Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gives direct nursing care to assigned patients in conformance with nursing techniques and procedures as stated in Policy and Procedure Manual
• Collections blood specimens from patients of all age groups and physical conditions by venipuncture or capillary technique as outlined by the Phlebotomy Manual
• Lables each specimen completely and accurately, as outlined in the Phlebotomy Manual, and legibly, such that the Accessioning Department can read everything on the label
• Completes test request forms completely and accurately. Also verifies client/patient test orders and client/patient billing information by telephone when necessary
• Centrifuges blood specimens as required by protocol and prepares specimens to maintain specimen integrity for transport to the appropriate laboratory or staging area
• Completes all required documentation on the same day as event requiring the documentation
• Carries out patient’s plan of care within health center policy, procedures, and legal limitations
• Carries out proper procedure for basic life support, fire, disaster, and infection control
• Actively participates in cost containment by conserving supplies and equipment and initiating patient charges
• Attends required meetings and participates in in-services and continuing education programs to keep current of trends in nursing care
• Participates in monitoring and evaluating the quality of nursing care provided
• Implements the outlined plan of care, consistently, effectively to maintain the patient at the highest achievable level of health
• Works in collaboration with patients’ providers to share information relevant to the patient’s changing plan of care, questions, and seeks clarification of unclear providers orders
• Adheres to and enforces health center and nursing policies and procedures relating to the safety of patients and employees
• Recognizes life-threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Adheres to the delegated criteria of Laboratory, X-ray and Medical Acts policy and procedures
• Participates in performance and training of OSHA Infection Control and Safety and adheres to the policies and procedures
• Performs other necessary duties as required to meet the goal of providing primary health care services

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Successfully completed and passed the licensed practical nurse exam
• Experience in public health and/or outpatient service
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate with patients and family members of various educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to apply concepts of basic mathematics
• Ability to participate in problem solving and implement appropriate steps for problem resolution under the RN supervision
• Ability to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form
• Ability to exercise sound judgement
• Competency required in the areas of communication, excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to perform duties per age specific nursing protocols
• CPR certified
• Current North Carolina LPN License
• Ability to operate basic office/medical equipment
• Ability to assess and visually present data
• Ability to deal effectively with stress and to work under pressure
• Word processing and general computer skills