Clinic LVN

The Clinic Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position encompasses care of patients from intake through check out. The LVN will assist physicians or mid-level providers with typing, telephone triage, chart organization, filing, care of equipment, care of the environment in the clinic, and other assigned duties. They will schedule patients for all clinic visits and greet patients, process paperwork, obtain and verify information for medical charts and billing purposes, computer entry, work with the hospital Billing Office to assist in collecting payments, and interact well with patients and physicians.

Essential Functions

• Assists front office(s) as needed with answering the phones, patient check in, chart prep and insurance authorization.
• Assists back office(s) as needed with rooming patients, vital signs, short history for reason of visit/complaint, Snellen and audiometry screening, all other specialized clinic testing/paperwork as required.
• Provides direct care to patients following clinic policies and procedures. Collects selected data about the health status of the patient. Maintains patient comfort and privacy at all times. Communicates in an attentive and individualized manner in every encounter.
• Participates in the development of the plan of care with other team members and safely implements that plan.
• Prepares patients for various examinations and procedures and sets up appropriate equipment and trays as needed. Verifies the patients understanding of the purpose of visit and ensures that the patient fully understands the course of treatment according to the educational plan.
• Collects and labels specimens as needed, using proper glove technique. Takes specimens to laboratory using biohazard bags. Prepares all forms/paperwork for specimen transport as needed, using current and accurate patient information.
• Documents care provided or procedures performed accurately on patient records.
• Assists all Clinic Medical Offices with patient call backs and referrals, to other community agencies or specialists as needed.
• Contributes to Quality Improvement (Q.I.) by attending clinic Q.I. meetings and generally assists through suggestions and activities in the ongoing improvement of patient care as needed.
• Does all other requested direct patient care as needed within the LVN scope of practice.
• Helps with patient registration forms and other chart related paperwork as needed to ensure correct information.
• Performs receptionist functions when clinic receptionist is not available, by answering telephone calls and triaging as needed. Uses expertise to answer patient questions and make appropriate referrals for care or treatment as needed.
• Serves as the backup for the general surgery and orthopedic specialty office authorizations and referrals. Assists the Billing Services Department to obtain required information to complete billing or rebill patients, insurances companies as needed.
• Keeps tables and workspaces clean and orderly by maintaining ongoing medical asepsis.
• Makes sure that equipment is in working order.
• Understands the principles of aseptic technique and maintains all instruments in a clean condition after use and takes instruments to Central Processing for sterilization.
• Sets up and maintains sterile field for procedures.
• Monitors all supplies and equipment and drug out-dates, so the new supplies or equipment will be ordered in a timely manner and out of date drugs will not be used. Maintains log of all drugs and out-dates so that supplies can be rotated. Coordinates orders with the Lake Almanor Clinic Office Manager and the Drug Room Nurse.

Skills and Education

• Ability to administer a variety of treatments and medications as directed, take vital signs, and maintain quality control standards.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use various types of equipment for examination and treatment procedures.
• Ability to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Knowledge of the principles and skills needed for practical nursing to provide patient care and treatment, such as examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures.
• Knowledge of medications and their effects on patients.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in busy or emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language in person, by phone and in writing.
• Requires adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, management and peers.
• Current CPR certification.
• Graduate from an approved Licensed Vocational Nursing program with an associates or equivalent degree. 
• Current California LVN license or interim permit for LVN. 

Physical Requirements, Safety, and Environmental Conditions

• Follows safe work practices, takes an active interest in preventing injury or illness and promoting a safe and healthful environment for self and others, and complies with Hospital and governmental safety regulations.
• Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with other personnel, clients, and support agencies
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts, walks, and moves intermittently during working hours and ability to lift up to 20 lbs.