Licensed Practical Nurse - Postpartum, Newborn, Gynecology (3JPP) Unit - 50-60% Nights

University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®

Postpartum/Gynecology (3 JPP):
3 John Pappajohn Pavilion (3 JPP) is a 24-bed inpatient unit dedicated for women's services. Gynecological services include: Post-surgery care of total abdominal hysterectomies, robotic hysterectomies, myomectomies, fallopian tube reanastomosis, exploratory laparotomy of pelvic masses, and repair of uterine and vaginal wall prolapses. Postpartum/newborn services include: couplet care, electronic infant security, lactation specialists, and support from Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa.
 

Position Summary

Functions within the scope of the practical nursing license to provide care to patients following the plan of care established by the registered nurse. Performs technical assessments, administers immunizations, assists with minor surgeries, administers medications and treatments, fits orthopedic devices, and may manage clinic programs.

Position Responsibilities

• Communicates and interacts with patients, visitors, and other health care professionals in an effective manner and maintains positive, cooperative relationships.
• Implements and contributes to the plan of care under the direction of the registered nurse, providing appropriate care with regard to patient’s condition and age.
• Administers medications according to policies and procedures.
• Performs simple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Observes patients for changes in physical condition throughout stay and reports changes to registered nurse.
• Performs computer functions within scope of role.
• Implements measures to prevent potential patient problems/complications and reports unusual incidents.
• Practices standard precautions in infection control in accordance with institutional policy.
• Assists staff during emergencies, within the scope of practice.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Contributes to the learning experience of students.
• Supports and contributes to the education of patients and families.
• Practices within legal boundaries of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Complies with annual competency review guidelines.
• Incorporates the principles of Service Leadership to ensure positive patient/customer relations.
• Adheres to UI Health Care policies regarding personal conduct, including: follows established leadership, remaining responsive to instruction and coaching from supervisors and meeting the standards of personal appearance, attendance and punctuality.

From Regents Merit Description

• Performs physical assessment, which may include vital signs, weight, height, and current history and makes observations relevant to patient conditions.  Documents and/or reviews all pertinent data, including allergies, current medications, and health history.
• Performs various screening tests in preparation for patient’s physical examination.
• Administers medications, gives injections, monitors intravenous fluids and performs treatments which are within the practical nurse scope of practice. Observes and documents patient reactions to medications and treatments, and initiates emergency treatment as indicated.
• Assesses visual acuity, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels.
• Assists in examinations of patients, diagnostic procedures, and minor surgeries.
• Provides patient education regarding diagnosis, medication and treatment under direct or indirect supervision of the physician, or as directed by clinic protocols.
• Applies dressings, assesses and documents wound condition, removes sutures, assures proper fit of orthopedic equipment, and provides treatments according to standardized protocols. Responsible for instructing patients on the specific procedures for follow-up care.
• Initiates basic cardiac life support and assists in emergency situations as needed.
• Assures timely reporting of lab work to physician staff and appropriate transfer of medical records as directed by physician or as requested by patients.
• Maintains appropriate inventory of medical equipment and patient education materials in patient examination areas.
• Maintains responsibility for screening and directing communication between clinic staff, consulting staff, continuing care providers, students, university faculty and staff, and the public.
• Responsible for evaluating and documenting function of emergency equipment and for maintaining stock medication supplies.
• May exercise functional supervision over students or health aids.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of practical nursing theory and practices.
• Knowledge of Current Procedural terminology coding (ICD-10 codes) as required by third party payors.
• Skill and accuracy in taking patient vital signs, performing treatments, giving injections, monitoring intravenous therapy, and administering medications.
• Skill in analyzing patient assessment data, to recognize abnormal information, and to communicate findings to physicians in a timely way.
• Ability to communicate verbally, electronically and in writing with patients, family members, clinic staff, university staff, consulting clinics and physician staff, and with the public.
• Ability to utilize a computerized documentation system to collect, record, analyze, and distribute patient data.
• Ability to maintain a helpful and empathetic attitude towards patients.
• Ability to manage patient flow in the daily work schedule of the physician.
• Ability to utilize skills, techniques, and procedures to prevent cross contamination and transmission of infection, including universal precautions.
• Ability to work with biological hazards, chemical hazards, and radioactive materials. Knowledge of safe handling and disposal of those products.
• Ability to push, lift, and move objects up to 50 pounds and to stand on feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift and position persons with severe disabilities, using two-person lifts over 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to follow directions as delegated by physicians or registered nurses.
• Ability to train, assign and check work of others.
• Ability to manage supply inventory.
• Percent of Time: 50-60% 
• Schedule:   Nights, every third weekend, rotating holiday
• Location: UI Health Care- University Campus

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click HERE!

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with the Iowa Board of Nursing, or eligible for temporary work permit. Responsible to take the required continuing education hours to maintain a valid LPN certification.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support provider.

Please attach a resume as part of the application process.  Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Kiley Skay at Kiley-Skay@uiowa.edu
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.