Outpatient Licensed Practical Nurse

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

LPN assists Physicians with patient care and follow-up providing direct and indirect patient care in a clinical setting. Duties to include, but not limited to, interviewing patients, obtaining vital signs, preparing patients and assisting physicians with patient exams and/or treatment. Continuing responsibilities including charting and clerical work as necessary to oversee phone prescriptions and refills to pharmacies. The incumbent will perform triage with patient phone calls to identify emergent and non-emergent situations. The LPN will have the opportunity to perform injections and specific infusions under supervision of Physician.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates ability to carry out skills as outlined in nursing procedures for clinical areas worked including administration of prescribed medications and treatment in accordance with nursing standards and clinic policy.
• Complete specific competency skills checklist required for job roles
• Participates in preparing patients for clinic appointments  

• Administer direct hands-on patient care under the supervision/direction of supervising provider/registered nurse.

  • Obtains a complete set of vital signs including a pain score at each visit.
  • Ensure patient flow is timely and accurate throughout the clinic
  • Reviews and documents patient medications
  • Checks equipment daily to ensure accurate functioning. 
  • Obtain blood samples as ordered by physician
  • Preps charts in advance of patient office/nurse only visit. Ensures chart is current on: All ordered scans, all lab work, any corresponding physician notes, last provider note, recent hospital admit and discharge summaries as indicated
• Monitor incoming phone calls: All incoming calls as they arrive are to be answered and addressed. If unable to receive call immediately due to direct patient care requirements, voicemail messages will be returned within two hours of call received to clinic. All voicemail calls are to be addressed/resolved before leaving clinic at the end of each day.
• Ensure clinic area is professionally maintained. Stocking of all clinic areas kept at acceptable levels.
• Assists with disinfecting chairs/exam rooms between patients
• Assist clinic staff to ensure that patient appointments are appropriately scheduled.
• Communicate with authorization staff and appointment schedulers
• Provide appointment sheets for patients to know when next appointments are.
• Direct patients to reception staff to schedule office visits with physicians.
• Administer injections within scope of LPN license.
• Ensure next appointments are scheduled and patient is aware
• Documentation of ALL activities completed will be charted within the patients' medical record.
• Administer intravenous medication in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately addressed according to FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.
• Operate all emergency equipment effectively and efficiently in accordance to the standard operation procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Participate in staff training and orientation as assigned.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• May escalate issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations.  See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Day to day work includes desk and computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, physicians, and the public.
• This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, and stretch. Ability to reach by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate object with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard. Vision and hearing within normal parameters to perform job requirements.
• Occasional pressure due to multiple phone calls and patient scheduling.
• The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree required from an accredited School of Practical Nursing (LPN, LVN)
• Current state LPN License
• Current BLS certification or recertification within 3 months of hire.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:  

• Dialysis experience preferred
• 1-3 years' experience in clinical setting preferred.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment such as telephones, computers, fax and copy machines.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with staff, physicians, visitors, vendors, patients and the general public in a tactful, diplomatic and pleasant manner.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and retain confidentiality.
• Must be capable of clear and timely written/verbal communication with peers, professional staff, physicians, and management.
• Must be organized, a self-starter, and must have a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to complete assignments individually.
• Must have good working knowledge of computer systems with emphasis on Word, Excel, billing systems and other programs related to the position.