Licensed Vocational Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Clinic Process and Quality Manager, and with direction from the Chief Medical Officer, and the Chief Executive Officer, the Licensed Vocational Nurse/Care Coordinator acts as a patient advocate to provide daily care coordination and management of care for complex patients, while collaborating with physicians, mid-level providers, and other care team members in the delivery of efficient and high-quality healthcare.

The LVN Care Coordinator works within a multi-disciplinary health care team in the delivery of comprehensive services for patients diagnosed with chronic illness in a primary care setting. Acting as the primary contact person for the client and their family, the Care Coordinator assists the health care team in the development and implementation of a health care plan tailored to the needs of the client and the client's families in order to promote continuity of care, and ultimately reduce the rate and severity of chronic illness complications. He/she will participate in quality improvement processes to ensure appropriate levels of care are met and assist the R.N. and other clinical staff in performing their duties and carrying on the necessary functions required in accordance with established policies and procedures.

LVN Essential Functions

* Upon verification of competency, perform the following patient care functions:

a. Point of Care Testing and report abnormal readings to a Physician, NP, PA, or RN

b. Tuberculosis skin test placement and readings, with documentation of results; completing orders based on results

c. EKG's

d. Data collecting and documenting of patients' vital signs to report to a Physician, NP, PA or • RN for further action

e. Wound care, Suture/Staple removal

f. Venipuncture for the purposes of obtaining blood specimens.

g. Initiating care with AED device and emergency kit, serving as primary assistant to a licensed provider during a medical emergency/Code White/Code Blue

h. Ear lavage

i. Removal of urinary catheter

j. Spirometry testing

k. Administering medications via all routes except intravenous route as directed by the physician

* Respond to urgent codes within the facility and aids when directed.
* Collect clinical data and document findings in patient's medical record.
* Identify significant clinical findings and relay information to a provider or RN in a timely manner.
* Implement providers' orders accurately and promptly, using nursing judgment.
* Demonstrate knowledge of therapeutic action, side effects, and interaction of medications.
* Receive abnormal/critical/STAT lab and imaging results over the phone, followed by notification of patient according to provider directive
* Reinforcement of provider's prescribed plan and follow-up, related to chronic disease management - HTN, DM
* Provide counseling and health education for patients and families as per standardized protocols.
* Perform appropriate documentation to maintain the standards set by BACHC and nursing practice.
* Assist the Clinical Process and Quality Manager in the training of medical assistants and LVNs and assist in skill assessments.
* Promote the level of clinical expertise required of staff to provide safe, high quality nursing care.
* Participate in health center and department quality improvement activities.
* Able to understand and follow a risk management protocol and assists the health center in mitigating risk of adverse events.
* Responsible for reporting known and suspected patient abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual) per BACHC policy and procedures.
* Assume the responsibility for maintaining compliance according to federal and state regulations and BACHC policies and procedures.
* Remain flexible and responsive when changes occur in patient activity and workload.
* Utilize material, equipment, and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost-effective manner.
* Communicate information effectively both verbally and in writing.
* Organize workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
* Participate in audits and infection control as required by the health center, which may include being designated as an emergency responder to codes, hazardous substance releases, or spills.
* Provide monthly/quarterly/annual reports to the CMO, Clinical Process and Quality Manager, and/or QI Coordinator regarding clients served and outcomes as requested.
* Maintain confidentiality and always complies with HIPAA and compliance mandates.
* Attend and participates in meetings, committees, and training sessions as directed by Clinical Process and Quality Manager.
* Back-up VFC Coordinators as needed.
* Maintain examination room cleaning following OSHA Guidelines.
* Stock exam rooms with supplies daily and provide proof of documentation by signing the exam room checklist daily.
* Complete CMA Performance Criteria training sheet.
* Perform CLIA Waiver Testing.
* Interpret for the clinical staff when necessary, "Spanish/English" and assist providers to language interpretation when asked to do so.
* Under the direction of the nurse or provider in-charge, takes responsibility of medical supplies and cleaning of the medical instruments and equipment.
* Provide HIV/Antibody counseling in accordance with established protocols and in compliance with State and Federal requirements.
* Participate in Mobile Unit events.
* Promote and believe in BACHC mission statement "Helping People Heal".
* Believe and align with BACHC core Values of Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Accountability and Teamwork.
* Treat everyone equally regardless of racial, ethnic, religious, social, and economic status or background.
* Perform all job functions in a professional and courteous manner.
* Answer all general phone calls in a timely manner.
* Provide excellent customer service to internal and external clients/patients by being responsive to all inquiries in a timely manner.
* Perform job duties collaboratively with health center management and exercise good judgement.
* Foster and promote a culture of service excellence and accountability with focus on patient safety.
* Consistently adhere to a high standard of professional ethics; conduct self in an ethical manner and be a role model to others.
* Perform other duties as required

Care Coordinator Essential Functions

* Assist the health care team to develop and implement a health care plan tailored to the needs of the client and the client's family in order to promote continuity of care, reduce patient cycle time, and ultimately reduce the rate and severity of disease-related complications.
* Act as the primary contact for patients and their families and ensures continuity of care through:

a. Ensure the maintenance of patient follow-up procedures to track patient attendance to appointments and reschedule appointments as needed.

b. On-going communication with health care providers through computer tasking, huddles, and other designated communication tools.

c. Coordinate with RN or other staff when patients are released from ER or hospital for follow up purposes when necessary.

3. Provide counseling and health education for patients and families as per standardized protocols.

4. Develop new/or use existing appropriate health education materials for class and counseling activities.

5. Ensure that all diabetes-related data is recorded into Medical Record at each clinical visit in a timely manner.

6. Act as the patient's advocate as circumstances require by giving the patient opportunities to make informed decisions regarding their health care.

7. Accurately and completely document all coordination activities in patient's electronic health records.

8. Document all telephone calls and team conferences as per protocol.

9. Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences as needed to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of care plan through communication with patient and other members of the health care team.

10. Maintain logs and statistics as needed. Prepare reports or conduct audits as required.

11. Participates in the BACHC Quality Improvement process. Select educational materials and methods appropriate to the plan of care in order to achieve quality measures.

12. Conduct in-house or outreach activities as needed. Attend Diabetes related and Health Education committee meetings and other on/off campus meetings/seminars as assigned by supervisor.

13. Assist with the implementation of clinic policies and procedures as needed within the health center working in concert with other staff to resolve interdepartmental issues, recommending changes in policies and procedures as needed.

14. Participate in all safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team. Participate in hazardous waste and infection control assignments as required in the health center which may include being designated as an emergency responder to a hazardous substance release or spill.

15. It is the responsibility of every employee to report any patient safety concern to their immediate supervisor without fear of reprisal. BACHC policy of non-retaliation protects employees who report patient safety concerns.

16. Effectively and efficiently manage patient throughout continuum of care.

17. Perform other duties as required

Skills / Competencies

* Strong Interpersonal Skills
* Medical Terminology
* Attention to Detail
* Clinical Skills (Vital Signs, BMI)
* Teamwork Orientation
* Communication
* Bilingual English and Spanish

Physical Demands

This is a physical position that will require standing on your feet, and walking. This would require the ability to sit, walk, bend, or stand as necessary, and ability to lift 25lbs.

Working Conditions

Physically, the LVN/Care Coordinator works in proximity with the provider and works in close contact with patients who visit the health center. For safety purposes, licensed vocation nurses must be vigilant, meticulous, and take proper precautions considering that they may, including but not limited to, change dressings, handle various tools or treatments, administer vaccinations, etc.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a Full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Saturday, hours range from 7:30am-6:30pm with occasional approved overtime.

Travel

On occasion travel will be required.

Required Education and Experience

* High School Diploma/GED
* Current LVN License recognized by the State Board of CA
* CPR certified
* Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
* Previous experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse/Case Manager
* Previous experience in an outpatient setting

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Non-Profit / FQHC Clinic experience

2. Experience working with culturally diverse patients

3. Familiarity with Quality Measures

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice to fit the needs of this position and BACHC.

BACHC is an At Will and EEO employer

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Flexible schedule
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

* Geriatrics
* Pediatrics
* Primary Care

Physical Setting:

* Clinic

Language:

* Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

* FQHC experience (Preferred)
* LVN license in California (Required)
* CPR Certification (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

* Lancaster, CA 93535: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person