Licensed Practical Nurse

Department Overview

The LPN works to facilitate patient flow through the Dermatology Department and ensure an accurate and complete medical record for each patient.  The LPN assists the medical provider by accompanying them during the medical history-taking and exam, recording details of both into the medical record, and coordinating departmental resources regarding tests, orders, radiology and results.

Under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Medical Professional or M.D., and in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, the LPN provides basic care as a member of the patient care team.  Patient care activities are related to rooming, measuring, recording, and reporting patient information and performing simple treatments and procedures.  The LPN recognizes and addresses age-appropriate needs when caring for patients.  In addition, the LPN assists in maintaining the practice environment in a clean, orderly condition including cleaning and stocking rooms.  Participates in ongoing professional development and competency assessment, and participates in ongoing quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives. Performs requirements for Staff Members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics.

This position provides care to a population with predictable dermatologic needs.  As a member of the health care team, assists providers in caring for patients with acute and chronic dermatologic conditions and provides this care consistent with the OHSU and departmental policies and procedures.

This position performs in a manner, which maintains the confidentiality and privacy of each patient, promotes positive health habits through appearance and attitude.  Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures of both OHSU hospital and clinics and the Department of Dermatology, models ethical and appropriate behavior, professional standards, compliance and personal integrity.

Function/Duties of Position

• Manages patient flow throughout the day by maintaining proper room set up, cleaning, monitoring the schedule frequently and keeping physicians informed of scheduling changes, delays and managed care limitations or restrictions.
• Documents all care given, observations, and patient's response to care, accurately and legibly in English, in the medical record. Record details of chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, past medical history, social history, family medical history, disease risk factors, medications and allergies.  Record details of physical exam, including pertinent positives and negatives, noted abnormalities and patient general condition as reported by patient, provider or observed within Scope of Practice.  Other duties as requested by provider and approved by Supervisor or Manager.
• Submit orders as desired by medical provider and check constantly for results of those orders. If orders are not completed in a timely fashion or if results are incomplete, troubleshoot for causes and solutions.  These would include, but not limited to order entry of ancillary services, biopsies/procedure set ups, cosmetic procedure set up, dressing applications, patch testing, uritcaria testing, phototesting, patient photography and copying of records.
• Works directly with patients and providers while assisting with support and management of inbasket(s) for multiple providers.
• Assist in disposition of patient, whether discharged or admitted, including discharge.
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to-face situations. Handles complaints and problems promptly and courteously. Communicates with patients/families, other health care team members, in a time and cost efficient, courteous manner.  Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff.
• Ability to work at multiple sites/locations to support providers, patients and departmental mission.
• Administers phototherapy per written guidelines, orients and trains new nursing staff and dermatology residents to the phototherapy protocols and equipment. Documents appropriately, communicates with other nursing staff at shift end.  Prepares and places patch tests on appropriate patients according to physician orders. 
• Applies specialty dressings, unna boots, ulcer dressings according to physician orders. Applies soaks, cleanses according to MD instruction.  Debridement of non-viable debris under the direct supervision of RN or MD.
• Administers local anesthetic as local infiltration or field block upon MD written or verbal order. Gives oral, topical and injectable medications as ordered by physician.
• Directs CMA in duties; orients new Medical Assistants when appropriate. Either directs Medical Assistant or performs cleansing of instruments and equipment, maintains inventories and ordering of patient care materials, monitoring the expiration dates of pharmaceutical supplies and samples and maintains adequate stock of both, maintains pharmacy inventory on unit and orders medications as needed.
• As directed, labels specimens and transports to clinical lab (when appropriate, Participates in POC testing for urine pregnancy testing and quality cotrol.
• Participates in the formations, development and implementation of performance improvements projects in the clinic
• Assembles equipment and prepares tray for minor procedures; assists medical staff when requested.
• Calls/faxes refill prescriptions as approved by physician. Assumes primary responsibility for Drug preauthorizations (medical necessity). 
• On a rotational basis, serves as advice nurse to PAS staff regarding same day add-ons and urgent situations under direction of physician/clinic manager.
• Participates in educating patients and documents appropriately on patient education tools., Also educates  float staff, nursing or CMA externs.
• Maintains personal records of continuing education and maintains records of mandatory annual in-services.
• Participates in patient and family teaching as deemed appropriate and within skill and knowledge base.
• Assists in the development and revision of teaching handouts for patients, families and staff.
• Attends lectures, workshops and meeting related to clinical areas.
• Participates in in-services and education programs
• Attends staff meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a valid Oregon Practical Nurse License at the time of appointment.
• BLS at time of hire
• OHSU may require training or experience in a specialized area of nursing at time of recruitment.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A./B.S.
• Minimum 2 years LPN experience in Ambulatory care, one year experience in Dermatology.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle a high volume of interactions
• (phones, patients, etc).
• Ability to communicate clearly with proper grammar and spelling, follow oral
• and written instructions, and deal with diverse patient/family interactions.
• Ability to recognize and communicate problems promptly.  Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency
• Proficiency with local anesthesia, wound care, dressing changes.

Additional Details

This position works in a busy clinic setting with frequent interruptions, multiple demands and people interactions. It require ability to deal with noise and frequent interruptions within the work group. The work environment carries risk of exposure to human tissue/fluids and radiation.

This position requires frequent intervals of walking, standing and bending for periods of up to four hours at a time. Heavy use of computer, phones, fax and digital photos. Ability to lift and carry at least 25 lbs. Ability to speak clearly, demonstrate patience and understanding of customer needs. Must be able to deal with competing needs and priorities of patients, internal and external customers.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at or

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