Licensed Practical Nurse ( LPN ) Neuro Vascular Unit Full Time 12 hour shifts Kalamazoo

Bronson Methodist Hospital is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for the Neuro Vascular Unit (NVU) in Kalamazoo. This 40-bed specialty unit focuses on stroke care, spine surgery, and epilepsy monitoring. You will work under the supervision of Registered Nurses to provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to ill, injured, convalescent, and disabled patients. The NVU is part of Bronson Methodist, a 434-bed Magnet-designated hospital recognized as one of West Michigan's "Best and Brightest" companies to work for and the area's Most Preferred Hospital.

Responsibilities

• Admit patients to the unit and complete preparation tasks
• Collect and record patient data including vital signs, food and fluid intake and output, weight, calorie counts, and demographic information
• Manage IV fluid and medication administration; administer medications safely and appropriately orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
• Observe patients and report adverse reactions to medication or treatment to medical personnel
• Dress wounds, give enemas, apply compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles; bathe, dress, and assist patients in walking and turning
• Collect samples such as urine, blood, and sputum for testing
• Prepare or examine food trays for prescribed diet and feed patients
• Assemble and use equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers
• Sterilize equipment and supplies
• Inventory and requisition supplies
• Utilize computerized systems to acquire supplies and enter patient data
• Maintain a clean, orderly environment
• Respond to call lights and monitor alarms, providing assistance to patients and families
• Coordinate with the charge nurse when patient needs exceed LPN scope of practice or when census and acuity are high
• Document all data gathered, care given, and interventions implemented
• Provide teaching materials to patients based on identified needs and in coordination with physicians and RNs
• Assist with discharge process and follow-up appointments
• Participate as an effective member of the healthcare team
• Precept new employees and students as appropriate
• Communicate with RNs about patient status, interventions completed, and data collected

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Successful completion of an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program
• Active Licensed Practical Nurse license in good standing with the State of Michigan
• BLS certification by the end of the core orientation period
• Ability to demonstrate specific clinical competencies required to perform LPN functions within approximately 3 months of orientation
• Ability to move and respond quickly to emergency situations
• Ability to input and retrieve data from computerized systems
• Ability to rotate within service line and related service areas
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, visitors, and all members of the care delivery team; speech must be clear, easily understood, and grammatically correct; writing must be clear and legible; demeanor must be comforting and positive

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare delivery setting

Physical Requirements

• Work involving very high levels of mental and visual fatigue, including computer work between 70 and 90 percent of the time
• Work involving extremely close tolerances and considerable hand-eye coordination for sustained periods
• Considerable standing or walking
• Regular lifting of light-weight objects (20 pounds or less)
• Assisting with heavier tasks such as lifting and moving patients
• Assuming minor straining or fatiguing positions
• Performing some fatiguing physical motions

Schedule

• Full-time position
• 12-hour night shifts
• 36 scheduled weekly hours

Location

• Bronson Methodist Hospital South Campus (South Pavilion), 601 John Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan