Licensed Practical Nurse

Department

CSL SHS: Clinical Operations

About the Department

Student Wellness at the University of Chicago offers primary and acute healthcare needs and routine medical services to the student body, and includes the specialties of general internal medicine, family practice, gynecology, sports medicine, travel medicine, and minor urgent care. Student Wellness provides clinical services to eligible students and their dependents.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, performs a wide variety of nursing care services including assessing patient condition, documenting observations, performing vital signs, and lab tests.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient condition prior to and after treatments and procedures.
• Documents observations.
• Notifies the physician if the patient's condition is unstable.
• Performs vital signs.
• Performs POCT lab tests, including urine dipsticks, glucose tests, rapid strep test, and urine pregnancy test.
• Performs EKGs, aerosol nebulizations, basic visual acuity tests, ear and eye irrigations, PR fit tests, phlebotomy, and other specimen collections.
• Administers medications orally, intradermally, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly.
• Responds to and documents patient requests for prescription refills and referrals in accordance with established nursing protocols.
• Examines, cleans, and dresses wounds, bites, and burns.
• Removes sutures.
• Applies elastic bandages, arm slings, knee immobilizers, and finger splints.
• Fits patients for crutches and teaches crutch-walking.
• Transports patients in urgent situations.
• Assists patients in moving from carts, wheelchairs, etc., onto exam tables.
• Maintains general appearance, cleanliness of exam rooms, and nursing station.
• Bags soiled linen and distribute clean linen.
• Prepares and transports instruments for sterilization.
• Monitors level of supplies, reorders supplies when indicated and stores new items upon delivery.
• Provides clinical support for the SWC  patients and providers.
• Performs telephone triage and provides medical advice to patients.
• Schedules patient appointments.
• Responds to requests for pharmacy medication refills and communicates requests to the appropriate provider.
• Enters patient medical information into the electronic medical record.
• Consistently communicates with registered nurses, multidisciplinary team members, and physicians to enhance the quality of patient care and ambulatory care activities.
• Incorporates cost-effective measures into practice to assure proper use of time, supplies, and personnel.
• Contributes to creating a work climate that encourages positive staff morale, motivation, and commitment for all who participate in the care of patients.
• Demonstrates ability to function under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
• Follows verbal and written directions and responds appropriately to constructive feedback.
• Participates in a changing environment by being supportive and cooperative with changes in ambulatory care; actively participates in staff meetings.
• Prepares patients, equipment, and supplies for specific procedures and provides assistance as required.
• Obtains and records patient data for medical records, noting any significant changes in the patient's condition.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Ambulatory or hospital-based care setting.

Certifications:

• LPN with an active license in the State of Illinois.
• CPR certification. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software, and the ability to type and enter patient information in the electronic medical record.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of patient care fundamentals, including aseptic principles and techniques.
• Provide direct patient care in a professional and respectful manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Read documents or instruments.
• Perform multiple concurrent tasks with occasional interruptions.
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality while