Primary Care Center- Licensed Practical Nurse- Full Time

About the Role

Provides general nursing care to patients in an ambulatory setting or clinical practice. Delivers nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a Licensed Practical Nurse, Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures, State and federal regulations. Coordinates care for patients following provider’s orders. The role involves performing selected tasks and sharing responsibility under the direction of a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse, within the framework of supportive and restorative care, health counseling, teaching, case finding, and referral.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and competence in performing tasks within the LPN scope, including:
  • Temperature (tympanic, oral, rectal, axillary)
  • Blood pressure (manual and electronic)
  • Pulse (apical, radial, brachial, femoral, pedal)
  • Respirations and pulse oximetry
  • Head circumference, weight, height, hearing, and vision exams
  • Point of Care Testing as utilized by the clinic
• Verifies patient using 2 identifiers prior to starting care or data collection.
• Notifies RN or physician immediately if the patient presents in distress or with vital signs out of normal limits.
• Documents accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently during patient visits.
• Completes Pedi Essentials, annual competencies, and mandatory in-services as scheduled.
• Follows infection control guidelines, policies, and procedures during every patient and family encounter.
• Administers medication within the LPN scope of practice, including oral, rectal, topical, ophthalmic, otic, respiratory, and injections.
• Administers spirometry procedures as directed.
• Triages phone calls within the LPN scope of practice; defers triaging, assessments, and teaching to the RN or provider when outside scope.
• Facilitates patient flow within the clinical practice.
• Knowledgeable about the pediatric and adolescent vaccine schedule.
• Assists with administrative tasks, including:
  • Answering phones
  • Completing prior authorizations
  • Abstracting data into EPIC
  • Updating medical record demographics
  • Following HIM processes
  • Completing school form requests
• Completes orientation for the state vaccine program and complies with all aspects, including:
  • Patient eligibility screening
  • Administering vaccines based on the correct schedule and physician order
  • Reviewing allergies prior to vaccine administration
  • Correct injection technique based on age, size, and dosing
  • Handling and storage of vaccines, including temperature logs and TempGuard monitoring
  • Following protocols for ordering, receiving, transferring, wasting vaccines, temperature excursions, and adverse reactions
• Demonstrates knowledge of age-specific and cultural competence from pre-school through adolescence.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in interactions with patients, families, and coworkers.
• Complies with all aspects of the Vaccine for Children Program.
• Provides oversight of medical assistants’ performance, including vital sign technique, infection control compliance, and delegation for clinic flow; reports deviations to the nurse practice manager.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Current State of Connecticut Department of Public Health licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse required.
• CPR certification required.

Qualifications

• Preferred Education/Experience:
  • Completion of a State-accredited practical nurse education program.
  • One year in a pediatric clinical setting or school nurse role.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of nursing theories, principles, techniques, and practices.
  • Understanding of State Department of Education regulations related to pediatric immunizations, patient health records, and medication administration.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • First Aid skills.

About Us

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to children. Established over 100 years ago, we offer personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth enables us to reach more children in locations closer to home. We conduct breakthrough research, provide superior education and training, and foster innovative community partnerships with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job—it’s our passion.