Licensed Practical Nurse

About the Role

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) participates as a member of the health care team and provides nursing care to assigned patients under the direct supervision of the provider or other assigned supervisor. The LPN collects data through observation and communicates information to assist the provider in patient assessment and care planning. The LPN delivers care in accordance with the patient care plan, policies and procedures of the organization, and principles of relationship-based care. The LPN possesses excellent communication skills, is skillful in mentoring and instructing, and may participate on committees or projects, including quality improvement projects.

The LPN must have knowledge of fundamental nursing care principles, practices, and procedures, a basic understanding of adverse symptoms, and the ability to react in emergencies. Must have a general knowledge of human anatomy and adverse signs and symptoms, the ability to relate well with patients, and the ability to teach.

Responsibilities

• Obtains patient history, weight, vital signs, and assists in the assessment of patients for symptoms of illnesses.
• Provides practical nursing services according to established national and organizational standards and policies/procedures, including the administration of medications.
• Documents medical services provided in the patient's chart, including all observations, assessments, nursing interventions, provider orders, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities.
• Assists in the promotion of continuity of care by providing health instructions, patient education, and collaborating with other health providers.
• Prepares and submits required reports and records in a timely manner.
• Protects patient confidentiality according to nursing and organizational standards.
• Performs other appropriate duties as required or assigned by a supervisor.
• Safeguards confidentiality of medical charts/records and complies with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to medical records.
• Assures compliance with all HIPAA regulations concerning use, retrieval, storage, and sharing of medical records.
• Reviews and assists with managing referrals as needed.
• Acts as a liaison for communication from provider to patient and other healthcare agencies, such as pharmacies (e.g., general phone calls from patients, refill requests).
• Assists in managing the patient schedule.
• Assists medical providers with examination and treatment of patients.
• Follows protocols and performs accurate and thorough work-ups and check-ins of all patients.
• Demonstrates teamwork and commitment to quality patient care.
• Organizes and prioritizes work effectively to utilize available resources and assist with efficient patient flow in the clinic.
• Actively assists with routine clinic tasks.
• Ensures consistency in maintaining emergency supplies, stock medications, immunizations, forms, sterile instrument inventory, equipment, and appropriate exam room inventory.
• Assists in the orientation of new nursing employees.
• Accurately assesses current and preventive health status and communicates needs to the provider.
• Assists with patient education based on assessment of patient needs and clinic standards of nursing care, and documents in the patient record.
• Provides skilled nursing care, including safely and accurately performing technical skills (sterile dressings, EKGs, pulmonary treatments) and the safe, accurate administration of medications and immunizations.
• Anticipates the needs of providers related to patient visits and assists providers with patient care.
• Acts as an advocate to ensure health needs are met, including responding to patient phone messages and requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Documents all provider orders, nursing actions, and interventions on the patient record consistent with health center guidelines.
• Follows all established Infection Control guidelines and OSHA standards and participates in staff training events.
• Performs laboratory testing, including proper handling and labeling of all test samples according to clinic policies and in compliance with CLIA guidelines.
• Keeps patients/families informed of situations that affect the patient's clinic visit (e.g., extended waiting times, seeing a different provider than originally scheduled).
• Able to perform effectively and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates age-specific competencies for infants through adolescents and adults.
• Attends clinic-mandated and departmental in-services and trainings.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid unrestricted Oklahoma license as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Organizational Expectations

• Exhibits enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and professionalism in the workplace.
• Handles personal conflict and works through it at the lowest possible level (first with the involved party/parties, then with third-party mediation if necessary).
• Is friendly, approachable, neat, clean, well-groomed, and dresses according to the dress code policy.
• Leaves personal problems out of the workplace.
• Treats all coworkers with dignity and respect.
• Abstains from gossip in the workplace.
• Arrives on time and works through designated hours.
• Completes tasks effectively, accurately, and on time.
• Demonstrates little to no absenteeism and follows leave guidelines.
• Follows the designated line of support.
• Is flexible, able, and willing to respond to unusual job-related demands.
• Manages time well.
• Recognizes and assists others in the work of the department, even if outside of regular duties.
• Shares equally in the workload of the department.
• Works cooperatively with all team members and departments.
• Works independently, requesting assistance from a supervisor only as needed.
• Abstains from criticizing the organization, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Demonstrates loyalty to the organization, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Demonstrates support of the mission and vision of the organization.
• Accepts and participates in cross-training.
• Takes initiative to identify skill development needs.