Licensed Practical Nurse - GI

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Nursing and physician the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the GI Center assists in the delivery of excellent patient care, ensuring the optimal well-being, health, and safety of patients in accordance with patient care standards, guidelines, and the delegation of medical services as defined by the Colorado State Medical Practice Act. The LPN supports physicians and RNs during endoscopy procedures including EGD, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy, and is responsible for a wide variety of patient care activities including clinical documentation, medication administration, specimen collection, and vital signs. The LPN is also responsible for the proper cleaning, high-level disinfection, and maintenance of all video endoscopes and accessories used in the GI Endoscopy suites, following manufacturer instructions and center policy. Must maintain current knowledge of and adherence to CDC Infection, Prevention and Control guidelines when handling blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Is responsible for contributing to the facility's Core Values.

Reports to: Director, Nursing Services

Hourly Range: $24.00 - $39.89 per hour (posted hourly range excludes overtime and bonuses which are not guaranteed)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care & Clinical Support:

• Provides efficient and effective delivery of patient care and coordination of day-to-day clinical operations.
• Greets patients and the community in a respectful, professional manner, providing excellent customer service.
• Prepares and reviews patient charts for upcoming visits, verifying all diagnostic test results, hospital reports, and medical records are correct and up to date.
• Records patient interview, history, and chief complaint; prepares patients for examinations and procedures.
• Explains procedures to patients and assists in psychologically preparing them for endoscopy; communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors, and healthcare professionals.
• Obtains and accurately records vital signs including pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure, EKG strip, height, and weight.
• Assists patients in all areas of care and mobility, including positioning and transfer (may require lifting up to 50 lbs).
• Administers medications (including injections) as prescribed by the physician, in accordance with Colorado State LPN scope of practice.
• Obtains urine HCG; performs blood glucose testing and INR per physician orders.
• Observes patients and promptly reports adverse reactions to medications or treatment to the physician or RN in charge.
• Informs the physician of patient-reported changes to aid in the ongoing assessment and plan of care; charts objectively.
• Assists with the transport and discharge of patients as needed.
• Assists in all rescue and/or resuscitative efforts as directed by the attending physician, anesthesia provider, and/or Director of Nursing.

Endoscopy Procedure Assistance:

• Correctly sets up the GI suite and ensures all equipment and supplies are functional and available prior to each procedure.
• Assists the physician with assigned GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, etc.) under the direct supervision of the attending GI endoscopist and within LPN scope of practice.
• Assists the physician in simple non-sedated procedures such as sigmoidoscopy within LPN scope of practice.
• Applies abdominal pressure (splinting) as directed to facilitate advancement of the video endoscope through the intestine.
• Ensures that the patient has been properly grounded and that all electro-cautery equipment is functional prior to use.
• Utilizes biopsy forceps and snares for obtaining biopsy/polypectomy specimens under physician supervision.
• Handles specimens obtained during procedures, including proper labeling, documentation, packaging, and preparation for shipment.
• Maintains basic knowledge of troubleshooting endoscopic equipment as needed during procedures.
• Properly disposes of waste following procedures in accordance with facility policy.

Scope Reprocessing & Equipment Maintenance:

• Performs proper manual cleaning, decontamination, high-level disinfection, and storage of all GI video endoscopes and accessories in accordance with manufacturer instructions, center policy, and nationally recognized guidelines.
• Follows manufacturer instructions and center policy for manual cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and/or high-level disinfection of all GI equipment and accessories used in facility-approved procedures.
• Selects the appropriate cycle and sterilizes instruments in the autoclave per sterilizer, instrument, and container instructions.
• Maintains automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) and autoclaves per center policies and manufacturer guidelines; documents all maintenance in appropriate records.
• Monitors cleaning solution after each use for efficacy and records results appropriately.
• Responsible for daily preventative maintenance, monitoring, and record keeping for all sterilized and/or high-level disinfected equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of and adheres to CDC Infection, Prevention and Control guidelines when handling blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
• Ensures that all instruments and supplies are available as needed in assigned departments.
• Demonstrates knowledge of potential exposure to hazardous materials (patient body fluids, disinfectant chemicals) and location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS).

Documentation & EHR:

• Enters patient-related data into endoscopic databases and the center's electronic health record (EHR) as applicable.
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of all patient care in the medical record.
• Engages in various clerical duties such as checking inventory, stocking supplies, tracking referrals, and answering phones as needed.

Environment, Safety & Quality:

• Maintains a clean work environment by cleaning reusable equipment and procedure rooms per center policies and procedures.
• Maintains medical supply inventory; monitors par levels, restocks needed items, and checks expiration dates.
• Participates in QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) and Safety Programs; attends a minimum of 80% of appropriate organizational meetings and trainings.
• Adheres to center policies and procedures, including the facility's Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct.
• Maintains and protects patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and the facility's Confidentiality Policy.
• Completes in-services and annual reviews as scheduled; attends staff meetings and reviews meeting minutes when unable to attend.

 Additional Responsibilities:

• Seeks educational opportunities and accepts responsibility for own professional growth and development.
• Works well within a team environment; maintains positive working relationships and fosters a cooperative work environment.
• Demonstrates the philosophy, mission, and Core Values of the hospital through words and actions.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program required.

Certification & Licensure:

• Active LPN license in the State of Colorado required; must be maintained throughout employment.
• Current BLS/CPR certification required; must be obtained within 30 days of hire if not current at time of hire.

Experience & Knowledge:

• One (1) year of clinical healthcare experience required.
• One (1) year of recent experience in a GI, endoscopy, perioperative, or primary care setting preferred.
• GI Tech or scope reprocessing experience preferred but not required; will train the right candidate.
• Demonstrated knowledge of asepsis, sterile technique, and infection control principles.
• Proficiency in basic office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, and fax; basic computer skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and remain poised and professional when interacting with patients, families, and all healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with physicians and all medical professionals.
• Must maintain patient right to privacy; no discussion of privileged information outside the work area or within hearing range of visitors, family, or patients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Able to read, write, speak, and communicate clearly in English; bilingual skills are a plus.
• Able to maintain composure in difficult situations, including with verbally hostile patients and families.
• Able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving; must be able to lift, push, or pull patients and/or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Able to use hands to grasp, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Able to see and functionally differentiate colors, words, and numbers.
• Hearing must be functional, with or without correction.
• Able to operate a computer and use a keyboard.
• Able to use telephone and fax to place and receive calls and documents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Associates work in a combination of pre/post-op and procedure rooms.
• Well-lit and well-ventilated procedure rooms.
• Associates will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, environmental hazards such as chemicals, solvents, needles, sharps, body fluids, infectious/communicable diseases, infectious medical waste, radiation and/or radioactive materials, and proximity to moving mechanical parts. Protective clothing/equipment is required.
• Ability to work a minimum of eight hours per day and longer according to case/staffing requirements.
• No weekends, nights, or holidays.
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Reliable transportation required at all times.

Animas Surgical Hospital offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to health, dental, vision, & life insurance and 401k with employer matching

Animas Surgical Hospital is a drug free workplace and performs a pre-employment drug screen which includes marijuana.                         

IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS REQUIREMENTS – Aligns with CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Healthcare Personnel 

• Hepatitis B- Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Hepatitis B or three doses Hep B vaccine at appropriate intervals
• Influenza- documentation of current seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory from November 1st through March 31st each year)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or 2 doses of MMR Vaccination
• Varicella (chickenpox) - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Varicella or 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) - documented proof of immunization
• Tuberculosis Screening - Documentation of a two-step TB skin test within the past year OR lab verification of a negative TB Gold or T-Spot tuberculin test within the past 6 months

* VACCINE RECORDS OR EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO 1ST DAY OF SCHEDULED WORK

Salary : $24 - $40