Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) assigned to the George E. Wahlen Primary Care Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) functions as a team member under the supervision of the Clinic Nurse Manager, who will work under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) that reports to the Clinic Manager. The LPN/LVN is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient’s condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic care plan. The LPN/LVN is a member of the larger team and collaborates with disciplines across the spectrum. The incumbent is responsible for providing patient driven care and administrative support to a Veteran population within the PACT care model for Primary Care. The incumbent is expected to follow and contribute to a plan of care for individual patients. The incumbent will work both as a team member and independently, communicating in a clear and constructive manner to members of the team, and clients both verbally and in writing.

1. Complete a system of nursing tasks that are age/era appropriate for the Veteran and orders that include but are not limited to the following:

a. Injections, giving medication and vaccines as ordered

i. Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication.

b. Airway and breathing treatments as ordered

c. EKG’s, bladder scans, pulse oximetry, Snellen Chart Eye exams, wraps, catherizations, woman’s health exams, wound observations and documentation, Dopplers of legs, foot exams (monofilament exams), skin observations, hygiene and simple nutrition teaching, medication teaching, suture removal glucose meter reading and transmission into the medical record. As ordered or per CPRS Reminder.

2. Complete a system of tasks that are specific to Primary Care Services which includes but is not limited to:

a. Vital signs collection, completion and interpretation, specimen collections and phlebotomy as prescribed by policy, administers and participates in team assignments, determines a medical emergency and assists with care provided.

b. Completes clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts as indicated

c. Assists with procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy

d. Data collection and documentation intervention of patient visit in applicable nursing note

e. Based on the patient’s goals, reinforces patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness

f. Assists in medication reconciliation. Notifies the provider of changes.

g. Closes encounters daily

h. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions

i. Based on the patient’s goals provides patient and family health education, to include self-management, prevention and wellness.

j. Properly handles, reprocesses, and maintains reusable medical equipment according to unit policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and VHA directives.

k. Maintains confidentiality and privacy of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information (HIPPA).

l. Demonstrates initiative in assisting the PACT team and other multi-disciplinary teams

3. Makes observations and thoroughly documents care and the patient’s response.

4. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient’s condition requiring higher-level intervention.

5. Demonstrates understanding of age and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran.

6. Interacts and communicates in a Veteran-centered manner with patients and family members.

7. Demonstrates professional behavior (i.e., respect, civility, ability to accept constructive criticism), effective communication and interpersonal skills.

8. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures.

9. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff.

10. Serves as an advocate in the protection of patient and family rights.

11. Completes mandatory reviews, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self management toward individualized life plan of care.

12. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence-based principles.

13. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients’ conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report, and record relevant patient information.

14. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage, malfunction, or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.

15. Appropriately utilizes the computer and various computer packages to enter and retrieve electronic data, i.e., CPRS, VISTA, mailman, leave requests, and patient information (progress notes, patient education, etc.).

16. Supports the mission of increasing and supporting virtual appointments (VVC).

17. Identifies and participates in process improvement initiatives.

18. Participates in unit level quality improvement activities.

19. Maintains Joint Commission standards related to patient care

20. Completes annual nursing mandatory reviews as well as competencies and continuous learning requirements.

21. Utilizes correct body mechanics and assistive devices and equipment appropriately when providing patient care (i.e., lifting, moving, position, or transferring), to avoid patient or employee injuries.

22. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Complies with safety rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection. Practices safe body mechanics, uses mechanical devices, and/or requests help when needed in moving, lifting, or turning patients to prevent injury to patient, self or others. Promptly reports all accidents to supervisor and notifies supervisor promptly of unsafe or unhealthy environmental situations/conditions. Corrects safety hazards promptly. Puts broken equipment out of service immediately, tags it as such, and follows through for appropriate disposition of the broken equipment.

23. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations and uses this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family and other staff members. Establishes therapeutic relationships with all others (co-workers, patients, visitors, supervisors, etc.) through application of effective listening and interpersonal skills (oral, written, and non-verbal). Demonstrates courteous, compassionate, caring, and respectful behavior when interacting with all others.

24. Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibility of an on-the-job injury is minimized. Reports any work-related injuries or illnesses at the time of occurrence, and completes appropriate documentation.

25. Displays an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all Veterans and their families by treating them as customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality, and treating them at all times with dignity and respect.

26. Demonstrates appropriate telephone courtesy by identifying self and service or work section when answering the phone, responding to the caller in a polite and courteous manner.

27. Initiates patient calls and patient care follow-up in accordance with facility policy.

28. Monitors and restocks exam room medical/clerical supplies.

29. Performs other tasks as requested by providers or supervising nursing personnel within the scope of training and abilities

30. Ensures all actions and interactions are within the guidelines of VHA and Center directives and policies regarding cultural diversity, prevention of sexual harassment, EEO, etc. by executing assigned duties and responsibilities in a professional, appropriate manner. Adheres to Center policies and procedures as well as the provisions of the VA-AFGE Master Agreement and local agreements. The incumbent must recognize the need for and ensure an environment free of hostilities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,964.00 - $58,039.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• LPN License (Preferred)

Environment:

• Outpatient

Employer type:

• Clinic

PRN:

• No

Work Remotely:

• No