LPN - Discharge Unit; RDU - NIGHTS

LPN - Ready for Discharge Unit (RDU) - 0.9 NIGHTS role at Sky Lakes Medical Center

Position Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Medically Ready for Discharge Unit (RDU) works under the supervision of the RN to provide direct patient care for patients medically ready for discharge but experiencing delays due to various barriers. This role involves working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, assigning and supervising tasks to LPNs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and unregulated assistive persons (UAPs).

The LPN maintains an in-depth knowledge of nursing principles, practices, standards and techniques, and applies knowledge in accordance with Sky Lakes Medical Center policies and procedures and within the standards and scope of practice for LPNs in the State of Oregon.

• Current Oregon State LPN licensure.
• Proficiency in basic nursing skills, patient assessment, and documentation.
• Knowledge of discharge planning processes and basic patient education techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment focused on discharge readiness.
• Preferred:
  Prior experience in acute or transitional care settings.
• Lic/Reg/Cert:
  Current Oregon LPN license.

Must be in good general health; able to frequently stoop, bend, reach, stand, walk, and sit; lift at least 50 pounds; push/pull hospital equipment; function during periods of stress, trauma and/or disease.

• Patient Care
• Perform a focused assessment of the patient’s priority condition as identified by the RN.
• Develop a focused plan of care that addresses the patient’s priority condition and interventions as identified by the RN.
• Implement prioritized focused plan of care interventions.
• Evaluate response to focused plan of care interventions and progress toward expected outcomes.
• Communicate patient status and any concerns or issues regarding the RN’s plan of care.
• Assign focused plan of care interventions to LPN, CNA, or UAP as appropriate and supervise tasks.
• Acknowledge limitations: cannot conduct assessment or create plan outside RN’s parameters; must seek RN direction when needed.
• Documentation
  • Accurately document focused assessments, interventions, patient responses, and progress in electronic health record.
  • Ensure completion of all required documentation in a timely manner per hospital policy and regulatory standards.
• Patient Education
  • Assist in providing patient/family education, reinforcing discharge plans, medication instructions, and follow-up care needs.
• Communication And Collaboration
  • Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team to ensure care continuity, timely updates, and smooth transitions.
  • Collaborate with RNs, case managers, social workers, and other team members to assist with discharge planning.
• Quality Improvement, Safety, And Compliance
  • Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Report concerns promptly to charge nurse, unit manager or appropriate staff.
  • Demonstrate awareness of cost containment and economical use of supplies and equipment.
  • Participate in unit-based quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and discharge efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.