Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Primary Care

Employment Duration: 3 months

The LVN utilizes the nursing process to assess and identify the individual needs of patients through observation of disease symptoms, emotional state, laboratory reports, cultural and socio-economic background, and response to medical regimen and treatment. Additionally, they are required to learn and apply the Patient-Centered Medical Home Standards and Ten Building Blocks of Primary Care.

In collaboration with Medical Home health care providers, nurses, and medical assistants, the LVN assumes clinical responsibility for administration of medications and vaccines, lab result review and monitoring, treatments and procedures pertinent to pediatric and adult primary care, including ear irrigations, wound care, urethral catheterization, and patient education.

This individual utilizes customer service and communication skills through phone and electronic contact, mail correspondence, and personal interaction with internal and external customers. The position requires use of ApeX and other UCSF computerized programs, maintenance of current pharmacology knowledge and medication administration competency, and compliance with Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures related to infection control, safety, and clinical practice. The incumbent adheres to Telephone Standards, House Standards, UCSF PRIDE values, and AIDET communication fundamentals in all patient care and stakeholder interactions.

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment

• Identify patient needs and responses to medical regimens and treatment through observation of symptoms, emotional state, and cultural and socioeconomic background.
• Recognize and report physical and emotional conditions, needs, and concerns to appropriate members of the health care team.
• Alert providers to unusual patient observations requiring immediate attention.
• Learn appropriate responses to code blue situations and use of emergency equipment.
• Report emergency or unsafe patient care conditions through established reporting processes.

Planning

• Collaborate with the health care team to discuss health care service alternatives and develop short- and long-range goals to meet patient needs.
• Plan patient care using knowledge of physical and emotional processes and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Identify appropriate resources to support patient care planning.

Implementation and Evaluation

• Provide individualized nursing care that addresses patient growth and developmental needs.
• Deliver age-appropriate care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.
• Maintain exam room cleanliness, organization, and supply management.
• Perform patient intake and support population management through inreach and outreach activities.
• Prepare and instruct patients regarding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments.
• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including vaccines, injections, wound care, and phlebotomy.
• Obtain specimens and perform Point of Care Testing, including QA/QC activities for CLIA-waived tests.
• Use clinical equipment safely and appropriately.
• Evaluate and document patient responses to nursing care, procedures, and treatments in the electronic medical record.
• Administer and document medications while maintaining current pharmacology knowledge and competency.
• Document telephone messages and chart notes accurately and thoroughly.
• Respond appropriately during emergencies and participate in safety drills.
• Comply with Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies, infection control standards, safety requirements, and regulatory activities.
• Complete annual competency testing as required.

Coordination, Continuity, and Communication

• Organize activities to support patient needs and efficient patient flow.
• Maintain communication and continuity of care with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
• Obtain, record, and communicate information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrate professionalism and adherence to Medical Center telephone and electronic communication standards.
• Complete assigned InBasket tasks, including cross-coverage responsibilities.
• Foster positive relationships with patients, families, visitors, and staff.
• Work collaboratively with providers, supervisors, nursing staff, and administrative personnel.
• Participate in daily huddles to support efficient and patient-centered care.
• Demonstrate Everyday PRIDE values and AIDET communication principles.

Advocacy and Education

• Participate in identifying and documenting patient educational needs.
• Provide patients with information and referrals to support informed decision-making.
• Reinforce health teaching using understandable language.
• Utilize and document interpreter services when appropriate.
• Verify patient and family understanding through return demonstration or feedback.
• Maintain and utilize educational resources.
• Participate in patient action planning and health coaching activities.

Performance Improvement

• Participate in performance improvement activities, health coaching training, health care maintenance support, and Patient-Centered Medical Home initiatives.
• Assist with data collection and recommendations related to improvement efforts.
• Report and follow up on environmental and safety concerns.
• Support cost-effective practices and resource utilization.

Professional Development

• Attend classes, conferences, workshops, and staff meetings relevant to practice needs.
• Comply with work-related policies, license renewal requirements, annual certifications, and training requirements.
• Support the orientation and development of other health care team members.
• Adhere to departmental scheduling guidelines and complete work in a timely manner.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate service excellence and adherence to UCSF PRIDE standards.
• Maintain privacy, confidentiality, security, safety, and infection control standards.
• Support quality improvement goals and organizational targets.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

N/A

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of LVN experience.
• Experience in an outpatient care setting, including Primary Care Clinic or Family Medicine.
• California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
• Blood withdrawal/venipuncture certification.
• Competence in vaccine storage, inventory control, and proper documentation.
• Current American Heart Association CPR Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a pediatric primary care setting.
• Epic experience.
• Experience assisting with minor procedures in a clinic setting.
• Competence in coordinating and tracking vaccines for patients from infancy through adulthood.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of LVN experience.
• Experience in an outpatient care setting, including Primary Care Clinic or Family Medicine.
• California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
• Blood withdrawal/venipuncture certification.
• Competence in vaccine storage, inventory control, and proper documentation.
• Current American Heart Association CPR Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a pediatric primary care setting.
• Epic experience.
• Experience assisting with minor procedures in a clinic setting.
• Competence in coordinating and tracking vaccines for patients from infancy through adulthood.