Licensed Practical Nurse

Spectrum Healthcare Resources has a potential need for Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses at Fort Carson, Colorodo Springs.

Requirements:

Active State LVN/LPN license
• BLS Certification
• 3 ears of recent LPN/LVN experince

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday
• 8 hours a day
• 0600 - 1700

Functions: The LPN/LVN functions within the policies of the VA where assigned and has professional and legal responsibility to the patient. The LPN/LVN provides the following services:

• Serves as a member of the nursing team. and participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care provided.
• Serves as a direct patient care provider and carries out nursing care for assigned patients. Is alert to physical and emotional changes and complications related to patient disease process and reports such immediately to the RN.
• Observes patient's changing condition and reports and records changes on the nursing progress note and care plan. Enters accurate, complete information in the medical record about patient's condition and responses to treatment and actions taken to carry out nursing care.
• Reinforces instructions to patient scheduled for invasive, diagnostic, or pre/post-operative procedures. Instructs patients on the use of equipment (e.g. oxygen, suction, incentive spirometry, etc.). Reinforces instructions to patients and families on the use of prescribed medications.
• Performs a range of treatment and procedures that include but are not limited to changing sterile dressings, inserting urinary drainage catheters, irrigating catheters and/or nasogastric tubes, irrigation wounds, giving enemas, using various forms of body temperature control, administering oral, topical and intramuscular medications and reporting information concerning adverse effects, caring for patients in isolation, and/or continuous observation status, and giving treatments that requires use of specialized oxygen, suction or other supplies.
• Serves as a module/team leader if assigned to the Nursing Home Care Units.
• Observes, promptly reports, and documents observations regarding the physical and emotional status of patients, including such things as changes in vital signs, bodily functions, clarity of speech and/or orientation to time, place, or person.
• Performs a range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs during neurological checks, collecting specimens, obtaining laboratory reports, and assisting in a variety of examinations such as lumbar punctures, paracentesis, liver biopsies, thoracentesis, and bone marrow examinations by positioning and draping patients and providing other assistance as necessary.
• Recognizes emergency situations (e.g. cardio-pulmonary arrest, choking, etc.) and takes prompt, appropriate action.
• Initiates emergency measures to control patient's disruptive or violent behavior. Assumes responsibility for patients requiring constant observation, including those placed on legal holds as a danger to themselves, others, or gravely disabled, which includes15 minute documentation of patient's condition on appropriate forms.
• Prepares, administers, and records prescribed medications in accordance with Medical Center's Policy and Procedure. Observes and reports physical and emotional reactions to medications.
• Counts narcotics and assumes responsibility for narcotic security and the accuracy of narcotic records. Administers narcotics in accordance with established Medical Center policy.
• Reports to the RN completion of care rendered changes in patient's response or condition and care needs remaining prior to leaving the clinical area.
• Maintains completeness and accuracy of all continuing patient records, including intake and output, vital signs, and activities of daily living.
• Performs a range of personal care that includes feeding, bathing, lifting, and turning patients, providing for personal hygiene, and performing preventative, rehabilitative, and therapeutic care/procedures within the scope of the LPN/LVN.
• Accompanies patients on diagnostic or therapeutic trips, assuming responsibility for nursing decisions while away from the nursing unit, within the scope of the LPN/LVN.
• Always meets the safety and security needs of patients.
• Promotes a sense of dignity and self-worth for all patients and staff.
• Consistently applies VA Customer Service Standards, demonstrating helpful, courteous, respectful conduct always.
• Respects patient's rights, including but not limited to, visual and auditory privacy.
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses must be experienced in this field.
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses Psychiatric RNs working in Acute Locked Psychiatry shall possess current ProAct or equivalent MAB training and or certification.

EOE/Disabled/Veterans