What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position at CRYSTAL CLINIC ORTHOPEDIC CENT?
Position Summary
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care and supports physicians/advanced practice providers in an outpatient setting. This role is responsible for clinical and administrative tasks, including patient intake, chart preparation, assisting with procedures, preparation and administration of injections, performing dressing changes, and managing referrals. The LPN may also perform triage duties such as answering and prioritizing calls, providing patient education, and coordinating prescription requests under provider direction. Strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient care and a positive patient experience.
Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities
Outpatient Care:
Support patients and healthcare staff under the supervision and direction of a licensed provider. Including room patients, record vitals and medical histories. Greet patients, complete check-in, answer general questions, and schedule appointments.
Obtain and process referrals; prepare and update patient charts and forms; ensure documentation is accurate and complete.
Provides back-up coverage and assists in daily office routine when needed in other areas. Maintain cleanliness and organization of clinical areas; clean, sterilize, and stock exam rooms and equipment; report maintenance needs.
Assist providers with procedures, including positioning patients and preparing necessary instruments; prepare X-ray orders per provider directive and transport patients as needed.
Prepare lab requisitions and arrange specimen transport; perform suture/staple removal, dressing changes, and apply/remove casts, splints, and DME; prepare and administer injections per provider orders.
Provide patient education on care plans and discharge instructions; ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled.
Triage:
Answer and triage incoming calls promptly; determine urgency in collaboration with RN/provider; redirect calls as appropriate.
Under RN/provider direction, handle advice calls, discuss test results, provide patient education, and phone in prescriptions; manage prior authorizations.
Document all patient interactions accurately and concisely; maintain legible records in patient charts.
Support team operations by assisting staff as needed; demonstrate flexibility and collaboration.
Other Duties:
Attend in-services and department meetings; provide backup coverage when required. Perform additional duties to support patient care and clinic operations such as Medical Administrative Assistant duties.
All other duties not specifically assigned.
Position Requirements
Experience: Minimum of 3 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse preferred. Experience in outpatient or ambulatory care, ideally in orthopedics, plastics or pediatric/adult settings. Telephone triage experience is highly desirable, including handling patient advice calls and coordinating referrals to support clinic workflows.
Technical Skills: Ability to assist/perform basic clinical procedures (injections, dressing changes, suture/staple removal, casting, splinting, DME application). Knowledge of infection control, sterilization, and compliance with HIPAA standards. Strong communication, organization, and critical thinking skills. Prior EMR experience is a plus.
Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Ohio. BLS required within 3 months of hire.