Homeless Services LPN and Phlebotomist

PAY TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT:

In accordance with The Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act, BNHC provides reasonable pay range for each posted position. Actual compensation will be based on multiple factors such as relevant experience, education and training to determine offered rates. This range represents the organization's good faith estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Homeless Services LPN and Phlebotomist is a hybrid role incorporating responsibilities of a phlebotomist and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This role provides direct patient care in a medical clinic within the local emergency homeless shelter in Brockton, MA. The LPN is expected to prepare patients for clinical visits with the Homeless Services Nurse Practitioner. Please note that it is essential that the LPN is highly skilled in phlebotomy to be hired for this role. The LPN must be able to perform tasks such as specimen collection, point-of-care (POC) testing, and measurement of vital signs. They will also perform tasks in LPN scope of practice, including administering immunizations and triaging. The LPN will be responsible for the completion of compliance-related documentation including refrigerator logs, cleaning logs, code cart checks and monthly medication tracers in collaboration with the Homeless Services NP. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the LPN will be responsible for tasks related to the daily operation of the shelter clinic. The LPN is an essential role in a multidisciplinary team that brings low-threshold medical care to patients of the shelter clinic who may be experiencing homelessness, substance use, and complex psychiatric conditions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Tasks:

• Perform tasks and procedures within the scope of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a clinic based in a local emergency homeless shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and complex psychiatric conditions
• Support with preparation of patient for visit with NP

o Vital Signs: blood pressure, temperature, pulse (all points), orthostatic blood pressure

o Obtain interpreter services when needed

o Chart documentation in EHR

§ Documentation of progress note including reason for visit, review of medication, allergies, smoking status, and pain status, care gaps and screenings

o Measurements: height, weight, and (other measurements as needed)

• Patient tests/treatments

o Must be certified in phlebotomy in order to draw labs within shelter clinic

o Point of care tests including:

§ Rapid strep tests

§ Rapid influenza tests

§ Rapid COVID-19 tests

§ A1C

§ Blood glucose

o Ear irrigation

o Electrocardiogram (EKG)

o Visual acuity testing

o Peak flow meter

o Oxygen saturation

o Assists with Nebulizer treatment

o Oxygen administration

o Laboratory Tests

o Pap Smear Handling

o Venipuncture – collect and process specimens

• Support provider with clinical patient procedures including physical and emotional assessment, wound care, splints/slings/braces, biopsies, among others
• Facilitate additional patient services including patient education, support with prescription refill requests, phone calls, referrals, appointments, documentation, preventative care measures, hospital discharges, and screenings for depression

Clinical Environment

• Maintain a sterile environment in lab area and exam rooms
• Proper handling, cleaning, and storage of all equipment
• Maintain exam rooms and utility rooms in proper working condition
• Assure proper functioning of equipment, adequate medical supplies, and adequate paperwork
• Care of equipment- proper handling, cleaning and storage of all equipment, sterilization of equipment as instructed
• Maintain clinic logs and documentation including:

o Refrigerator temperature logs for lab area and medication room in collaboration with the NP

o Equipment cleaning logs

o Code cart and code bag checks in collaboration with the NP

o Oxygen log

o AED log

Non-Clinical Tasks:

• Supplies and inventory

o Collaborate with Homeless Services Program Manager to maintain stock of all medical and non-medical supplies in the shelter clinic

o Maintain orderly organization of all inventory of clinic supplies

• Program sustainability and licensure

o Support Homeless Services Program Manager and Director of Substance Use Services in preparing for inspections and audits conducted by regulators including MDPH, HRSA, FTCA and others

Professional Behavior:

• Demonstrate responsibility and dependability through excellent attendance and punctuality and follow-through of work tasks
• Use non-stigmatizing language surrounding substance use and mental health conditions
• Maintain patient and co-worker confidentiality including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 privacy requirements at all times, including discretion of conversation in work areas
• Maintain compliance with all BNHC policies and procedures
• Positive attitude toward patients and co-workers by being pleasant, courteous, and considerate at all times
• Prioritize teamwork and cooperation as a member of the multidisciplinary care team on the mobile unit
• Maintain appropriate chain of command
• Demonstrate initiative by accomplishing tasks with minimal prompting
• Perform duties related to accurate and safe collection, handling, and process of specimens (per lab requirements)
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize demands, work with distractions, and adapt to change
• Strong communication skills
• Must have the ability work independently, take initiative, problem solve, strong time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines
• Attend required meetings

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current state licensure as LPN to practice in Massachusetts
• Current BLS cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Certification in phlebotomy required if licensed practical Nurse
• Bi-lingual in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred

MINIMAL KNOWLEDGE BASE:

• Demonstrate knowledge of working with patients experiencing homelessness, substance use, and psychiatric conditions
• Highly skilled in phlebotomy
• Understanding of common laboratory tests/procedures, commonly encountered medications, basic clinical procedures, and infection control standards.
• OSHA guidelines
• First Aid
• Moderate computer skills, including documentation in an Electronic Health Record

QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT:

• Maintains awareness of any safety issues in the shelter clinic
• Maintains equipment for proper functioning, repair, or replacement
• Maintains updated policies and procedures related to the shelter clinic

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a clinic situated in the local emergency homeless shelter with a high incidence of patients experiencing substance use, and psychiatric conditions. Distractions are present and can be disruptive to workflow. Stress is present due to high volume of work, diversified nature of activities, and frequent crises and deadlines. Long hours are sometimes required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demands requiring lifting of small pieces of equipment, boxes, and/or patients not to exceed 50 pounds. Mostly standing and walking required. Visual acuity sufficient for frequent reading. Hearing acuity sufficient for holding conversation with or without audio devices.