Job Description:       Thrive by Three and Family Planning – Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Title:            Licensed Practical Nurse

FLSA:                         Non-Exempt

Reports To:                Director of Programs            

Supervises:                This position does not supervise any other employees

Date Issued:               October 2020

Date Revised:             August 2024

Primary Function:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is integral to the Family Planning Program and Thrive by Three initiative, delivering critical clinical care and patient education. In the Family Planning Program, the LPN conducts follow-up care, manages prescriptions, and provides education on reproductive health topics, including STIs. They oversee lab result follow-ups and ensure that patients receive timely and accurate information regarding their health and treatment plans. 

For Thrive by Three, the LPN plays a key role in care coordination for pregnant women and newborns, focusing on postpartum care and early childhood development. They provide education on safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and other essential topics. The LPN also supports Centering Pregnancy efforts offering comprehensive care and ensuring that educational materials are available and utilized effectively. By maintaining regular contact with mothers and babies, the LPN ensures continuous support and addresses any needs that arise up to three years of age.

Working in partnership with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, the LPN helps to ensure comprehensive care and continuous support for women of reproductive age.

Essential Functions- Thrive by Three and Family Planning:

1. Clinical Care and Follow-Up:

• Performs nursing procedures as ordered by an appropriate member of the health care team (i.e., MD, NP) or, when appropriate, requested by the patient.  These can include administering medications, injections, wound care, dressings, etc. 
• Provide prenatal and postpartum care and education to mothers, focusing on pregnancy, recovery, infant care, and health management.
• Conduct routine follow-ups for patients, including monitoring lab results, managing prescriptions, and addressing any medication-related concerns.

• Conducts health education activities as determined by patient need and/or provider order.  These can include health promotion activities, explanation of disease process and pathology as appropriate, family planning methods, medication compliance, etc.

• Educate patients on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control, safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and other relevant health topics.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to review and adjust patient care plans as needed.

2. Patient Education:

• Deliver clinical education on postpartum care, STI prevention, and prescription management during patient interactions.
• Facilitate educational sessions and distribute materials on topics pertinent to patient care and wellness.
• Provides referrals for follow up and advocacy activities on patients’ behalf.  This involves coordination and communication with other agencies regarding both health referrals and social, economic, educational, or environmental needs, which can affect optimal health outcomes.  These activities may need to be accomplished before or after the actual clinic sessions

3. Centering Pregnancy Support:

• Assist in facilitating Centering Pregnancy group sessions, providing education, and addressing patient concerns.
• Ensure that educational materials and resources are available and effectively utilized during group sessions.
• Support patients in setting and achieving personal health goals related to their pregnancy and postpartum care.

4. Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress, treatment plans, and any necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate with program staff to align patient care with Family Planning Program and Thrive by Three initiatives.

5. Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including documentation of follow-ups, education, and clinical outcomes.
• Ensure that all documentation complies with program and regulatory requirements.

6. Screenings and Assessments:

• Perform routine screenings for various health conditions as part of patient assessments.
• Document screening results and follow up on any identified issues or needs.

7. Patient Engagement and Support:

• Support program nurses in addressing patient concerns and ensuring continuity of care.
• Assist patients in navigating and accessing additional resources and support services as needed.
• Monitor patient progress and provide ongoing support to ensure adherence to care plans and positive health outcomes.

Essential Functions- GBMS Primary Care:

1.         Provides clinical training to medical assistants and supervises competency evaluations 

2.         Provides triage support for walk-ins and over the telephone

3.         Provides direct nursing care to patients as needed and as directed by provider

4.         Provides clinical support to providers

5.         Provides direct nursing care to patients, including performing assessments, nursing procedures, and assistance with procedures.

6.         Provides health teaching and counseling to patients and families. This may include communication of test results, medication changes, etc.

7.         Assesses patient requests for same day services and works with Providers and Center Manager to ensure that patient needs are addressed appropriately.

8.         Demonstrates proficiency in the use of the EMR, serves as a clinical resource.

Competencies: 

Quality, Respect, Professionalism ,Teamwork, Commitment 

Supervisory Responsibility   None 

Managerial Responsibilities  None 

Minimum Qualifications 

1. Current Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Maryland.
2. Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) required.
3. Pediatric and/or Obstetrics and Gynecological experience- Highly Desired
4. Bilingual in English and Spanish- Highly Desired 

Substitutions 

Any combination of education and experience. Incumbent may utilize either of the following options as a substitution to qualify: 

1. High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate of competency and 4 years of work experience such as described in the essential work tasks of the job specification.  

Competencies Needed 

Accountability – Meets established expectations and takes responsibility for achieving results; encourages others to do the same. 

Internal/External Stakeholder Management – Ability to focus both internal and external stakeholders simultaneously. Identifying all people or organizations impacted by the program and its projects, and documenting relevant information regarding their interests, involvement, impacts heavily on program and project success. 

Knowledge Management – Knowledge base and understanding of the organization and its business practices—as well as familiarity with technologies used in the projects within the program. 

Project and Process Management – Ability to manage projects, plan, prioritize. Appling knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.   

Reporting - Drafts, runs, and distributes reports. Provides overview and communicates report findings. 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  

Physical and Mental Demands 

1. Sit in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the time.
2. Adapt effectively to stress and pressure.
3. Occasionally move within the office to access filing cabinets and office equipment.
4. Regularly operate computers and office machinery like calculators, copiers, and printers.
5. Frequently communicate with vendors and colleagues, exchanging accurate information.
6. Move office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
7. Perform various tasks, often switching between them.
8. Work amid interruptions and distractions.
9. Quickly adjust priorities as needed.
10. Interact professionally with colleagues in different contexts.
11. Discern sounds effectively.
12. Convey detailed spoken instructions accurately and, when necessary, loudly, or quickly.
13. Judge distances and spatial relationships accurately.
14. Analyze, count, summarize, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
15. Recognize social and professional behavioral cues.

Language Skills 

Ability to read and interpret written or verbal documents and instructions. Ability to speak effectively to patients, employees and/or stakeholders of the organization. 

Travel 

Must be able to drive between Greater Baden Medical Services sites as needed.