Licensed Practical Nurse - ASC

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) supports the perioperative care team at the Ambulatory Surgical Center by assisting with patient preparation, supporting the surgical team during the patient's stay, and helping coordinate recovery and discharge. The LPN works under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) and Provider, and functions within the scope of practice defined by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Summary of Responsibilities

The essential functions of the LPN position at the ASC are organized into three categories: Pre-Operative, Intra-Operative Support, and Post-Operative/Recovery duties. Depending on the day's schedule, staffing, and the RN's direction, the LPN may be assigned some or all of these functions.

Pre-Operative Duties

• Greeting and admitting patients, verifying identity, procedure, and consent forms.
• Obtaining and documenting vital signs, height, weight, and pertinent patient history in the EMR.
• Reviewing pre-operative checklists, confirming NPO status, and verifying that required labs, imaging, or pre-surgical clearances are on file.
• Assisting patients with changing, positioning, and preparing for transport to the operating room.
• Reviewing home medication lists and allergies with the patient and documenting reconciliations.
• Providing patient and family education regarding the procedure, pre-op instructions, and what to expect during recovery.
• Notifying the RN or Provider of any pre-operative concerns, abnormal vitals, or incomplete documentation.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Intra-Operative Support Duties

• Assisting the circulating RN with stocking, restocking, and organizing supplies before and between cases.
• Assisting with turnover of the operating room between procedures, including cleaning and setup per infection-control protocols.
• Retrieving supplies, equipment, or additional instrumentation as directed by the RN or surgical team.
• Supporting patient positioning and transport to and from the operating room under RN/Provider direction.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Post-Operative/Recovery Duties

• Monitoring and documenting vital signs and patient status during recovery, under RN supervision.
• Assisting patients with dressing, mobility, and comfort measures following the procedure.
• Reviewing discharge instructions with patients and caregivers, including medication instructions, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
• Confirming a safe discharge plan (e.g., responsible driver) is in place prior to patient departure.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and completing related referral or authorization paperwork.
• Monitoring voicemails and EMR messages related to post-operative patient calls and responding promptly.
• Conduct post-operative follow-up calls to patients to assess recovery, address questions or concerns, reinforce discharge instructions, and communicate any issues to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong telephone communication skills
• Knowledge of current medical terminology to communicate with Providers, staff, and patients
• High level of attention to detail, particularly regarding patient safety protocols
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Strong organization, documentation, and time management skills
• Basic computer literacy and typing
• Patient-focused, with a strong commitment to infection control and safety standards

Requirements

Required Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

• Valid, unrestricted Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license
• Current BLS certification (ACLS may be preferred or required depending on facility policy)
• Current influenza vaccination
• One (1) year of prior clinical experience preferred; surgical, perioperative, or ASC experience strongly preferred

Working Environment and Physical Demands

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are expected to include 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional variation based on the surgical schedule. Occasional overtime may be required. The position operates in a surgical center environment and requires standing, walking, reaching, lifting, and assisting with patient transfers and positioning for extended periods. The incumbent must be able to work in a sterile/semi-sterile environment and follow all infection-control and safety protocols. The incumbent may operate medical equipment, monitors, and standard office equipment. The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.