LPN, Dr. Irina Gagua, Internal Medicine, St Thomas West

Summary

This position provides professional nursing care; assists the physician with patient care. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the care rendered to patients with routine, urgent or potential health problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Ensure patient safety Assists physicians and ensure maximum efficiency; set up for procedures and examinations; obtain lab test and other reports for physician review. Triage patients to ensure productive departmental flow. Prepare patients for exams and procedures.

Administer medications as appropriate; document in patient’s chart. Ensure that patient chart entries are made accurately and in a timely manner; forward chart as appropriate. Contact pharmacy to order or refill prescriptions as instructed by physician, document appropriately.

Tracking of all diagnostic studies to ensure results received and patient informed of results Tracking of all initial specialist office visit appointments to ensure patient keeps appointment Obtain (in advance) pre-certifications, PA’s and referrals when mandated by insurance company Maintain adequate stock levels of medications and supplies. Set up and stock exam rooms for daily use; keep rooms and equipment clean between procedures; keep cleaning schedules up to date Follow clinic policies for infection control in handling and disposing of infectious/hazardous waste materials. Keep physician informed of patient’s status and any pending test results Obtain vital signs, ascertain the seriousness of the patient’s complaint and begin appropriate measures.

Administer medications—IM, SQ and intradermal injections Administer O2 when ordered by a physician Demonstrate a working knowledge of cardiac monitoring and lead placement. Adhere to Quality Control Guidelines; monitoring medication refrigerator temperature, eye wash checklist, O2 checklist, AED checklist and autoclave checklist. Adhere to Customer Service Standards Knowledge of sterile techniques and sterilization process Perform other tasks as needed, in assistance of physician Must have predictable and consistent attendance

Secondary duties and responsiblities

Record health history of patients; note abnormal conditions for physician Notify hospital or skilled nursing facility personnel of physician orders Collect, label and document lab specimens as needed Complete charts and charge tickets; review and verify codes for physician charges Knowledge of administering IV solutions Care for wounds; assist with suturing; apply sterile dressings Schedule patients with physician and other specialty physicians Demonstrate knowledge of Occupational Medicine procedures including pre-employment physical exams, appropriate lab testing and treatment of work related injuries; knowledge of appropriate referral process Provide discharge instructions and reinforce physician’s instructions Prepare patient for procedures and obtain necessary consent forms Collect, label, document and track lab/ biopsy specimens Contact patient of test results, schedule surgery and referrals as required Knowledge of surgical instruments sorting/ cleaning /sterilization Accuracy in labeling and photo of patient skin conditions and download to EMR Knowledge of phototherapy booth/treatment/ log protocol as necessary

Supervisory responsibilites

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited LPN program; 0-2 years experience in clinic-based nursing.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the principles and skills needed for nursing to provide limited patient care and treatment. Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures. Knowledge of medications and their effects on patients. Knowledge of patient education principles to develop a self-care program. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment. Skill in using various types if equipment for examination and treatment procedures. Knowledge of EKG’s. Skill in taking vital signs. Skill in maintaining records and writing reports.

Skill in establishing and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public. Ability to maintain quality control standards. Ability to recognize problems and recommend solutions. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situation. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Computer knowledge helpful.

Certificates, license, registrations

Valid state LPN license; CPR certification.

Physical demands

Must be able to stand for 8 to 10 hours a day Requires regular walking, bending, pushing, pulling and lifting Must be able to lift at least 10-15lbs Must be able to assist patients with transfers from chair to wheelchair, to exam tables, and back to wheelchair/chair Must be able to assist patient with turning/positioning on exam table Must be able to push patient in wheelchair Must be able to manipulate objects—reaching, grasping, handling Must exhibit good communication skills—understand, respond and translate into action

Work environment

Clinical setting; exposure to communicable diseases, medical preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment.