Licensed Practical Nurse, Outpatient - Float Pool Franklin County - Days

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• In collaboration with physician, provides extensive health education, counseling and advice to patients and families on topics such as life style changes, cholesterol lowering diets, diabetic control etc. Effectively assesses patient educational needs, prioritizes patient's learning needs, identifies barriers to learning, develops teaching plans, and uses various educational tools to activate the non-compliant patient.
• Tracks, reviews and monitors follow-up of diagnostic test results, under the direction of the provider. Provides related education, counseling, ongoing review and monitoring regarding diagnostic tests (i.e., INR results in Anticoagulation Clinic) in collaboration with the provider. Assists in the management of patient care between visits. (i.e., prenatal care).
• Following defined protocols independently assesses patients/callers health status based upon presenting symptoms. Determines the urgency for care and directs patient/caller to most appropriate level of care, or an acceptable alternative venue for care of patients with acute problems should access not be readily available at the practice. Seeks provider advice appropriately.
• Performs the responsibilities of the Physician Office Clinical Assistant as outlined below:
• Greets and registers patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Schedules patient appointments within established parameters.
• Schedules patient appointments for patients with other provider offices including correct processing of necessary referral forms, pre-authorization forms, test instructions, patient benefit verification and transfer of patient information.
• Maintains patient records to ensure an accurate record of the patient's medical treatment.
• Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse or provider, prepares and administers vaccines, medications and controlled substances/narcotics as prescribed by the provider and as certified competencies permit. Asks prescribed screening questions, identifies risks and contraindications, questions and observes for appropriate responses.
• Documents and processes prescription requests and refills per provider order.
• Performs basic office procedures, examinations and/or tests ordered by provider and as certified competent (i.e. EKGs, ear lavage, vision tests etc.).
• Provides health care information materials and reviews with patient and family members as directed by providers (i.e. VIS sheets etc.).
• Under the direction of the provider, tracks, reviews and monitors follow-up of diagnostic test results. Relays information to patient from the provider regarding results and follow-up instructions.
• Obtains basic health information from patient/family members to review with providers or clinical resource person to determine the urgency for care or an alternative venue for care for patients with acute problems, should access not be readily available at the practice. Gives basic care information to patients/family members per provider guidelines and instructions.
• Obtains and documents reason for visit, patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respirations, pulse and BMI.
• Assists providers with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.
• Collects specimens as directed by provider. Uses appropriate equipment and protocols for collecting, handling, testing, and preparing for transportation to lab including proper identification, storage procedures and techniques.
• Assures all patient care areas are adequately stocked with unexpired supplies and medications.
• Prepares patients for scheduled procedures by assuring patient is appropriately gowned and instruments and supplies are set-up. Uses Universal Precautions. Sterilizes instruments, equipment and supplies as required. Handles and stores instruments, equipment and supplies appropriately.
• Arranges for patients' ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services by completing necessary paperwork and scheduling appointments.
• Prepares and administers vaccines, medications and controlled substances/narcotics as prescribed by the provider and as certified competencies permit. Asks prescribed screening questions, identifies risks and contraindications, questions and observes for appropriate responses.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains the cleanliness of work areas as required.
• Maintains professional growth and development.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of clinical equipment and supplies.
• Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer software applications.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of clinical equipment and supplies.
• Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer software applications.