What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Practical Nurse position at Outreach Community Health Centers, Inc?
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: Under the direction of the Nurse Manager. The Licensed Practical Nurse provides general nursing care, including treatments, administering of medication to patients, preparing and assisting in examinations. Provides patient education within their scope of practice to meet the needs of OCHC’s patient population. Records appropriate information in patient records, supports medical assistants and manages with patient flow in the department. Performs various support duties to ensure optimal patient flow and excellent customer service in accordance with OCHC policies, practices and procedures. All duties performed must reflect their scope of practice. The LPN also has a reporting relationship with the Associate Medical Director for clinical and relevant issues.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES perform all general duties as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Other duties may be assigned.
- Coordinate/ensure providers schedules are reviewed the day before to determine the appropriateness of the schedule and that the necessary equipment is available the day of the patient’s visit.
- Under the direct supervision of the RN, provide telephone and in-person triage, utilizing triage policies and protocols, within their scope of practice and skill level.
- Schedule appointments, referrals/consultations, collecting specimens, performing rapid tests, and assisting those with special needs, etc.
- Comply with all policies and procedures related to the clinical and corporation (nursing, human resources, safety and security, etc.).
- Provide patient education within scope of practice and skill level.
- Performs select clinical tests including, but not limited to; EKGs, pregnancy tests, blood glucose monitoring, A1C, Urinalysis and other common ambulatory care procedures under the direction of the RN based on written provider orders on the patient order sheet and clinical procedures.
- Administer immunizations for influenza, tetanus, childhood immunizations, eye and hearing tests for school physicals per protocol.
- provide oversight for all vaccine management within the office and ensuring all vaccines are stored and handled correctly
- Operate and supervise specialized equipment assigned to department and provide guidelines to staff on usage and maintenance as necessary.
- Work collaboratively with the provider for the coordination of quality health care to the clinic's patients including screening and handling messages/phone notes, processing referrals, orders, medication refills, and communicating delays in care to patients and relevant staff.
- Ensure department and clinic efficiency by giving report (on staffing, clinic flow, priority of patients, etc.) to RN before leaving at the completion of the shift.
- Assist with the resolution of patient flow problems and work with Nurse Manager and to improve programs to manage the overall departmental operations and staff.
- Assist with chart audits; as necessary, upon request from Quality Manager and/or Registered Nurse Manager.
- Participate in orientation and training of new medical assistants as directed by the Nurse Manager and OCHC protocols.
- Seek and participate in continuing educational/professional training opportunities including regularly reading specialty-related materials.
- Report, preferably in writing or via email, any concerns, deficits, or factors that impede the care of patients in the departments/facility and submit to your department/ RN or Registered Nurse Manager.
- Rotate among departments as needed to ensure adequate staffing. Maintain a cooperative relationship among health care teams by communicating information; responding to requests; building rapport; participating in team problem solving methods
- Assist with providing extended care nursing coverage as needed and when requested. Responsible for weekly/monthly reports as assigned, maintain and compile logs, files, and records as required and according to established protocols.
- Assist with ensuring departmental/clinic OSHA compliance to promote safety and infection control standards; and maintain a clean and safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
- Facilitate order
- Attend regular internal and external departmental meetings as assigned.
- Provides support to the Medical Assistants, Medical Providers, and RNs.
- Perform other duties as assigned per the Nurse Manager
