LPN - Rheumatology

Responsibilities

• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Affords assistance to Provider in taking patient histories, obtaining vital signs, and preparing patient for routine exams or procedures, including collecting and processing specimens.
• Observes, records and reports the patient's condition and reaction to treatments and/or drugs.
• Administers first aid, immunizations and injections; assists Provider with minor surgical procedures, including the application and/or removal of casts, posterior molds and splints, sutures and staples.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and as directed by the Provider; including oral, cutaneous (i.e., patch), intramuscular, and subcutaneous and IV routes (RNs only).
• Prepares and orders tests: fills out lab requisitions, test orders, patient forms and referral forms as per the Provider's request.
• Tracks and obtains all test results for Provider review; notifies patients of results as directed.
• Assesses the patient's physical, age specific, and psycho-social needs as related to the disease process, treatment, and education.
• Maintains accurate and detailed patient records, charts and other pertinent information; posts tests and examination results.
• Ensures medical chart/lab test results are available and complete and all records are appropriately secured in the patient chart.
• Delivers patient education, according to the individualized needs of the patient and as prescribed by the Provider and/or Group policy.
• Educates patient and/or family members about diagnostic procedures, medications, nutrition and maintenance of health and wellness.
• Responds to patient questions and appropriately provides reassurance while responding to patient concerns.
• Responds to/refers incoming patient treatment-related phone calls.
• Trips and prioritizes same day messages in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.
• Under direction of the Provider, RNs can assess and determine patient needs...
• May assist in arranging tests or admissions, calling in prescriptions, etc.
• Reviews and prioritizes same day messages.
• Conveys symptoms to a Registered Nurse, physician, PA or NA for best course of action.
• Responsible for routine maintenance and preparation of medical equipment; cleans, disinfects, and/or sterilizes instruments and equipment following CDC safety and OSHA standards.
• Follows Group policy and OSHA guidelines for handling of blood and body fluids and uses PPE appropriately.
• Maintains quality assurance records of the disinfection process; serves as a role model of safe office practice.
• Performs and delegates a variety of tasks to facilitate patient office visits and procedures.
• Aware of coding and reimbursement issues in delivering care.
• Available to other office clinical and non-clinical staff to answer questions and provide assistance as appropriate.
• Assists in orienting and training new staff.
• Sets up opportunities to improve or enhance nursing and leadership skills.
• Ensures narcotics are secured and appropriately accounted for on a daily basis.
• Inventsories drugs and relays or orders additional supplies.
• Ensures appropriate transport of expired medications to the centralized mail room.
• May schedule tests and procedures and obtain insurance pre-authorization.
• Performs all other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program.
• Knowledge of nursing skills in accordance with nursing standards in the Nurse Practice Act.
• Must have a current CPR certification and a current and valid Illinois Nurse License.
• Prefers a minimum of one year of professional nursing experience in a clinical or hospital setting.