Licensed Practical Nurse
Washington Gastroenterology Associates Division is seeking a Full Time Licensed Practical Nurse for our Olympia Endoscopy Center.
Position Summary:
This position is responsible for providing nursing care to endoscopy patients during admission, procedure (Registered Nurse only) and recovery processes, under the guidance of the physician, utilizing endoscopy center standing orders, and in accordance with Gastroenterology Associates (GA) policies and procedures. Responsibilities include providing optimal patient care with positive outcomes while observing cost containment and safety issues.
Principle Accountability:
- 75% - Delivers safe, quality, cost effective nursing care to endoscopy patient during admission, procedure and recovery processes.
- 20% - Participates in daily endoscopy operational duties including (but not limited to) inventory and stocking of daily supplies; equipment set-up, take-down and cleaning; chart preparation; answering phones; medication ordering and receipt; controlled substance counting and safekeeping.
- 5% - Participation in quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) projects, staff in-services and meetings, equipment maintenance, medication out date checks, crash cart inventory and quarterly pharmacy consultant visits.
Detailed Responsibilities/Duties:
- Maintains working knowledge of and abides by, Gastroenterology policies and procedures.
- Works in close communication with Gastroenterology Associates office staff, endoscopy staff, physicians, Charge Nurse (or Lead Nurse) and Endoscopy Manager to troubleshoot problems regarding issues such as patient escorts, schedule conflicts, patient care, procedural preps, safety, chart completion, instrument and equipment use, maintenance, cleaning and repairs. Keeps Charge Nurse (or Lead Nurse) and Endoscopy Manager informed of current issues and involved in decision making regarding issues.
- The Registered Nurse assumes responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing, directing, supervising and evaluating direct and indirect nursing care of patients throughout patient stay. The Registered Nurse is responsible for determining the education and competency level of personnel to whom she/he is delegating. The Registered Nurse establishes nursing diagnoses and plans patient care and delegation of tasks to Licensed Practical Nurse and personnel accordingly. Assumes responsibility for outcomes of delegated tasks.
- The Licensed Practical Nurse provides nursing care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, observing, recording and reporting significant changes which require intervention or changes in the patient's plan of care. The Licensed Practical Nurse delegates non assessment related tasks to personnel. Assumes responsibility for outcome of delegated tasks.
- Greets patient and escort, introduces patient to endoscopy unit, maintains patient chart forms, clarifies and completes patient history, takes admit vital signs, educates patient about planned procedure(s) and post procedure period, places and administers fluid(s) as ordered.
- The Registered Nurse provides nursing care to patient during endoscopy procedure, including but not limited to administration of medications for moderate sedation under the guidance, and in attendance of, the physician; monitors the patient during moderate sedation induction and procedure using the nursing process and in accordance with Gastroenterology Associates policies; takes appropriate actions, as needed, based on nursing assessment and physician orders; assists physician with positioning of patient, abdominal pressure and/or other duties during the procedure that do not leave the patient unattended or compromise continuous monitoring; maintains chart forms; maintains controlled substance count, safekeeping and documentation.
- The moderate sedation Registered Nurse maintains overall responsibility for facilitating assistance to the physician during the procedure and delegates appropriate tasks to, and supervises, a second procedure room staff person (Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse). Delegated tasks may include, but are not limited to: procurement and labeling of biopsy specimens, assisting the physician with therapeutic procedures and equipment use and troubleshooting. In the case of therapeutics requiring injection, such as for tattooing or saline lift, the second staff person will be an Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse with appropriate initial and annual training.
- Provides nursing care to patient during recovery phase, monitors patient according to Gastroenterology Associates policies and takes appropriate measures based on nursing assessment and physician orders. Ensures patient discharge teaching is complete, appropriate and documented.
- Initiates and coordinates urgent/emergent measures as appropriate based on nursing assessment, physician orders and Gastroenterology Associates policies and procedures. Registered Nurse takes lead role.
- Places post-procedure phone calls to patients. Documents phone calls and documents/reports post-procedure symptoms per Gastroenterology Associates policies.
- Assists support staff with inventory and stocking of supplies/linens and cleaning and maintenance of endoscopy center equipment, including updating log books.
- Participates in the ordering, receipt, daily counts, out date checks and security of controlled substances and ancillary medications.
- Assists support staff in clerical duties and chart compilation. Utilizes computer software systems to review and/or update patients medical profile, confirms demographics and monitor patient census.
- Maintains knowledge base regarding medications/N fluids available for use in the endoscopy center including, but not limited to: route, indications and dosage, proper dilution of, onset, peak, duration, adverse reactions and response to such, interactions and contraindications.
- Participates in development and revisions of Gastroenterology Associates policies and procedures based on community standards of care, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Testing and Materials, Centers for Disease Control and Sales and General Administration standards of care and research information.
- Responsible for working within scope of practice for his/her license according to Washington State law.
- Maintains working knowledge of cleaning, disinfection, maintenance and troubleshooting of endoscopes, equipment, instruments and facility.
- Observes Standard Precautions.
- Maintains working knowledge of hazardous materials in the workplace, (including patient bodily fluids and specimens as well as chemicals). Is familiar with location and use of Material Safety Data Sheet book and is proactive in preventing personal, patient and staff exposure to hazardous materials.
- Participates in safety and quality assessment and performance improvement programs, notifies manager of safety issues promptly; makes suggestions for quality assessment and performance improvement studies. Makes judgments and takes appropriate action regarding safety issues.
- Maintains patient's rights to privacy while providing safe, high quality, empathetic and appropriate nursing care.
- Sets a good example for coworkers in all aspects of performance. Strives to maintain and improve cohesiveness and teamwork throughout the Practice. Models and encourages behavior consistent with Gastroenterology Associates and endoscopy center Mission Statements.
- Responsible for seeking educational opportunities related to position. Accepts responsibility for professional growth and development. Participates in appropriate staff in-services and staff meetings. Maintains Washington State Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse license. Maintains Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.
- Participates in preceptorship, orientation and mentoring of other staff members.
- Other duties may be assigned by department leads, managers or health care providers to promote efficiency and enhance customer service.
Skills and Abilities:
- Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED).
- Required Graduate of Medical Assisting program.
- Required Experience: 1-2 years in a medical setting and/or prior experience in an Operating Roon/Gastrointestinal Endoscopy setting.
- Certifications & Licenses: Current license as an Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Washington. Current Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses certification preferred.
- Other Requirements:
- Ability to operate a computer, fax machine, and multi-line phone.
- Ability to speak English clearly and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to learn and utilize health management information software Previous experience with Microsoft applications - Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.
- Previous experience in a medical/surgical nursing or clinical setting preferred.
Our goal is to deliver and maintain the highest quality medical care in the field of gastroenterology and to do so efficiently, compassionately and courteously. Because our staff take such great care of our patients, it is important that we take care of our staff. Washington Gastroenterology has an excellent benefit package that includes the following:
Medical, Dental, Vision Prescription coverage with a small employee contribution, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) retirement program with profit sharing, Paid Time Off .
4 weeks in your first year Monday - Friday schedule with no evenings.