Licensed Practical Nurse Level 1

Description

Statement of Purpose: 

This position is responsible for the provision of nursing care under the direct responsibility of a Medical Provider (MD, PA, APRN), and Registered Nurse (RN). Works as part of a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient quality of life through the provision of basic nursing care to patients.

Career Path:

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) manage a varying degree of skill and work depending on their certifications, community engagement participation, and participation in CAN sanctioned specialty roles or committees. There are three LPN and LVN levels: LPN 1/LVN 1, LPN 2/LVN 2, and LPN 3/LVN 3. A level and salary are assigned based on their participation, skill level, experience, and education. An LPN/LVN can directly affect their career path (level) based on their work to increase the size and scope of their participation in activities and skill development. Levels are reviewed at minimum annually as part of the annual review/merit cycle.

Essential Functions:

• Promotes and practices CAN Community Health Inc's mission, vision, guiding principles, and values and follows its policies and procedures.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained regarding patient/client information in accordance with HIPAA, professional and departmental standards.
• Performs patient triage including the assessment of vital signs and measurement of anthropometric measures, history taking, and reviews patient chart to ensure all necessary documentation is present, current, and complete to facilitate provider visit and documents them accordingly in the EMR.
• Processes medication refills per medical provider's order and in compliance with CAN Medication refill and EMR Policies.
• Performs venipuncture, obtains specimens, and processes these according to laboratory specific requirements.
• Performs care team intake procedures under the responsibility of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs intravenous catheterization and administers intravenous fluids and medications per medical provider order, upon completion of IV Infusion Certification.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods according to established protocols and procedures.
• Documents all patient care in an accurate and timely manner, and ensures compliance with grant requirements (340B, HRSA, Ryan White).  
• Requests diagnostic test results from external laboratories and/or other health care providers.
• Provides assistance with referrals and coordinates services with other departments, healthcare facilities, organizations, and federal and local programs.
• Maintains and promotes confidentiality and HIPAA standards regarding patients and/or family in accordance with professional and departmental standards.
• Maintains and stocks inventory of clinical supplies, medications (including samples), and vaccines, and completes the necessary logs per CAN policies and procedures. 
• Delegates tasks to MAs, Phlebotomists, and support staff as needed and follows up to ensure these are completed effectively.
• Adheres to ethical and legal standards of professional nursing practice.
• Maintains nursing licensure up-to-date and in compliance with state and regulatory requirements.
• Continues professional training and education to advance knowledge and skills of HIV/AIDS, STIs and other topics related to the care of CAN mission patients. 
• Participates in continuous quality assurance and safety compliance activities as delegated by nurse manager, practice administrator.
• Supports quality program processes and objectives; participates in local quality team as assigned.
• Utilizes resources and supplies in a cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, professionalism, and respect in all interpersonal relationships with CAN patients, clients, staff, and visitors.
• Participates and strives to achieve assigned Annual Performance Objectives as established by CAN leadership.
• Continuously demonstrates clinical competency with nursing skills and safety procedures and utilizes universal precautions where appropriate.

Requirements

Education/Professional:

• LPN/ LVN graduate of an accredited school of nursing currently licensed to practice in the state where clinic is located.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Certification

Competencies:

1. Communication - Maintains strong interpersonal and communication skills while working with patients, visitors, and clinical team.
2. Computer Skills - Proficient ability to use a computer and electronic medical record. Possess the ability to learn and utilize computer software programs.
3. Confidentiality - Maintain patient, team member, and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.
4. Competent nursing skills - Ability to perform basic nursing skills safely and effectively.  
5. Customer Service Oriented - Friendly, cheerful, and helpful to patients and others. Ability to meet patients' and others' needs while following CAN policies and procedures.
6. Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
7. Adaptability/Flexibility - Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
8. Interpersonal Skills - Display a positive attitude and is a positive agent for change.
9. Teamwork - Work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers.
10. Problem-solving/Decision Making- Ability to identify problems and make decisions under stressful situations. 
11. Time management - Ability to work effectively, be organized, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously and meet required deadlines.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of HIV/STI/Hep C documentation protocols.
2. Knowledge of local, federal, department, and OSHA/Stericycle rules, regulations, and mandates.
3. Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, medications, and accepted treatment practices.
4. Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
5. Understanding of health care technology, equipment, and supplies. 
6. Familiarity with state law on nursing care, nurse practice guidelines, and clinic policies and procedures.
7. Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information.
8. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish/maintain a safe work environment.

Skills:

1. Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods, and techniques of nursing to provide ongoing patient care. 
2. Skill in time management, problem solving, multitasking, prioritizing, and nursing care.
3. Skill in initiating appropriate crisis interventions and emergency response.
4. Skill in patient triage in person, on the phone, or via telehealth.
5. Skill in preparing/maintaining records, writing reports and responding to correspondence.

Abilities:

1. Ability to read and interpret providers' notes and medication orders.
2. Ability to calculate and administer drug dosages, injections, and measure results.
3. Ability to maintain quality control and safety standards.
4. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
5. Ability to communicate clearly in a professional manner.
6. Ability to apply principles of health promotion and disease prevention.
7. Able to work with all members of the interdisciplinary team in a team environment.

Work Environment:

This position requires the use of standard nursing equipment and supplies including medical equipment and devices such as vital signs monitors, pulse oximeters, glucose monitors, in-clinic testing analyzers, EKG machines, AED machines, and oxygen tanks. May involve use of patient assistive devices such as walkers, or wheelchairs. Also requires the use of a computer, and other standard office equipment such as telephones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines.  

Physical Requirements:

1. Neat, professional appearance.
2. Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting, walking, and standing for periods of time.
3. Requires expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word, visual and auditory acuity.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This position may require additional time above normal operating hours and on occasion weekend work.

Travel:

Travel is primarily during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and have valid insurance and driver's license.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Responsible To: Practice Administrator / Nurse Manager