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 knowledge of adverse symptoms, and the ability to react in emergencies. The LPN must also 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 as 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 health care 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 workups and check-ins of all patients.
• Demonstrates teamwork and commitment to quality patient care.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize and prioritize work and utilize available resources to assist with efficient patient flow in the clinic.
• Actively assists with routine clinic tasks.
• Utilizes established methods to ensure consistency in maintaining emergency supplies, stock medications, immunizations, forms, sterile instrument inventory, equipment, appropriate exam room inventory, etc.
• Assists in the orientation of new nursing employees.
• Accurately assesses current status as well as preventive health status and communicates needs to provider.
• Assists with patient education based on assessment of patient needs and clinic standards of nursing care and documents in patient record.
• Provides skilled nursing care as demonstrated by safely and accurately performing technical skills (sterile dressings, EKGs, pulmonary treatments, etc.) and the safe, accurate administration of medications and immunizations.
• Anticipates the needs of providers related to patient visits and assists providers with patient care.
• Assumes role of 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 patient record consistent with health center guidelines.
• Knowledgeable of and follows all established Infection Control guidelines and OSHA standards and participates in staff training events.
• Exhibits caring qualities consistent with the values of the organization.
• 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 patient's clinic visit (e.g., extended waiting times, seeing provider other 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 inservices and trainings.

Minimum Qualifications

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