LPN - Triage

Position Information

Full-time 40 hours per week - Ability to work 4, 10-hour shifts

$24.60-$31.85 per hour based on experience

Health benefits start day 1 of employment (Med/Dent/Vis/etc.)

401K Employer match up to 4%

4 weeks accrued PTO annually

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing healthcare to Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) patients through assessing the caller’s symptoms triage accordingly using the nursing process and approved guidelines in order to assist in obtaining the appropriate level of care and/or self-care advice, in accordance with Heartland Health Services’ mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions

Works in collaboration or under the authority of a physician, advanced practice nurse, or registered nurse. Responds promptly to each incoming call from patients with varying levels of acuity and types of medical concerns Promote clear and coherent verbal communication following an appropriate line of questioning. Perform medication refill requests, document nursing home reports, provide select lab results, and verify various orders and information on the electronic health record Assess patients based on the patient’s own evaluation, concerns, and responses to questions and determine the appropriate level of care required to safely meet the patient’s medical needs (Emergent, urgent, non-urgent, or home care status).

When appropriate, provide home care instructions using the approved, written guidelines as well as proved reference materials made available. Utilize all available resources and guidelines at his/her disposal to effectively assess, prioritize, advise, schedule appointments, or refer calls to the appropriate medical facility Make medical appointments and referrals to physicians, community resources, specialists, or other agencies. Utilize EHR to access patient records and review a database of possible conditions, relatable signs and symptoms, and evidence-based treatments.

Determine the necessary follow-up for medical diagnoses and symptoms over the phone. Provide clear patient information, thorough patient education, and recommendations for the next steps to take. Evaluate the significance of the patient’s concern over the phone, determine if emergency care is needed, if a medical appointment should be made.

Oversees and monitors patient evaluation, treatment decisions, and/or other related care and consultations to patients as required. Communicates pertinent patient information to other members of the healthcare team. Collect data and provide basic nursing assessment to identify patients needing RN Nurse Triage services.

Schedules appointments with clinicians when appropriate. Refills patient medications per protocol. May transcribe physician orders for new prescription medication or changes to standing orders.

Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods. Facilitates development and assists with the implementation of standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines. Coordinates services with other patient care locations as required: maintains communication with allied services.

Supports and is involved in continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. Demonstrates compliance with all clinic policies and procedures along with the requirements from the various regulatory agencies. Travels to various clinic locations as needed.

Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality. Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services. Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.

Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels. Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice. Attend all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Other Duties as assigned.

Requirements

A current State license as a Licensed Practical Nurse is required. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development as well as the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the patient population served.

Time management and organizational skills. Ability to multi-task. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to interact with patients, families, and teams.

Previous experience in an office setting or one year's experience in an acute care setting preferred. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel preferred but not required. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) experience preferred but not required.

Licensure/Certifications – Basic Life Support; not required to start but must obtain within the first 90 days of hire. Occasional hybrid option may be offered at the manager’s discretion. If the manager approves, work must be performed from a home office and should never be done in a public location (like a coffee shop or the library) due to handling confidential information.