Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Job Description – Endoscopy CenterSummary of Responsibilities
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and is responsible for providing patient care throughout various stages of the endoscopy experience. Responsibilities may include admitting patients to the Center, providing pre-operative care, assisting during procedures, and recovering patients following procedures.
The LPN may receive verbal medication orders from a physician and carry out those orders as directed and within the scope of the LPN license, excluding the administration of IV sedation.
Additional responsibilities may include maintaining the emergency cart, ordering and inventorying medications, providing pre-procedure instructions, and participating in Quality Management and performance improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
A. Current State of Ohio LPN license.
B. Previous experience in an admitting, procedure, or recovery role in an ambulatory setting is preferred but not required. Experience in a gastroenterology (GI) setting is preferred.
C. Current BLS certification required. ACLS certification is preferred or must be obtained within six months of employment.
D. Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
E. Query of the Medicare exclusion database must yield no exclusionary results.
F. Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Job Relationships
A. Reports directly to the Nurse Manager.
B. Works cooperatively with Endoscopy Center staff and physicians utilizing the Center.
C. Maintains a friendly, courteous, professional, and helpful manner in all interactions with patients, families, physicians, staff, and other offices.
Physical Activities and Requirements
A. Possesses good physical health and the ability to work effectively in a demanding clinical environment.
B. Able to perform the essential functions of the position, including extended periods of standing, bending, stretching, and frequent movement throughout all areas of the Center.
C. Able to lift and carry supplies and equipment as required.
D. Possesses the manual dexterity, hearing acuity, and visual acuity necessary to safely perform assigned job duties.
E. Speaks clearly and distinctly and is able to communicate effectively with staff members, patients and their families/escorts, physicians, vendors, and other third parties.
F. Maintains a professional appearance at all times. Jewelry should be minimal and must not interfere with clinical responsibilities or patient safety.
G. Wears appropriate scrub attire while performing clinical duties.
Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Licensed Practical Nurse include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Admitting / Pre-Procedure Role
Under the direction of a Registered Nurse
- Introduces self to the patient and family/escort and verifies the correct identity of the patient.
- Obtains and documents patient vital signs and assists with the pre-procedure assessment.
- Demonstrates the ability to select the appropriate IV catheter and insert an IV within two attempts.
- Provides appropriate emotional support and reassurance to patients.
- Demonstrates knowledge of procedures and physician preferences when providing patient instructions.
- Documents and communicates specific patient concerns, conditions, or special needs, such as hearing impairment or other relevant limitations.
B. Procedure Room Role
Under the direction of a Physician or Registered Nurse
- Assists the physician during procedures while an RN administers sedation and monitors the patient.
- Cleans and disinfects procedure rooms between cases in accordance with Center policies and infection-control standards.
- Consistently utilizes appropriate safety measures and personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves.
- Demonstrates the ability to appropriately set up the procedure room for scheduled procedures, excluding medications.
- Properly transfers specimens to the designated pathology pick-up area.
- Demonstrates knowledge of emergency protocols and responds appropriately within the scope of the LPN license and training.
C. Recovery Room Role
Under the direction of a Registered Nurse
- Follows physician post-procedure orders.
- Accurately documents the patient's post-procedure condition and progress in the Recovery Room.
- Provides or reinforces instructions regarding follow-up care and the post-procedure plan.
- Monitors the patient until established discharge criteria have been met.
- Provides instructions regarding scheduling or obtaining appropriate follow-up appointments.
- Makes follow-up calls to patients on the next working day following the procedure, as required.
- Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with emergency protocols.
- Demonstrates and consistently utilizes appropriate patient safety measures.
D. Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures
- Demonstrates knowledge of the proper cleaning and reprocessing of endoscopes and the appropriate use of ultrasonic cleaning equipment and autoclaves.
- Demonstrates knowledge of when and how equipment and clinical areas must be disinfected.
E. Specimen Handling
- Accurately labels specimen containers and properly logs all tissue specimens.
- Selects the appropriate containers for pathology, cytology, and microbiology specimens.
- Consistently follows established safety measures when handling specimens.
F. Knowledge of Procedures and Equipment
The LPN is expected to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the following procedures and equipment:
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Biopsy
- Brushings
- Dilatation
- Removal of Foreign Objects
- Polypectomy
- Cautery
- Bipolar/Irrigator
- Sclerotherapy
- Light Source and Video Processor
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System
G. Equipment, Supplies, and Clinical Areas
The LPN is expected to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the following:
- Stocking and maintaining Procedure Rooms, Utility Room, Supply Room, and Recovery Room.
- Maintaining and appropriately utilizing the Emergency Cart and defibrillator.
- Proper operation of automatic blood pressure monitoring equipment and pulse oximetry equipment.
H. Additional Duties
Performs other assigned duties as necessary to support the safe and efficient operation of the Endoscopy Center.
I. Meetings and Education
Attends required staff meetings, educational programs, and in-service training sessions on regularly scheduled days.
J. Continuing Education
Maintains knowledge of changes and developments in endoscopy procedures through professional reading, continuing education, and/or attendance at local Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) meetings.
K. Incident Reporting
Complies with the Center's incident reporting policies and procedures, including the timely and accurate completion of Incident Reports when applicable.
Pay: $26.44 - $31.25 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
