Licensed Practical Nurse - Outpatient

Schedule

Full-Time: 40 hours/week

General Summary

Performs screening to determine appropriate avenue for care of patients. Functions as a member of the health care team at an intermediate nursing level to assist in the planning and implementation of patient care based upon sound nursing judgment, clinical preparation, knowledge, skills and experience. Nursing care is provided in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. In addition, serves as a nursing resource for clinical staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Obtains patient history and gathers information.
• Performs specialized procedures, examinations and/or tests as ordered and aligned with the Ambulatory Clinical Scope Document, such as, urinary catheterization, and insertion of intravenous lines (IV) with an approved IV certification training.
• Ensures all patient care areas are adequately stocked with unexpired supplies and medications.
• Sterilizes instruments, equipment, and supplies as required, when applicable. Handles and stores instruments, equipment and supplies appropriately. Assesses sterility of instruments, ensures they are intact, and supplies are set-up.
• Relays information and facilitates communication between the provider and the patient concerning patient.
• In collaboration with Physician/APP, reinforces health education, counseling, and advice to patients and families on topics such as healthy lifestyle changes. Effectively assesses patient educational needs, prioritizes patient’s learning needs, identifies barriers to learning, and uses various educational tools to encourage the non-adherent patient.
• Evaluates patient’s/caller’s health status based upon presenting symptoms and follows defined protocols. Determines the urgency for care and directs patient/caller to the most appropriate level of care. Should access not be readily available at the practice, will direct patient/caller to an acceptable alternative venue of care. Seeks Physician/APP advice appropriately.
• Tracks, reviews, and monitors the follow-up of diagnostic test results to ensure the physician/APP have verified results and patient has been notified. Provides related education, counseling, ongoing review, and monitoring regarding diagnostic tests (i.e., INR results in Anticoagulation Clinic) under the collaboration of the Physician/APP. Assists in the management of patient care between visits.
• Assists in the management of patient utilization of health care system and provides patient education relative to health care needs, use of community resources and responsibilities of membership in managed care.
• Completes necessary paperwork, prior authorizations and/or scheduling of appointments for patients who are ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Maintains patient records to ensure accurate documentation of the patient’s medical treatment.
• Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
• Documents and processes prescription requests and refills per Physician/APP order and or policy.
• FOR HBO (Hyperbaric Oxygen) Wound Care:
• For HBO: If requested, will take a 40-hour face to face Introductory Course for Hyperbaric Medicine (recognized by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical For HBO: Society) to assist with hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment as indicated. May monitor hyperbaric dives as requested after completion of required competencies.
• For HBO: Performs the following testing and treatments: transcutaneous oxygen monitoring testing as ordered and per appropriate policies and procedures; blood glucose monitoring as ordered and indicated by patient diagnosis; and hyperbaric treatments per the patient’s treatment plan. Monitors patient during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• For HBO: Educates patient and/or patient’s family as to the benefits, risks, contraindications, and safety issues of hyperbaric oxygen therapy prior to treatment.
• For HBO: Evaluates the patient outcome and meets with the manager and the hyperbaric physician to discuss patient treatment and adjust treatment as necessary.
• For HBO: Provides assistance in Wound Center operating only within their current clinical licensing scope of practice.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor, and staff by complying with all applicable safety regulations.
• Comprehends the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to the reduction of errors through the reporting of actual or potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions.
• Identifies opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety.
• Participates in safety education programs and their root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains the cleanliness of work areas as required.
• Maintains professional growth and development, including licensure, required certifications, and mandatory child reporting education.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Provides age-appropriate education and nursing care.
• Attends meetings as required.

Travel Requirements:

• Estimated Amount: - Travel between locations/care settings.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Diploma Program Certificate of completion (degree or diploma) from an accredited LPN program. Required or
• Associates Degree Certificate of completion (degree or diploma) from an accredited LPN program. Required

Work Experience:

• 1 year Clinical nursing experience. Required

Licenses:

• Licensed Practical Nurse Upon Hire Required or
• Licensed Practical Nurse Multi State License Upon Hire Required or
• Licensed Registered Nurse Upon Hire Required or
• Registered Nurse Multi State License Upon Hire Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal/communications skills.
• Models teamwork.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Able to work independently.
• Advanced skills and good communication.