License Practical Nurse - TJCC - $5,000 Hiring Bonus

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority•Cherokee, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, the incumbent is responsible for a variety of administrative and clinical skills established by the RN Case Manager/RN Lead/Primary Care Nurse Manager. The Licensed Practical Nurse assists in performing and providing clinical care, duties, and tasks for patients of all ages, primarily working 1:1 with the Primary Care Provider (PCP). Participates in pre-visit planning to anticipate patient and PCP needs. Recognizes and reports abnormal findings related to vital signs, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings to the registered nurse or medical provider. The LPN plans, schedules, and provides care in coordination with the medical care plan and attempts to solve problems with MD/RN guidance, under the supervision of the RN Lead and the Director of Nursing for Primary Care. The work is evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards. The incumbent has a positive effect upon the recovery of the patient and is responsible for following policies and procedures, which serve as hospital guidelines and prevent errors from occurring. Errors can have a negative patient outcome since the incumbent’s performance affects the health, recovery, and rehabilitation of patients, and the quality of care provided. Evaluations and observations are used to modify and develop clinically appropriate treatment plans. Work can be verified or checked by the immediate supervisor, other health care providers or systems checks, but usually the responsibility for accuracy relies solely on the incumbent. Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies to provide and assist with care, and to exchange information for the purpose of coordinating patient care activities. The incumbent has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information and must maintain complete confidentiality.

Requirements

Practical nursing diploma from an accredited program required.
Unrestricted valid Practical Nurse license within the state of North Carolina.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) is required of the position. Can be acquired within 6 months through the facility following appointment to position.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and theories of professional nursing in order to plan and provide nursing care to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, and socio-cultural needs of patients of all ages.
Knowledge and skill to perform basic clinical care to acute and chronically ill patients.
Knowledge and skill to assist the primary care provider in treatment and examinations performed in the Outpatient setting.
Practical knowledge of performing prescribed treatment plans such as dressing changes or soaks.
Knowledge of proper handling and collection of specimens, performing vital signs and recognizing abnormal values.
Basic knowledge of diseases and illnesses and the ability to recognize and report changes in the patient's condition to the physician.
Practical knowledge of the medical facility's organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and patient treatment, COBRA, and practical knowledge of standard procedures, medical records, and medical terminology.
Basic knowledge of diseases, medical and surgical procedures, as well as standard abbreviations used by the medical staff.
Thorough knowledge of recording and documenting medical information.
Knowledge and skills in operating specialized medical equipment, such as suction pumps, oxygen equipment, etc.
Must be flexible in working hours.
Must possess the ability to differentiate and prioritize many tasks at once.
Must be flexible in working hours.
Required to comply with Employee Health Program guidelines including current immunization status of identified communicable diseases and safety precautions are sometimes necessary, such as use of personal protective equipment as required by hospital policy.
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values.
Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Nice To Haves

Two years of nursing experience preferred.
2 years’ experience preferred for the position.

Responsibilities

Manage daily schedule.
Answer phones and schedule appointments.
Greet patients and update patient registration information.
Prepare and type correspondence.
Process, code, and complete insurance claim forms.
Process mail.
Maintain supplies and equipment.
Arrange for hospital admissions and outside referrals for the physician with direction from a physician or physician’s assistant.
Call prescriptions to the pharmacy for the physician.
Complete forms.
Take and record vital signs and report deviations to the registered nurse or physician.
Record and document chief complaint.
Administer immunizations, depo, B12.
Provide patient education with regards to CIH policies such as explanation of the pain contract, medications, home treatments, and special diets.
Prepare patients for examinations and perform routine screening tests.
Perform phlebotomy and collection of other lab specimens (urine, stool, cultures and sputum).
Perform basic lab tests.
Perform EKGs.
Prepare and administer medications with physician’s authorizations.
Perform dressing changes, apply bandages, remove sutures and other first aid procedures.
Maintain supplies, equipment, stocking, and sterilizing instruments.
Complete finger stick glucose monitoring.
Assist primary care providers with diagnostic tests, examining patients, etc.
Perform vision acuity (Snellen).
Document vital signs and other medical data to the appropriate record.
Operate a variety of specialized medical equipment, such as suction pumps, oxygen equipment, automatic BP cuffs, and oxygen saturation units, etc. Recognize malfunctioning and unsafe equipment and initiate corrective action.
Initiate appropriate action when safety measures are required to protect patients.
Maintain a safe environment through the practice of Universal Precautions and Body Substance Isolation, medical waste/chemical management and containment. Isolate infected patients. Clean patient contact areas and equipment according to policies and OSHA regulations.
Promote patient advocacy and confidentiality.
Participate in ongoing nursing quality assurance program.
Utilize the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for documentation of clinical visits, interventions and screenings and assessments.
Utilize the care management platform for documentation of contacts, screenings and assessments and notifications.
May be subject to on-call and callback.
Establish good interpersonal working relationships with patients and staff.
Assist with and make recommendations about supplies and equipment needs.
Maintain clean, neat, and safe work environment.
Adapt to special circumstances, such as staffing shortages, patient emergencies, fluctuations in census, and disasters.
Provide care according to established procedures; under the supervision of the primary care provider.
May be necessary to work when Administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.