Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Appalachian Mountain Health provides essential nursing care as part of a collaborative healthcare team in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) outpatient setting. The LPN will assist in delivering quality patient care under the direction from the Practice Supervisor and oversite of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role involves supporting assessments, implementing care plans, and assisting with patient education and counseling, ensuring adherence to established nursing practices and standards.

Reporting Structure:

The LPN will report directly to the Practice Supervisor, with performance oversight provided by the Registered Nurse (RN). The RN will oversee clinical tasks, patient care plans, and nursing interventions, while the Clinical Supervisor will manage the operational aspects of the role.

Key Accountabilities

• Patient Assessment Support:
• Participate in the collection of data for nursing history, psychological, spiritual, and social assessments.
• Assist with physical exams, including vital signs, head-to-toe, and targeted assessments, contributing to the overall assessment and analysis.
• Monitor patient responses and report significant changes in condition to the RN or healthcare provider.
• Care Planning:
• Assist in identifying patient care needs based on nursing assessments, contributing to care planning decisions.
• Provide data and insights for the development and modification of patient care plans, under the guidance of RNs and other healthcare professionals.
• Implementation of Care:
• Implement nursing interventions and medical orders according to the established care plan.
• Prioritize and deliver nursing interventions based on patient needs and the scope of the assigned responsibilities.
• Delegate appropriate nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, ensuring proper supervision and adherence to care standards.
• Patient Education and Counseling:
• Assist in educating patients and families regarding health conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies.
• Provide guidance on increasing health knowledge, fostering participation in self-care, and promoting informed decision-making.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Accurately document all nursing actions, patient observations, and care provided in the electronic medical record system.
• Report any significant changes or concerns regarding patient conditions to the supervising RN or healthcare provider.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver optimal patient care.
• Ensure the confidentiality of patient information at all times.

Requirements

Performance Requirements

• Clinical Judgment: Ability to apply critical thinking skills in clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Task Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks while ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.
• Education of Medical Assistants: Assist in the training and education of Medical Assistants (MAs) by providing guidance on clinical tasks, patient care procedures, and best practices, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective documentation, patient interaction, and team collaboration.
• Patient-Centered Care: Ability to provide compassionate care, maintain patient privacy, and promote patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Nursing Practices: Knowledge of LPN scope of practice, including assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and patient education in an outpatient setting.
• Annual Wellness Visits: Knowledge and ability to perform annual wellness visits, including screening, health promotion, and preventive care services, in accordance with healthcare guidelines and protocols.
• Patient Care Skills: Proficient in basic nursing procedures, vital signs, physical assessments, and assisting with medical treatments.
• Technological Competency: Proficient in using electronic medical records and other healthcare technologies to document patient information and communicate with the healthcare team.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of North Carolina’s nursing laws and regulations, including the Nursing Practice Act and LPN rules, to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Education/Experience

• Education:
• Completion of an accredited Practical Nursing Program.
• Active and unrestricted North Carolina LPN license.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience in an outpatient or clinical setting is preferred, though new graduates may be considered.
• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or similar community healthcare environment is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Activity: Ability to perform essential physical activities, such as standing for extended periods, walking, lifting patients, and assisting with medical procedures.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and move patients (up to 50 lbs) and equipment as necessary.
• Vision and Hearing: Adequate vision and hearing to assess patient conditions, read medical records, and communicate effectively.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficient in the use of medical instruments and technology necessary for patient care.

Work Environment

• Setting: Outpatient care in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing community health services. This is a fast-paced environment, primarily focused on providing care to a diverse patient population with varying medical needs.
• Team Environment: Collaborative work with RNs, physicians, medical assistants, case managers, patient support representative and other healthcare professionals.
• Patient Population: The LPN will work with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds, providing care in a community health setting that may include vulnerable populations.
• Work Schedule: Standard clinic hours, with occasional adjustments based on patient needs and healthcare provider schedules.