Licensed Practical Nurse - La Familia Medical Center

Position Function Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Clinical Officer and the Clinical Nurse Manager, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible to the La Familia Medical Center (LFMC) clients for providing nursing care in assigned area in terms of individualized client needs, according to dependent and independent nursing functions and conformance with recognized nursing techniques, procedures, and established standards based on the scope of practical nursing, under the direction/delegation of the Registered Nurse (RN).

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepares patients for examinations, including but not limited to vital signs, recording progress notes, patient interviews, collecting specimens, throat cultures, and blood draws;
• Provides support in the overall LFMC operation by acknowledging, adhering to, and implementing overall organizational and medical policies and operating procedures of LFMC;
• Assists providers by performing clinical tests, procedures and examinations including, but not limited to, administering oral and injectable medications, by performing pure-tone audiogram, visual acuity testing, non-stress tests, EKGs, and suture removals; and by monitoring patients for possible reactions to medications and treatments, responsiveness to treatment, and compliance with clinical regimens;
• Assists providers by monitoring laboratory procedures such as urinalysis, blood glucose, pregnancy and hematocrit testing, strep;
• Maintains records by observing and recording changes, progress, reactions, and treatments of assigned patients by dissemination of patient information and literature relating to health education programs including but not limited to family planning, pre-natal care, and health promotion/disease prevention for all age categories;
• Maintains staff development by assisting the Nursing Director in the orientation and preceptorship of nursing personnel with regard to organizational and medical operating procedures, and by assisting the Nursing Director in monitoring nursing and laboratory areas;
• Maintains compliance of clinic with state licensure by enforcing Quality Assurance protocols in the pharmacy, laboratory, medical supply, and nursing/patient care areas of LFMC for quality patient care;
• Assists nursing supervisor and performs clinical case management by contacting, teaching, and following protocol on patients with abnormal laboratory results; maintaining sufficient medical supplies and medications;
• Maintains patient files by updating pertaining to medication refills, laboratory reports/results, patient medical visits, and other patient data/information required by the physician;
• Provides backup support within the clinical operation by answering telephone messages/inquiries, triage medical problems of patients, and scheduling of urgent care patients who call into LFMC;
• Maintains and updates professional knowledge and skills, and maintains clinical proficiency by attending continuing education or seminars related to job responsibilities.

Charge Nurse Duties (Assumed on temporary basis when assigned by CCO)

• Assures that all positions are covered, such as telephones, patient flow, providers, laboratory, etc;
• Responds to emergency situations pertaining to patients, visitors, or building;
• Handles patient complaints and/or questions in clinical areas;
• Coordinates with medical records staff to ensure that the medical records flow and assignments are being completed in a timely manner;
• Works with the laboratory staff to ensure that the lab workflow and assignments are being completed in a timely manner;
• Works with the laboratory staff to ensure that the lab workflow and assignments are being completed in a timely manner;
• Approves supplies needed to maintain stock for patient care purposes;
• Trains incoming MSS.

Non-Essential Responsibilities

• Conducts him or herself with integrity and professionalism consistent with Workplace Laws, and LFMC policy. Coordinates with other departments, works effectively with peers, and contributes to organization objectives.
• Abides by policies and procedure, and, laws and regulations.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating and completing LFMC training and external educational opportunities. Stays informed of policy, compliance and legal expectations affecting department.

Education, Experience and Skills/Training

• Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse program and state licensure is required. Six months related experience, preferred in a community health care setting.

• State of New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse certification, CPR and First Aid certification are required;

• Including, but not limited to: basic Annual Safety, Bloodborne pathogen, Infectious control, Hazardous Communication, HIPAA Training;

• Basic Knowledge and ability of general office procedures including filing, copying, faxing, use of a computer, to multitask within established deadlines, work under the direction of a supervisor and follow instructions for work completion, and take initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems;

• Fluent in both English and Spanish, required.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package

Bargaining Unit Position

Non-Union