Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary :

This position is responsible for providing the highest quality nursing care to Oyate Health Center (OHC) patients.

Essential Functions and Professional Behavior Expectations :

• Obtains the initial screening history on patients being seen in the clinic; performs visual assessment, observation, and some physical assessment, observing and recognizing unusual or complex problems and making proper disposition.
• Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of the patient; explains procedures and treatments to the patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
• Aids medical provider during treatment and examination of patient when requested.
• Prepare patients for special laboratory tests, examinations, and treatments.
• Screen patients and assess health problems within the following categories : respiratory illness, abdominal, urological, musculoskeletal, and dermatological; assesses for chronic disease such as chronic back and shoulder pain, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and hypertension, and, refers appropriately to the physician for further evaluation and care.
• Collects specimens and orders appropriate laboratory and x-ray studies as authorized by the medical provider.
• Records accurate, timely and appropriate information in the patient’s electronic health record; documents observations, nursing interventions, therapeutic measures administered and status of coordinated activities between nursing and other professional disciplines.
• Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by medical provider and / or OHC policy, including patient and family instruction; notifies patient of lab results and provides nursing advice to patients.
• Teaches patients about the nature of illness, treatment and general health measures.
• Documents phone conversations and advice given.
• Directs the work of ancillary personnel providing them with consultation and teaching. Recommends personnel actions, clinical requirements, needs for additional equipment and supplies and environmental improvements to the Supervisory Nurse.
• Assists with referrals and / or follow-up care based on results of laboratory and x-ray reports, and the mental health and well-being of the patient as recommended by the medical provider.
• Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, code procedures, and established protocol.
• Participates in and directs Quality Assurance activities such as GPRA, PI, IPC, nursing audits / peer review, discharge planning, and infection control.
• Attends and participates in nursing staff meetings and in-service education programs.
• Must comply with federal laws and regulations as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Performs related duties.

Professional Behavior

Requirements

Knowledge Required

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor assigns work in terms of very general instructions. Work is reviewed through observation of interactions with OHC patients, and patient outcomes.

Guidelines

Guidelines include federal and state law, and GPTLHB, OHC, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific and require some judgment.

Complexity / Scope of Work

This position consists of clinical duties. The purpose of this position is to deliver the highest quality nursing services to OHC patients.

Successful performance helps ensure the overall effective and efficient Nursing Services and OHC resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Contacts

Contacts are typically with clinical providers, patients, employees, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to exchanging and provide factual medical information, provide patient care, and provide assistance.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The work is typically performed standing or sitting. The work is typically performed in a clinic setting which requires normal safety precaution for infection control and environmental safety measures. The work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and / or move light objects, and occasional lift heavier objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None.

Minimum Qualifications

The GPTLHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian / Tribal candidates overqualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions if all other qualifications are equal.

Compliance with our Employee Health Procedure is a condition of employment. You are required to agree that you will comply with all job-related employee health screening and immunizations prior to your first day of employment. Jobs require that you have documentation that you have completed the following immunizations prior to your first day of employment : MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Influenza, T-dap (Tetanus - Diphtheria - Pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccination is required .

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