Licensed Vocational Nurse

The Staff Nurse is an integral part of the health care team. The Staff Nurse assists the health care team in a professional manner in the health clinic setting. Responsibilities include administering quality nursing care, immunizations and health education to patients of all ages in accordance with established nursing standards; assisting in the lab and pharmacy as appropriate; working with all health clinic personnel to ensure an efficient and safe environment of care.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Staff Nurse performs the following duties as assigned.

1. Provides clinical services.
   1. Maintains clinical expertise and competency (to include age specific competency) as well as demonstrates thorough knowledge of procedures to deliver quality primary health care.
   2. Documents delivery of health care and nursing process in accordance with the Clinic’s policies and procedures in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner. 
   3. Educates the patient and family/significant others about diagnosis and the plan of care. Acts as a resource for facilitating communication when necessary.
   4. Coordinates the delivery of patient care provided by the health care team.
   5. Interacts with health clinic personnel and assists providers to ensure optimal patient care and to obtain optimum patient flow and increased patient satisfaction.  
   6. Identifies and responds promptly to changes in patient’s condition and/or clinic environment.  
   7. Coordinates and delegates the timely processing of patient referrals, prescribed medications, and other identified needs of the patient.
   8. Acts as a resource within the clinic to other staff members in regards to patient care.
   9. Participates as a team member and promotes teamwork by assisting others with patient care and department activities.
   10. Maintains adequate inventory of medical forms, supplies, in-house medications, STD medications and immunizations and completes monthly inventory reports as required.
   11. Performs maintenance and controls on medical equipment and documents results.
   12. Administers all medications accurately using the five (5) rights of medication administration, documenting medications according to health clinic policy and procedures.
   13. Upon completion of laboratory skill assessment, performs all laboratory functions according to Provider orders.
2. Fulfills administrative duties.
   1. Assists in maintaining an efficient, safe, secure, orderly, and aseptic environment of care for all patients and employees.
   2. Is familiar with and abides by OSHA Standards, Hazardous Materials, Universal Precautions, use of personal protective equipment, Evacuation, Fire, Disaster, and Safety Plans.
   3. If bilingual, translates in Spanish between non-Spanish speaking staff and Spanish speaking patients as requested.
3. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

• Knowledge of basic principles of health promotion, prevention and motivation
• Knowledge of protocols in general and an ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of the Clinic’s current operational protocols
• Knowledge of medical terminology and appropriate abbreviations
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Texas Nursing Practice Act
• Ability to read and comprehend medical instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to document, with clarity, all information relevant to a patient’s needs
• Ability to effectively present information in small group situations to patients, Clinic staff, and the general public. Ability to prepare statistical and administrative reports
• Ability to work cooperatively with community agency personnel  to coordinate services for patients
• Ability to use a glucometer and interpret the results
• Ability to use  office equipment including but not limited to computers, fax machines, telephones and copiers
• Ability to prioritize and allocate resources

Preferred

• Spanish speaking and writing skills

Credentials and Experience

Required

• Licensed Vocational Nurse degree from an accredited school of nursing.  
• Current unrestricted license from the Texas or Arkansas Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners (applicable state to assigned clinic location) to practice as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) 
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals Certification

Preferred

• One (1) year of practice experience as an LVN giving direct patient care