Early Career Decision (LPN) — Springfield Regional Medical Center

Provide direct patient care under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health. This temporary Nursing Immersion program enhances working clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the RN in applying the nursing process.
• Develop critical thinking skills through collaboration with the RN to ensure quality patient care delivery.
• Seek educational opportunities related to nursing practice and critical thinking.
• Provide basic patient care, including but not limited to: care and comfort, recording vital signs, personal care and hygiene, and mobility, including unit-based specialty duties.
• Act as a liaison between patient and nurse to report changes or concerns.
• Provide high-level customer service to patients, families, visitors, and employees.
• Document patient care accurately, precisely, and timely when applicable.
• Participate in hand-off/report of pertinent patient and departmental information.
• Perform delegated tasks once competency has been validated.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED (required).
• Currently enrolled in a nursing program and has successfully completed program-specific educational requirements to the level of immersion experience (required).
• Recent experience as a Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, or other medical experience (preferred).
• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to clearly communicate with healthcare team members.
• Understanding and following directions from the healthcare team.
• Knowledge of patient and healthcare safety standards and regulations (e.g., falls, skin breakdown, suicide prevention, environment of care).
• Infection prevention and transmission-based precautions.
• Understanding of clerical duties and office-based technology.
• Team dynamics and patient data collection/documentation (e.g., vital signs, intake/output, changes in patient condition).
• Basic hygiene and activities of daily living care.
• Assistance with feeding, hydration, nutrition, bowel and bladder elimination, ambulation, and patient mobility.
• Use of clinical technology.
• Compassionate, relationship-based approach in care activities.
• Accountability for completion of assigned tasks and escalation of concerns via chain of command.
• Critical thinking and advanced problem-solving.
• Understanding of the nursing process.
• Professionalism.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served, including understanding principles of growth and development across the lifespan. Ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret appropriate information to meet each patient’s age-specific needs.

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads.
• Long-distance or air travel as needed (not to exceed 10%).
• General office environment; may be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• Potential exposure to physical altercations, verbal abuse, hazardous substances, or body fluids.
• May be required to use physical restraints.
• Exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, dust, wind, etc.).
• Periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• Exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment, and follow infection control policies.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Stooping, kneeling, bending (1-33% frequency).
• Sitting (1-33% frequency).
• Walking and standing (67-100% frequency).

Additional physical requirements include:

• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination).
• Perform shift work.
• Maneuver weight of patients.
• Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings.
• Reach above shoulder and perform repetitive arm/hand movements.
• Finger dexterity, color vision, and acuity (far and near).
• Depth perception.
• Use of latex products.
• Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, moving mechanical parts, dust/fumes, potential electrical shock, x-ray/electromagnetic energy, high-pitched noises, and gaseous risks.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.