LPN - Department of Medicine - Lung Center

Position Summary

Position functions as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the department, and may be strictly administrative, clinical or a combination of both.

An LPN in an administrative role acts as a liaison between physicians and patients, fielding phone calls, referring physicians, clinical justification for insurance reimbursement of patient medication or procedures, communicates lab results and patient education. They document patient information in Epic. May be asked to cover clinical care in the event of a call in.

An LPN in a clinical role prepares and maintains exam rooms, interacts directly with patients in the office completing tasks such as vital signs, EKGs, phlebotomy and administration of medication vaccines, and allergy shots under the order of a physician or practitioner. These tasks vary according to the department specialty which dictates the skills required. This LPN would assist with setting up for procedures, assist with procedures and directs patient flow. They document patient information in Epic. Provides nursing care, under supervision for patients according to established standards and practices. May be asked to cover administrative coverage in the event of a call in.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Acts as a liaison between physicians and patients, fielding phone calls, follow-up with patients, referring physicians and their support staff, clinical justification for insurance reimbursement of patient medication, answering questions, scheduling outpatient office visit appointments, and communicating lab results.
• Schedules tests and procedures; coordinating schedules with inpatient and outpatient nursing staffs, patients, and physicians. Completes necessary paperwork accurately and thoroughly. Makes appropriate phone calls and coordinates those involved in successfully providing outpatient as well as inpatient care.
• Explains pre- and postoperative instructions to patients and calls patients with test results.
• Assists physician in outpatient office setting and assists in supporting the physician follow-up plan for the patient during their office hours.
• Aids in the updating and data entry in electronic medical records.
• Promptly alerts physicians of abnormal test results.
• Assists in the assessment, monitoring, and termination of prescribed tests.
• Observes, monitors, and responds appropriately to changes in patient treatments.
• Participates in development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care plans with other members of the patient care team.
• Answers phone, screens and routes calls providing information in accordance with Division policy.
• Provides assistance in the day-to-day administration of physician practices.
• Arranges and coordinates meetings as requested.
• May be asked to help cover in the absence of other supportive staff.
• Maintains a physician clinical and administrative schedule.
• Occasional clinic work with direct patient care may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Patient Care Duties:

• Interacts directly with patients in the clinical office and completes clinical tasks which may include obtaining vital signs, completion of EKGs, phlebotomy, and performance of CLIA waived tests, for example, HgbA1C testing, pregnancy tests, etc. (tasks vary according to the department specialty.)
• Documents appropriately and accurately in EMR.
• Prepares for office hours by ensuring each exam room is clean and adequately stocked.
• Assists with examinations, procedures and lab tests. Observes, monitors, and responds appropriately to changes in patient treatments.
• Reviews patient data and communicates pertinent information to superior in a timely manner, charting entries appropriately.
• Administers medications as prescribed within state and facility guidelines and performs CPR when required.
• May be asked to help cover in the absence of other supportive staff
• Monitors supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment, or garments are available and that they comply with regulations.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms, provider areas and other clinical space. Sterilizes equipment as required.
• Performs quality controls for all point-of-care testing in compliance with CLIA, WUSM, and EH&S recommendations and guidelines.
• Monitors and records temperatures for all refrigerators located in clinical areas, in compliance with VFC and departmental guidelines.