Licensed Vocational Nurse I

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Title: Licensed Vocational Nurse I

Division: Family & Community Medicine (80001038)

Department: Family & Community Medicine - Other Contracts (90005510)

Location: Houston (1100)

Salary Range: $41,601 to $57,410

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Employment Duration: Full-time

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Summary

Under the direction of the Medical Director, or designee, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides in-office practice management support to a primary care practice as part of a Team Based Care model. The LVN provides clinical expertise to ensure patients receive high quality care. They will provide telephone advice to patients with minor acute problems. They will serve as a patient educator in areas related to self-care and support the on-going management of patients with stable chronic diseases. They may assist with monitoring acutely ill patients during the patient visit and perform a variety of procedures that are within the scope of the professional nursing practice.

The ideal candidate understands how to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment, manages time effectively, handles multiple assignments simultaneously, and prioritizes projects, demonstrates professionalism in appearance and actions, and supports the agency Mission and Standards of Excellence. Also understands how to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment, knows how to manage time effectively, is able to multi-task and can prioritize duties. Demonstrates professionalism in appearance and actions.

Selected person can expect the following:

• A busy clinical environment caring for the homeless population.
• Daily demands may vary dependent on specific duties performed
• Must be able to effectively communicate in person and over the telephone and to possess visual and auditory skills essential to perform patient assessment duties. Fine motor control may be important to perform injections or other procedures.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations.
• Some travel may be necessary to attend meetings or training.
• Occasional exposure may occur to body fluids, blood, tissues, chemicals, vibration that usually occurs in the delivery of primary care.

Job Duties

• Serves as a resource for teams of Medical Assistants (MA) and Providers as part of an extended team that consists of other support staff to provide patient education in areas such as self-care, such as taking medications appropriately, use of nebulizers and inhalers, diabetic education, wound care, and self-injections.
• Oversees the intake of patient telephone calls: Following established telephone and departmental guidelines, provides advice regarding treatment of certain minor acute problems. Refers questions to the PCP or APC as needed. Provides on-going assistance to support staff, MA's and supervisors in areas such as proper and thorough message taking and emergency telephone protocols. Provides clinical follow up support via telephone after significant office visits.
• Participates in patient follow-up activities such as reporting diagnostic test results, arranging for prescription refills, expediting referrals, performing prior authorizations. Prepares information for prescription renewals at the request of the PCP/APC.
• Participates in the on-going management of patients with stable chronic diseases, as designated by and in consultation with the PCP/APC. Communicates with patients over the telephone regarding issues concerning management of their chronic disease, coordination of treatment plan changes, as well as coordination of services. Maintains chronic disease rosters for the practice.
• Triages walk-in/same-day patients and manages the intake and monitoring of patients with acute medical conditions. Monitors patients in the absence of the PCP/APC. Provides necessary nursing intervention when appropriate.
• Performs procedures as determined by the clinical needs of the agency, including but not limited to: IM and SC injections, nebulizer and inhaler treatments, EKG's, administering and reading PPD's, suture removals, ear lavage, wound care/dressing changes, and other procedures that are within the scope of professional LVN nursing practice.
• Administers medications/immunizations to pediatric patients periodically as prescribed by a physician and permitted by law.
• Observes, records, and reports signs and symptoms, reactions to treatments and medications, and any change in the patients physical or emotional condition in a timely matter.
• Provides tracking and support for Patient Assistance Program (PAP) drugs to ensure applications are submitted and tracked until medication arrives, provides notification to patients and providers of availability of medications. Working with organizational partners for delivery of care for Hepatitis C patients and treatment utilizing PAP medications. Assist in coordinating care in regard to PAP medications.
• Supports the Class D pharmacy by tracking inventory and assists the Pharmacist in Charge in weekly medication counting and labeling.
• Serves as a training resource for clinical support staff and assists in developing training material as needed. Performs chart audits of clinical support staff to identify opportunities for training.
• Participates in patient care quality improvement projects as requested.
• Assists in maintaining stocks of clinical supplies, medications (in an administrative role) along with MAs.
• Maintains BLS certification.
• May review published clinical reminder lists and act according to established protocols, e.g. Flu vaccine reminders, overdue mammograms, pap smears, and immunizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or G.E.D and graduated from an approved licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN).
• No experience required.
• Current license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by the State of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Basic Life Support certification (BLS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Patient Center Medical Home principles and quality processes.
• Experience and/or interest in working with homeless or other underserved populations.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

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