Licensed Practical Nurse Ambulatory

Responsibilities

• Prepares and rooms the patient for exam by obtaining vital signs and documenting/updating pertinent health information (e.g., chief complaint, allergies, medications).
• Performs laboratory procedures (e.g., strep test, wound culture, specimen collection) using principles of aseptic technique and standard precautions/infection control guidelines.
• Assists the physician/provider with procedures and surgeries such as pelvic exams, allergy scratch testing, EMG, cautery, colposcopy, etc.
• Administers medications, under physician/provider orders, including immunizations, antibiotics, pain medications, vitamins, topical agents, and insulin. Initiates, maintains, and discontinues IV therapy with limitations, administering selected fluids with pre-mixed medications.
• Provides basic patient education on task performance, skills, treatment, and self-care. Follows through with necessary procedure or test requests, prescription refills, new appointment times, and referrals to other facilities or services. Relays information back to patients as directed.
• Communicates with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. Documents and communicates accurate and timely information regarding patient conditions.
• Performs advanced clinical tasks or skills such as removal of sutures and staples, catheterization, audiograms, laboratory procedures (throat/nose culture, drug screen, phlebotomy—butterfly, venous access, heel stick), EKG, spirometry, Holter monitor application, casting, and complex wound care, with demonstrated competency and under clinical supervision.
• Organizes and prepares exam rooms, lab, and work areas including cleaning, stocking, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment. Performs patient positioning and transporting duties requiring lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique.
• Completes routine maintenance and quality monitoring of clinic equipment using appropriate techniques for cleaning, sterilizing, and caring for instruments and other equipment.
• Participates in patient-centered initiatives, care management, performance, and quality improvement activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served, including principles of growth and development over the lifespan.

Requirements

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) must be obtained within 45 days unless a department leader determines it is not required.
• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Practical Nursing.

Skills

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including keyboarding, navigation within a Windows operating system, and use of electronic mail, with exposure to electronic medical records systems.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist.
  • Lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
  • Carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
  • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.
• Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood, and body fluid hazards on a frequent basis. Required to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed.
• Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch, with the ability to use fine-hand manipulation skills.
• Operates all equipment essential to perform the job.