Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

WESTERN SIERRA MEDICAL CLINIC INC•Penn Valley, CA

3d•$35 - $39

About The Position

Western Sierra Medical Clinic is an engaging, enthusiastic, mission driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality primary care to all members of our community. This includes the delivery of evidence-based preventative care, chronic disease management, and addressing urgent care needs as indicated for our pediatric and adult patient population. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a licensed staff member who performs those duties as outlined below. Under medical provider or RN direction and operating within the scope of practice of an LVN, provides nursing care for clinic patients following established standards and practices. The LVN directs patient flow, sets a patient friendly environment in the clinic, provides direct patient care, assists the medical provider by preparing the patient for the visit, taking appropriate vital signs, collecting requested specimens, and preparing the patient for medical procedures. The LVN at the direction of the medical provider, also performs CLIA waived laboratory testing, EKG’s, draws blood, and gives immunizations and medications. They direct the patients’ flow by setting up medication refill requests, sorting and preparing paperwork and collecting and recording information for the provider.

Requirements

Current licensure as an LVN in California required.
BLS for the Health Care Provider or equivalent CPR class is required at hire and to be maintained throughout employment.
Minimum 2 years’ nursing experience, preferably in an urgent care or acute care setting.
IV certified.
Computer literate (i.e., logging on to computer, usage of keyboard and mouse, familiarity with Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel).
Ability to type 40 ppm.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with an electronic practice management system.
Bilingual (preferably Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides direct patient care takes vital signs, observes and checks for changes in patient’s condition, prepares patient for provider visit, recognizes patient’s nursing needs, abnormalities, or urgent problems, and uses or provides appropriate assistance and resources.
Sets up and assists provider during procedures, which may include administering treatments, such as ear lavage, dressing changes, specimen collection etc. Ensure specimens are ready for collection at appropriate time. Uses knowledge of and practices sterile technique and universal precautions during all procedures.
Ensures accurate medication is administered in the correct form and dosage such as immunizations, injections, and oral medications within the scope of practice and/or utilizes resources available for medication administration. Ensures patient education regarding medications, dosage, side effects, purpose of medications and ensures patients understand all necessary information.
Responsible for recognizing signs and symptoms of emergent problems and notifying provider, as necessary. Follows clinic procedures in case of emergency and is knowledgeable and able to perform CPR, and function effectively in a code situation. Starts IVs as directed and assists with CPR or major clinical events.
Blood drawing and preparation of specimens for laboratory including urine, sputum, feces, vaginal smears, gram stains. Perform HemoCue tests, urine tests done in clinic, throat cultures and Glucometer tests. Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory supplies.
Coordinate follow-up care: Pap Smears, Diabetic patients, hypertensive patients, immunization, anemia screening and family planning DOT and non-DOT urinalysis drug screens and maintains Policy and Procedure Manual for DOT and Non-DOT Training. Assist with DNA testing, blood lead testing and WIC patients. Monthly log of temperature checks twice daily. Monthly log of daily eye wash flush and check. Bi-weekly Jail check of drug logs, medication checks and inmate blood draws.
Documents and organizes all pertinent information in patient’s chart for accuracy. Answers and triage patient calls. Coordinates patient flow within the clinic, troubleshoots issues, communicates patient information to provider.
Performs miscellaneous duties to maintain quality care and efficient patient flow for the clinic including maintenance of equipment, ordering, and stocking supplies, answering patient calls, and scheduling appointments. Develop education materials as needed and maintain health education materials and the reference library. Responsible for ordering and stocking all medical supplies daily and on a periodic basis. Maintain updated medical supply prices.
Assist with patient education and apply teaching skills to enhance patient’s knowledge of his/her condition and elaborate on methods relative to immediate care or future prevention. Provides emotional support to patients and families having trouble and notifies providers of any special problems or concerns. Maintains good relations and fosters effective public relations with patients, medical staff, and other providers. Demonstrates appropriate use of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques in dealing with patients, i.e., Direct questions, silence, and touch. Use appropriate tools to communicate with providers and other staff, i.e., telephone, intercom, and computer system. Ensure confidentially of all patients, family, provider, and other staff information. Only discusses patient information when pertinent to care and only with appropriate personnel. Maintains computer confidentiality as well, by ensuring patients are unable to see screens and lock computer screens when unattended.
Follows established policies and procedures, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Maintains a clean work environment in personal spaces, staff space and patient spaces such as exam rooms. Maintains and cares for office and clinical equipment and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes equipment. Performs quality control procedures. Use appropriate safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazard waste. Prioritizes work and provides prompt and efficient services. Tracks client data, specialty appointments and diagnostic tests. Follows up with patients who appear behind. Attend educational updates. Attends bi-annual CPR certification. Documents all pertinent information in patient’s electronic medical record according to WSMC's policies and procedures. Upholds WSMC’s Policies and Procedures, infection control standards, applicable state, federal and local laws.
Participates in quality improvement activities; b) Participates as assigned in interdepartmental quality improvement team efforts; and c) Contributes to overall Community Health Center efforts in quality improvement towards higher-quality, more cost-effective health care for patients and improved quality of work-life for staff members.