appropriate channels of communication.
7. Participates in team collaboration/huddles
8. Reports critical information to RN
9. Interact with clinical students in a positive, productive manner 

Operations

1. Maintains appropriate clinical skills:
   • Administers care according to WCH/unit policy/procedure current standards of care and Ohio Nurse Practice Act
   • Under direction of RN, performs data collection and documentation relevant to patient's condition, needs and age, per nursing documentation guidelines.  Communicates changes in patient condition to team leader/Clinical Coordinator in timely manner
   • Reviews plan of care developed by RN Team Leader/Clinical Coordinator
   • Under direction of the RN, provides age appropriate health teaching related to diagnosis,     patient/family need, and medication using available teaching resources
   • Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are    prioritized and completed in a timely manner. 
   • Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills
   • Other duties as assigned by management team
2. Administers medication safely:
   • Correctly demonstrates use of electronic MAR to document medication administration
   • Demonstrates knowledge of drug purpose and effectiveness as related to diagnosis
   • Follows 6 rights of medication administration (6th is right documentation)
   • Demonstrates appropriate/safe medication handling
   • Reassesses and documents effectiveness of medication

1. Participates, in conjunction with the RN/Clinical Coordinator (Home Health role), in huddles and patient rounds to: 
   • Evaluate the environment to assure safety & infection control standards met
   • Evaluate the care provided according to standards and evidence based practice
   • Evaluate the educational plan and its implementation, assessing for gaps in care
   • Evaluate for any additional /alternative care needs, and patient/family satisfaction
   • Evaluate adherence to documentation of care   
2. Coordinate work to achieve maximum productivity.   Able to multitask and prioritize workload.
3. Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making

Customer Service

1. Displays positive attitude.  Treats others with honesty and respect.  Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
2. Assess customer satisfaction when rounding on patients and use appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems
3. Use AIDET to:
   • Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing      the patient’s compliance
   • Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction
4. Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversation) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution

Staff Development / Personal Growth

In conjunction with the Department Manager, Clinical Specialist and / or Educator:

1. Function as a mentor, seeking learning opportunities for students
2. Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and career goals 
3. Demonstrate professional development by attending conferences, participating in committees/unit projects
4. Demonstrate professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in nursing practice/evidenced based nursing care
5. Accept feedback as opportunity for growth
6. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice, and initiatives.  Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers. 

Performance Improvement

1.  Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team. Assists in data collection as directed.
2. Participates on at least one team, project and/or committee:   unit, departmental or hospital based
3. Develop and maintain awareness of DNV, CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures
4. Develop and maintain ongoing understanding of nursing best practices for the types of patients for whom care is provided

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days)

1. Handles infants in gentle manner
2. Speaks in soothing voice
3. Holds and cuddles infant when necessary
4. Facilitates parental interaction and care of infant

Infant (29 days thru 12 months)

1. Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way
2. Speaks in soothing way
3. Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible
4. Encourages parental interaction with infant
5. Allows for familiar toys/blankets to be brought from home

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)

1. Allows choices when possible
2. Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations
3. Limits number of strangers entering room
4. Provides consistent nursing assignments
5. Does not shame parents for lack of cooperation
6. Holds child for painful procedures

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)

1. Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
2. Provides for patient's modesty
3. Tells patient exactly what will be expected
4. Allows patient control
5. Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

1. Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations at discharge
2. Teaches patient about one item at a time
3. Repeats instructions several times
4. Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient

MAIN FUNCTION: 

Under direction of RN in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of patient in the Wound Center.  Is responsible for meeting established WCH Standards of Nursing practice in the management of all assigned patients.  Acts within the Federal and State Laws, and professional and ethical practice.  

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Minimum 2 years of medical/surgical nursing experience 
• Wound Care experience

 Position Expectations:

1. Assess, stage, measure and photograph wounds accurately and in accordance to policy
2. Implement wound care and HBO protocols when clinically indicated
3. Assist physicians with wound therapy
4. Accurately complete superbill and ensure that all orders and charges are initiated accurately
5. Coordinates activities with other disciplines (rehab, nutrition, diabetic education, home health, DME, nursing homes and other ancillary services)
6. Coordinates office visits, pre-procedure work-ups and patient education with the multidisciplinary     team
7. Fosters continuity of care between WCH and care taker (home, hospital, HH, etc.)
8. Triages telephone calls and assists with scheduling

REV: 2/23, 9/2/25

Approved: TMMYERS