Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

**Currently hiring all LPN experience levels. Eligible candidates can earn a sign on bonus of up to $7,500!

In the neuro/medical-surgical unit, you are a vital part of the healthcare team. Located at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA, we are a 32-bed inpatient unit serving a diverse patient population, specializing in the care of patients with strokes, seizures and other neurological disorders. Patient conditions and needs are ever-changing, making strong critical thinking skills, effective time management and an adaptable mindset a must.

As a Magnet-designated hospital, our nurses have a voice in making decisions that impact daily workflows and ignite change. We value teamwork, collaboration, integrity and dedication to patient-centered care. In return, we are committed to caring for our staff each day. Flexible scheduling, routine wellness check-ins and tuition reimbursement are a few of the ways we show our commitment.

UPMC is committed to investing in nurses like you –financially, personally, and professionally –starting on day one of your career. From tackling student loans to advancing your career later in life, UPMC is the partner you need to succeed and thrive in your nursing career. Here’s how we support our nurses:

• Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year

• Dedicated career ladders, including a brand-new nursing career ladder added just this year, allowing you to achieve your highest potential while rewarding you for your experience and advanced education.

• Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at any accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents (plus discounts for UPMC employees including no cost RN-BSN/MSN options!)

Responsibilities:

The LPN is licensed to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, experience in nursing and competency. The LPN participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care using focused assessment in settings where nursing takes place.

Actively participates in unit activities and willing to provide assistance to care team members. Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home. Demonstrates a passion for developing others by supporting the orientation and developing new LPNs and patient care support staff. Regularly seeks feedback on performance and applies continuous professional improvement.

Supports continuous learning in the clinical areas by participating in organizational and system programs. Identifies opportunities for clinical quality as well as workplace improvement. Participates in the development, revision and implementation of policies and procedures designed to insure comfort and safety of patients in collaboration with other health care personnel. Seeks and participates in opportunities to assist in identification process improvement opportunities to improve patient care.

Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.

An LPN shall communicate with a licensed professional nurse and the patient's health care team members to seek guidance when:

• The patient's care needs exceed the licensed practical nursing scope of practice.

• The patient's care needs surpass the LPN's knowledge, skill or ability.

• The patient's condition deteriorates or there is a significant change in condition, the patient is not responding to therapy, the patient becomes unstable or the patient needs immediate assistance.

An LPN shall obtain instruction and supervision if implementing new or unfamiliar nursing practices or procedures. An LPN shall follow the written, established policies and procedures of UPMC, UPMC LPN Practice Guidelines, and the State Practice Act. Acts within the LPN Practice guidelines including IVs and within the framework of Relationship Based Care to create a healing environment. Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner.

Communicates the patient's condition to other care providers. Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families and colleagues.

*Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

*Performs other duties as assigned.

Successful completion and graduation from a Licensed Practical Nursing Program approved by the State Board of Nursing.

2 years of experience required.

Successful completion of an IV therapy curriculum required within 4 months of hire/transfer. Must commit to obtain within 4 months of hire/transfer within 30 days of start. If graduated in 2012 to present day, IV therapy curriculum is included in the PA State Board Approved Programs. If graduated prior to 2012, the LPN will need to provide official proof of completion of IV therapy approved program.

Must take nurse assignment at the top of LPN license in a med/surg/tele or Emergency Department setting. Must select and complete 2 contributions annually that will assist in improving patient care OR must have and maintain a UPMC approved certification and also select and complete 1 contribution.

The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below.

They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

Ability to identify process improvement opportunities to improve patient care and encompasses collaboration with the health care team and the patients and families to achieve desired patient outcomes.

Participates in the development, revision and implementation of policies and procedures designed to insure comfort and safety of patients in collaboration with other health care personnel.

Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.

Mobility and visual manual dexterity. Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients.

Computer skills required to utilize the electronic health record.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

LPN must maintain state licensure where they are practicing or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located. A licensed practical nurse whose license has lapsed for 5 years or longer or has been placed on inactive status for 5 years or longer, as permitted in section 13.1(b) of the act (63 P.S. , 663.1(b)), may reactivate the license by following the state guidelines and would not be eligible to hire into an LPN role until that time. Basic Life Support OR Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. Must complete licensure examination within FOUR MONTHS of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first. Though temporary permits are valid for one year from the date of graduation, not one year from issue of permit (or until the results of the examination are known at which time it becomes null and void), UPMC requires that GPNs take the licensure examination within 4 months of their start date or they will be terminated or demoted from the GPN position, at the discretion of the BU.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Act 34 with renewal

• UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran