Licensed Practical Nurse -Outpatient Care

Job Description

Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurse -Outpatient Primary Care for Veterans 

Ithaca, NY

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you will provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to patients with diseases and injuries seeking treatment in the clinic, as directed by physician or mid-level provider. In addition, you will collaborate with the core PACT Team (Primary Care Provider, RN and Medical Assistant) and expanded PACT Team including family/caregiver, VA, and community-based services involved in developing the patient care plan.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Patient Care

• Actively assists with patient care, physical examinations and ancillary tests.
• Performs the annual and routine nursing assessments and performs preventive health services authorized by the VA and the clinic Medical Director. This includes interviewing and collecting patient information, including pain assessment, pulse rate, temperature, height & weight, blood pressure and other relevant details. Records information in patient’s electronic medical record.
• Administers medications, as appropriate or ordered by a medical provider, orally, or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and notes time and amount in patients’ electronic charts, applies compresses, both hot and cold as indicated. Observes patient and reports adverse reactions to the clinic physician.
• Operates electrocardiograph (EKG) and other diagnostic equipment to administer routine diagnostic test and treatments, including glucometers, pulse oximeters, nebulizers, oxygen equipment, spirometry, eye exams, etc.
• Dresses wounds and incisions, interprets physician’s instructions to patients, assists with emergencies, and performs related tasks, as directed. o Collects lab specimens, including but not limited to urine, blood and sputum, from patients for testing and may perform waived laboratory tests on these specimens.
• Cleans treatment rooms, equipment and supplies using approved manufacture wipes and/or solutions.
• Submits any received laboratory and radiology results to medical providers and provides private practice results to VA for scanning or scans results into patient’s medical records after the provider has reviewed.
• Inputs all patients’ information into VISTA/CPRS o Completes any and all clinical reminders “due” at the time of each patient visit.
• May assist with front desk for check-in, check-out and phone coverage. o Assists in co-managed care collaboration with non-VA providers, and facilities.
• Provides patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, wellness, related health issues and healthy lifestyle choices. Advises in services available through community resources.
• Maintains confidentiality of veterans’ data and information.
• Complies with all VA and company training requirements.

Compliance

• Fulfill compliance requirements of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Joint Commission (JC), Environment of Care (EOC) oversight, lab compliance and other related items.

Clinical Outcomes

• Remain focused on achieving excellent clinical outcomes through the specified VA guidelines.

Customer Service

• Must provide excellent customer service to each veteran, both in person and over the phone, as well as to fellow colleagues and clinic visitors.
• Establish and maintain a warm, welcoming and professional atmosphere for our colleagues and veterans, ensuring needs and expectations are consistently met.
• Collaborate with Clinic leadership to resolve veteran concerns or complaints.

Enrollment Growth

• Participate in the clinic’s outreach events to help support the clinic’s enrollment initiatives.
• Save & Recapture: Support patient enrollment and retention in appointments, follow-up visits or nurse visits.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Diploma or certificate of an accredited program of practical or vocational nursing as approved by the state.
• Minimum one-year experience as an LPN/LVN in a related primary care or ambulatory care setting; government healthcare environment preferred. Specific requirements could vary based on individual VA contract.
• Must be credentialed and remain in good standing through the Veterans Health Administration (VA).
• Must comply with and maintain all requirements for a valid, unrestricted license in the state of desired employment, or in any U.S. state or territory, depending on VA contractual requirements.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (must be renewed periodically as specified by the certifying agency – e.g., AHA valid for two years) and in ACLS as specified by individual VAMC contract.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Strong computer skills, including EMR experience.
• Energetic and optimistic demeanor
• This is considered a safety sensitive position.

Final compensation will be based on relevant factors including work experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.