Primary Function

Performs routine tasks for residents of facility as assigned by Nurse Practitioner, Manager, or RN following guidelines for the center. Performs duties as licensed as Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina.

Job Description

• Serves as a clinical assistant to the NP or RN, as required. Screens residents' charts before completing necessary duties.
• Serves in obtaining medical histories from residents or their families.
• Takes vital signs as specified, understands normal parameters and reports results outside of normal parameters to residents NP or RN.
• Capillary blood to monitor HgB and glucose.
• Properly labels all specimens.
• Files PCC, lab, and other resident materials in the appropriate charts, as required.
• Administration of medications such as immunizations, residents' medication as ordered by NP or MD.
• Maintains medical supply inventory notifying supervisor when stock is low.
• Orders medications as needed for residents, and follows up with Pharmacy.
• Cleans and calibrates equipment such as one touch and hemoglobin machines as needed.
• Maintains QA/QI record daily for required items.
• Maintains vaccine and medication inventory and quality controls.
• Assists NP with physical exams as requested.
• Assists MD and RN, as required.
• Maintains all files and records, as required.
• Keeps storage rooms neat, organized, and well stocked, as required.
• Assists residents with referrals to other agencies, physician offices, and hospital when required.
• Performs duties according to safety guidelines and CMS, CIHA and nursing home policy.
• Transports lab, medical record, and other items as needed to CIH.
• Places and picks up requested supplies for residents as needed from CIH.
• Performs other duties assigned by supervisor.
• Perform venipuncture to collect specimen for all ordered labs.
• Administer medications as ordered.
• Obtain orders for all needed care of each resident.
• Provide all resident care per NC LPN scope of practice.
• Implement and provide care in accordance with resident ordered plan of care.
• Accurately document all care provider per standards of practice, policies, & procedures.
• Assist/orient new employees in following established facility policies and procedures.

Education /Experience

• Satisfactory completion of an accredited LPN program and an active North Carolina LPN license OR Applicant can onboard with an active LPN license from a compact state, but will need to obtain North Carolina LPN license within 30 days of hire
• Must have current CPR certification.
• Six months in the position are required to become proficient in most phases of the job.

Job Knowledge

• Must have thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and guidelines of EBCI Health Tsali Care Center.
• Requires the ability to perform various nursing services.
• Must be skilled in the use of all assigned clinical equipment used in basic services.
• Must have knowledge of medication delivery, side effects, allergic reaction, desired effects, unusual or unexpected side effects, and contraindications to vaccine and other medications.
• Must have knowledge of immunization schedules.
• Must have basic clerical skills.
• Requires the ability to maintain records, files and logs; collate data; and prepares reports as required.
• Must maintain license and specified certifications and a North Carolina driver's license.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must have an understanding of the EBCI culture, life styles, and risk factors.
• Must be willing to attend continuing education offerings.

Complexity of Duties

Follows well defined policies and procedures and established guidelines, however assessment of individual or group health needs or abnormal findings require a great deal of individual judgment and accuracy. Requires the ability to plan, coordinate activities, solve problems, assess situations, and develop appropriate resident case management following approved guidelines. Must demonstrate conscientiousness, discernment, and initiative to maintain accuracy of work. Must be resourceful when responding to changing circumstances.

Contact with Others

Has frequent contact with coworkers, other health professionals, and residents; where tact, courtesy, and diplomacy are required to maintain positive relationships. Requires sensitivity to others while dealing with residents and their families. Purpose of contacts is to exchange information, gain assistance, and dispense data.

Confidential Data

Must adhere to all tribal confidentiality policies and procedures. An above average degree of discretion is required while handling resident and related medical information.

Mental /Visual /Physical

Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Physical activities require the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend and lift while assisting residents with walking, transferring and turning. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear.

Environment

Works in hospital environment and exposed to biohazard, disease, etc.; which requires strict adherence to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Supervision Received

Primary supervision will be by the Director of Nursing and Administrator with corroboration with the EBCI medical director.

Responsibility for Accuracy

A high degree of accuracy is required in medical procedures performed. Undetected errors could have minimal or life threatening results. Review of work following established procedures, protocol and quality audits would prevent most errors.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.