LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Description

PURPOSE:  To support the delivery of medical services through the direct provision of medical care by performing basic nursing tasks within the scope of Licensed Practical Nursing or Registered Nursing practice as outlined by the Virginia Nurse Practice Act. To provide nursing services and to aid in the mentoring of medical assistants, RN’s, and LPN’s. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

Performs tasks pertinent to age of patient (infancy to geriatric) 

Maintains accurate inventory of medical supplies; assists in the selection of division equipment and supplies. 

Performs all nursing procedures as directed by the clinician according to the guidelines in the Nursing Procedure Manual. 

Assists in quality assurance and control. 

Supports a team-based approach to patient-centered medical care. 

Participates in the continuing educational process. 

Assists in the efficient flow of patients 

Attends work as scheduled. 

Supports a team-based approach to patient-centered medical care. 

Performs related duties as assigned. 

Addendum: Triage Nurse 

Triage means "sorting out" -- and a telephone triage nurse is a registered or licensed practical nurse who assesses problems over the phone. Although some telephone triage nurses work exclusively in call centers and perform no other nursing tasks, other nurses include telephone triage as one task among many others. It's an important task that requires good clinical judgment, careful listening, and critical thinking and assessment skills. 

Listening Skills 

Telephone triage nurses must be extremely skilled at listening to what patients tell them. They must hear not only what the patient says, but also have the ability to interpret such subtle indications as the tone of voice, hesitations or incomplete responses. The nurse should also know what questions to ask, as she cannot rely on visual observations or diagnostic tests to help make a diagnosis of the patient’s problem. In some cases, the triage nurse might deal with a patient who speaks limited English, or who has a member translating for him. 

The Process of Care 

A telephone triage nurse develops an assessment of the patient’s problem based on her conversation with the patient. In many instances, the triage nurse might deal with a wide spectrum of medical conditions. For example, she might first have an obstetric patient on the line, followed by a man with chest pain, followed by a first-time mother whose infant has a fever. The nurse’s clinical judgment, knowledge and experience direct her conversation with the patient and guide her in the decision to give self-care advice, refer the patient to a primary care physician, make an appointment or instruct the patient to contact 911 for emergency assistance. 

Decision-Making 

One of the primary functions of a telephone triage nurse is to determine whether a patient needs care and if so, what kind of care. In some cases, the role is strictly that of an advice nurse. In other instances, the nurse directs the patient to the correct specialist, clinic or hospital. The nurse might decide that the patient can wait for an appointment until the next day when the provider has an opening, or bring the patient in immediately if his symptoms indicate that his need is urgent. Telephone triage nurses also provide patient education when appropriate. The telephone triage nurse makes decision based on protocols. 

Other Issues 

Triage is a high-risk area, especially when dealing with obstetrics or other conditions that have a high potential for malpractice lawsuits. The triage nurse must exercise skill and care in giving advice, ensuring that she responds with the appropriate standard of care for a specific case -- and documents both her advice and the patient’s responses. 

Demeanor 

Nurse is expected to be considerate, patient, and calm. 

Nurse has to dress professionally and even communicate in a very caring manner to the patients so that they are at ease while discussing their problems with her. 

Nurse needs to hone her critical analysis skills so that she can assess and diagnose the patient condition accordingly. 

In case of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, she has to reassure the patient so that the panic attacks do not worsen his/her condition. 

Miscellaneous 

A triage nurse is expected to direct patients correctly to the right care method. 

Nurse needs to maintain accurate records of all the calls and corresponding details. 

Nurse needs to be on high alert as regards to delicate medical conditions, because at such times, she cannot solely make a decision. 

Nurse needs to retrieve messages, create proper documents, edit medical records, and report to the respective providers, whenever necessary. 

Nurse has to remember the details of all the patients who called, so that she can provide further suggestions to improve their condition. 

Follow-up is an important duty as well―she has to give a call back to the patients and report their condition. 

If there has been improvement, she has to document the information. If the condition has worsened, she has to give proper directions to go to the right provider. All changes must be recorded. 

Nurse also needs to provide essential patient education so that the same problem does not resurface. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

Dedication to detail and accuracy. 

Respect for patient confidentiality. 

Pleasant, patient and understanding; flexible. 

Ability to communicate ideas clearly. 

Team member skills. 

Should have experience with or knowledge of medical office systems, supplies and equipment. 

Experience in emergency room and community nursing preferred. 

Demonstrates clinical competence 

Education, Training and Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited program for Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses, 

Licensed by the Virginia State Board of Nursing or from a compact state* 

At least 2 years of general patient care experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse 

Current CPR certification, preferred. 

Experience in telephone triage, preferred.