SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The LPN is responsible for providing physician support as applicable, and comprehensive nursing care to patients and their families under the direction of the physician. This position supports the Practice Director and Practice Manager in coordinating and leading practice personnel to ensure consistent standards of practice and competencies in the delivery of patient care services. The position will perform duties within the scope of practice, ensuring consistency with Memorial Medical Group policies and procedures, standards of care, approved protocols, standing orders and guidelines. The position will also adhere to practice standards governed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. LPN
• Licensed in State of Louisiana as LPN.
• Certified CPR, Basic or specialty specific such as PALS preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in clinical nursing, including clinical experience directly related to that of assigned practice. Experience in nursing leadership desired. Experience in an outpatient environment, or physician’s practice strongly desired.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Follows general instructions
• Understands several defined work routines
• Reads various references, extracts information, and applies basic arithmetic functions
• May operate complicated equipment/machinery
• Bilingual preferred

PRINCIPAL JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Serves as a clinical expert for the practice:

1. Demonstrates clinical expertise in the care of the assigned patient specialty and is recognized as a resource in practice specialty by physicians and staff.
2. Provides orientation for new staff that is planned and consistent.
3. Maintains and develops clinical knowledge through participation in continuing education programs.
4. Consistently follows through and implements actions.
5. Provides continued patient care practices.

Facilitates clinical operations:

1. Knowledgeable of policies and procedures, and encourages practice staff to comply.
2. Maintains awareness of the patient needs and the staff availability.
3. Prepares schedules and coordinates the assignment of breaks, meals and in-services to maintain adequate coverage. Ensures patient care is not affected by staff coverage.
4. Monitors patient flow and takes appropriate action to optimize practice visit times; communicates delays to patients.
5. Coordinates the daily preparation of staff and materials to facilitate next day practice operations.
6. Addresses patient, family concerns to resolution. Communicates incidences and outcomes to the Practice Director/Manager/Provider.
7. Delegates and oversees the maintenance of clinical equipment. Provides research and coordination with the physicians and manager during the purchase of new equipment.
8. Identifies situations that can negatively impact operations/patient satisfaction and takes appropriate actions. Communicates situations and outcomes in a timely manner to Provider and Practice Director/Manager.

Promotes staff and team development:

1. Leads the practice staff in supporting the mission, values and management of the organization.
2. Utilizes the chain of command and effective communication skills.
3. Supports change and is a positive influence in promoting staff cooperation.
4. Strives to develop working relationships among team members, physicians and administrative staff that are characterized by mutual support, open communication, trust and respect.
5. Identifies performance indicators for area of expertise and provides staff education to improve clinical outcomes.

Assists the Practice Manager with functions:

1. Collaborates with the Practice Director/Manager to identify, implement and evaluate opportunities to reduce costs without negatively impacting quality.
2. Proactive in assessing schedules and soliciting feedback from staff or other disciplines involved in the practice.
3. Assists the Practice Director/Manager with HR functions such as staff selection, discipline and evaluation.
4. Assists the Practice Director/Manager to assure effective and timely communications to all staff.