LPN

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) supports safe and efficient patient care in the ambulatory surgery center by conducting pre operative and post operative patient phone calls and assisting with hands on nursing care in the pre operative and post anesthesia care areas. This role focuses on patient assessment, education, communication, and clinical support under the supervision of an RN and/or provider.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre Operative Phone Responsibilities

• Conduct pre operative telephone interviews to obtain and document:
  • Medical history and current health status
  • Medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and implanted devices
  • Relevant social history as required
• Verify completion of required H&P, consents, and pre surgical testing
• Identify and escalate abnormal findings or concerns to the RN, anesthesia provider, or physician per policy
• Educate patients regarding:
  • Surgery date, arrival time, and location
  • NPO status and medication instructions
  • Pre operative preparation requirements
• Document all calls accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR)

Surgery Scheduling / Instruction Calls

• Call patients to confirm:
  • Surgery date and time
  • Arrival instructions and expected length of stay
  • Transportation and responsible adult requirements
• Answer routine questions and direct clinical concerns to appropriate personnel

Post Operative Phone Responsibilities

• Perform post surgical follow up calls to assess:
  • Pain control and medication use
  • Incision or wound status
  • Signs and symptoms of complications
  • Patient understanding of discharge instructions
• Reinforce post operative care instructions
• Communicate concerns promptly to the RN or provider
• Document post operative assessments in the EMR

Pre Operative Patient Care (In Facility)

• Assist with patient preparation including:
  • Vital signs and patient assessments within scope of practice
  • Patient education and emotional support
  • IV initiation or assistance (as permitted by state law and policy)
• Assist RN with pre operative workflow and patient readiness
• Ensure patient comfort, safety, and proper identification

Post Operative Patient Care (PACU / Recovery Area)

• Assist RN with post operative patient care including:
  • Monitoring vital signs and patient status within scope of practice
  • Pain and comfort measures
  • Assisting with ambulation, hydration, and toileting
• Reinforce discharge instructions and medication education
• Observe for changes in patient condition and report promptly
• Assist with room turnover and maintaining a clean, safe environment

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, infection control, and safety policies
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, physicians, and staff
• Participate in quality improvement activities and regulatory readiness
• Perform other duties as assigned within LPN scope of practice

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted LPN license in the state of practice
• Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program
• Minimum of 1 year nursing experience (ASC, outpatient, or perioperative preferred)
• Strong telephone triage and patient education skills
• Ability to accurately document in an EMR

Preferred

• Experience in an ambulatory surgery or perioperative setting
• Familiarity with pre op and post op patient workflows
• BLS certification (or ability to obtain)

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Attention to detail and clinical observation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced outpatient environment
• Compassionate, patient focused approach to care

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and assist patients throughout the shift
• Prolonged periods of sitting for phone and documentation duties
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist patients as needed