Clinic Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Rural Health Clinic

JOB TITLE: Clinic Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

DEPARTMENT: Rural Health Clinic

REPORTS TO: Clinic Manger

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REVISED: 08/01/2014

1. POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of a physician, the LVN is part of the team concept in the clinical setting for the delivery of health care for Family Medical Associates which is devoted to the delivery of primary care in an ambulatory setting with the emphasis on disease prevention and health maintenance. The LVN must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Utilize appropriate equipment, resources and supervises staff in the provision of clinic services and care. He/she must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed as identified by the Medical Director and/or described in FMA’s policies and procedures. The individual works closely with the clinical staff, front desk personnel and other departments.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Class I

QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Vocational Nursing, with previous experience preferred.

b. Personal Job-Related Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills.

c. Licensure Registry or Certification: Licensed Vocational Nurse currently licensed by the state of Texas.

d. Experience:

(1) Prior Work Experience: Prefer two years of Licensed Vocational Nursing experience in an outpatient care area preferred.

(2) Technical Training: Current CPR certification.

e. Physical and Mental Requirements: Duties of the position require extended periods of standing and walking. Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching and lifting up to 50 pounds. Occasional heavy lifting when moving or supporting patients who may suddenly become weak or helpless.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS:

a. Assure that patients are seen in an orderly and fair manner, and that delays and waiting times are explained. Ensure proper coordination with the provider when a patient is late for an appointment or for acutely ill/injured patients.

b. Triage and screen patients as appropriate.

c. Able to take pertinent, concise history and make adequate physical assessment of: Cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, ENT, skin, GYN/GU, GI, OB patients, neurological, psychological/social.

d. Ensure that Authorizations, Consents, Permissions, and Medical/Social History are properly completed/signed. Complete/Track Referrals, Prior Authorizations, follow up care as required.

e. Complete Medical Documentation of patient care using the Healthland System and/or Medical Record provided by the organization in a timely and accurate manner.

f. Evaluate/Obtain/Update/Document vitals, height/weight, assessments, chief complaints, allergies, problems and medications lists at every visit.

g. Assists provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) in procedures such as dressing changes, pelvic exams, laceration repairs, etc. Collect, prepare and deliver lab specimens as required.

h. Assist with simple splinting. Able to cleanse and irrigate wounds and burns, fit patient with crutches, apply various dressings, administer medication according to physician.

i. Assist with application and removal of casts.

j. Assist the Providers during Emergency situations (i.e. CPR/First Responder).

k. Knowledge regarding aseptic technique, up to date on currently used drugs, their actions, and side effects.

l. Administer medications, immunizations and tests under the providers orders.

m. Perform treatments, procedures and exams as directed, which are within the individual’s training and capabilities as directed by physician.

n. Knowledge infection control principles.

o. Process/place orders (written, verbal or standing) using the Healthland system, to include Medical Necessity checks as required.

p. Initiate routine lab tests such as Chemical examination of urine by stick, Hemoglobin, Blood Sugar, Examination of stool specimens of occult blood, Pregnancy tests, and prepare Primary cultures for transmittal to a certified laboratory.

q. Educate, teach and counsel patients concerning their disease, treatment and prevention of disease.

r. Answer patient’s questions after consultation with the provider or as per established procedures (i.e. health questions, medication refills, lab/test results, etc.).

s. Arrange for the transfer of patients to other departments or facilities (i.e. Emergency Dept/Hospital).

t. Complete incident, adverse effects and error forms when appropriate.

u. Prepare reports to fulfill State and Federal requirements.

v. Follow-up on findings/results at the request of the provider. Attend to needs of patients and visitors either in person or by phone in a timely manner.

w. Answer/return telephone calls per department standards relaying information as directed by the provider and document the same.

x. Order medical supplies, narcotics and medications. Stock each exam room/work area with supplies. Ensure medication/supply are used/disposed of appropriately and expiration dates are adhered to IAW policy.

y. Participate in program development, case management, such as immunizations, family planning, hypertension, diabetes.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT REQUIREMENTS:

a. Follow all policies and procedures set forth by the Clinic and Mitchell County Hospital District. Perform within the prescribed limits of the hospitals/departments Ethics and Compliance Policy. Is responsible to detect, observe and report compliance variances to their immediate supervisor, and/or IAW policy.

b. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of a computer, the Electronic Medical Record (Healthland) system and the reports on the system that will facilitate a more efficient process.

c. Assist the Clinic Manger in coordination of a backup nurse in your absence (ie, vacation, training, meetings, sickness).

d. Attend pertinent in-service and educational conferences/classes, and attend morning staff meetings.

e. Take primary responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills current. Maintain a current license, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and keep up with required Continuing Nursing Education (CNE)

f. Maintain skills through annual competency and quality control training/evals.

g. Work with other departments in coordinating smooth transfer of patients for procedures or diagnostic tests.

h. Adhere to standards of safety and infection control in delivery of patient care.

i. Responsible for taking lunches and breaks in a timely manner as required by law.

j. Maintain HIPAA and all other confidentiality requirements on a daily basis.

k. Use your chain of command for any issues that may arise.

l. Participate in Quality Improvement as required.

m. Exhibit cooperation and positive attitude toward other hospital departments and physicians’ offices.

n. Perform other duties (i.e. Nurse Float Duties) as required or assigned by the clinical/administrative staff when necessary or required.

o. Communicate questions/concerns using the appropriate chain of command.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

a. Demonstrate experience functioning as a team player.

b. Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills, which elicit positive and productive outcomes.

c. Demonstrate philosophy of caring and compassion for patients, fellow employees and community served by this Organization while maintaining mental toughness.

d. Demonstrate commitment to continued self-improvement, honesty, integrity and character, which reflects an atmosphere of professionalism in providing quality work.

e. Communicate effectively with personnel and interact effectively with a wide variety of patients.

f. Promote the MCHD mission statement “Provide the Very Highest Level of Service for all Patients Entrusted to Our Care”.

6. WORK SCHEDULE: Normal working hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday with 60 minutes for lunch. Additional hours may be required for specific project completion.