Licensed Practical Nurse
Clinic
Job Summary:
Under the direction and supervision of the Clinic Supervisor, uses and practices basic assessment (data collection), participates in planning, executes, interventions in accordance with the care plan and contributes to the evaluation of individualized interventions related to the care plan. Administers medications, implements primary care orders, and evaluates participant complaints physically and/or by telephone. Provides education to PACE ORGANIZATION participant, and caregiver in regards to care plan, nursing treatments or medications. Communicates participant’s condition to primary care givers, physician and multidisciplinary team.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education:
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing required.
- Current Practical Nurses License
- CPR certification required.
Experience:
- A minimum of one year’s experience in working with the frail or elderly population required.
- IV Certification preferred.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Broad knowledge base of health care problems of the frail elderly.
- Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments.
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
- Skilled in identifying problems and recommending solutions.
- Skilled in preparing and maintaining records and writing reports, and responding to correspondence.
- Skilled in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, medical staff, staff members and family caregivers.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Knowledge of medications used in geriatrics and adverse reactions.
- Skilled in wound care.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment:
Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.
Physical Requirements:
Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.
Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.
Pressure Factor:
Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.
Environmental Conditions:
May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participants in interdisciplinary team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on care planning decisions and coordination for 24 hour care delivery.
- As delegated by Clinic Supervisor performs basic nursing services within scope of practice.
- Performs the administration of prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards.
- As designated by the Clinic Supervisor and meeting the requirements within the scope of practice shall withdraw blood from participants as instructed.
- Maintains participants’ medical record and fulfills PACE ORGANIZATION charting and reporting requirements.
- Observes, records, and reports participant’s condition and reaction to drugs and treatments to physicians.
- Triages participants within scope of practice to determine priority of care.
- As delegated assists Clinic Supervisor or Clinic RN when necessary in signing off orders, ordering medications from pharmacy, and disseminating orders and instructions to appropriate personnel. Implements the orders written by primary care and nursing orders when necessary.
- Instructs participants and family regarding medications and treatment instructions and care plan.
- Provides Education and training on care and treatment issues of the frail and elderly as requested.
- Participates in administering participant vaccinations and TB testing. Will document and record appropriately.
- Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment, examination, and testing of participants.
- Assists other staff in clinic in daily appointments and emergencies. Maintains timely flow of participants.
- Responds to and refers incoming telephone calls.
- Assists in the maintenance of the exam rooms for necessary supplies and materials. Ensures cleanliness. Lists needed clinic supplies on supply list as appropriate.
- Effectively communicates in interdisciplinary team meetings, clinic meetings or any other meetings as assigned.
- Assists in the scheduling of specialist appointments and assisting in hospital admissions and calling report to unit, as assigned or requested
- Follows all PACE ORGANIZATION Policies and Procedures and OSHA safety guidelines.
- Maintains the confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about participants, clients or families.
- Handles potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions, and practices Universal precautions.
- Maintains safe working environment. Follows PACE ORGANIZATION Safety Policies and Procedures.
- Participates in and supports Quality Improvement initiatives.
- Participates in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings. Maintains professional affiliations and any required certifications.
- Performs other duties as required or requested.