General Medicine Stepdown - Duke University Hospital

Licensed Practical Nurses - LPN

Shift: Days (3 / 12 hour shifts per week)

Department Highlights: 

• RN to Patient Ratio is 1:3-1:4 

• A diverse patient population is GREAT for new nurses who are still unsure about what route they want to take as a nurse, as it allows you to grow and strengthen your skills, build confidence, and learn about many different disease processes. 

• Flexible scheduling 

• Extraordinary unit culture that embraces each team member – a sense of belonging.  

• Affords the clinical experience to attain strong critical thinking skills, vast knowledge of disease processes and body systems, and robust care management skills. 

General Description of the Job Class

Assume responsibilities for direct nursing care of assigned patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician in patient care area. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the LPN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Provide and document direct nursing care of assigned patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Nursing care is guided by the physician orders and the nursing plan of care. Patient response to care is reported to a registered nurse for evaluation, intervention and modification of the plan of care. Assist other health care personnel in the delivery of patient care.

Assist physicians and other nursing personnel in the performance of various diagnostic procedures.

Evaluate nursing care with emphasis on nursing procedures and patient responses; assist in the delivery of nursing care and selection of nursing priorities.

Assist in the development and implementation of general policies and procedures to provide for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients; participate in the formulation of new policies.

Participate in maintaining the environment of care including equipment and other material resources.

Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and assists in performance improvement activities.

Assist with control of material resources and maintenance; assist in appraisal of effectiveness of material and equipment and report any equipment malfunctions to charge nurse.

Participate in in-service education programs and other conferences within the service.

Assist in the training of new employees.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Work requires graduation from an approved or accredited Practical Nurse program.

Experience

No experience required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Current State of North Carolina LPN licensure or Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of scope of licensed practical nurse, ability to delegate to nursing support staff.

Considerable knowledge of the care and treatment of patients and special procedures that apply to practical nursing. Able to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively.

Able to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others.

Able to teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care.

Able to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up.

Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support requirements designated by work area or organization.

Able to use fine motor skills. Able to record activities, document interventions.

Able to use computer and learn new software programs.

Able to navigate the entity to provide clinical care for patients.

Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking.

Able to remain focused and organized.

Working knowledge of sterile techniques and special procedures that are applicable to work performed.

Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.

Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a hospital.

Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Working knowledge and completion of appropriate JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.

Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

N/A

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.