Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Location: 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Hours: Full Time - Monday-Friday, 7:30/8:00AM-5:00/5:30PM (Start times may vary slightly depending on patient schedule for the day.)

Work Environment: Onsite in a clinical office.

About Us

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) is proud to be West Michigan’s most established orthopaedic practice. Our physicians and team members provide exceptional, individualized care for patients of all ages. As the most comprehensive independent provider of musculoskeletal care in the region, we provide total care from diagnosis, to treatment, to rehabilitation. 

Patients at OAM, will have access to our Specialized Surgeons, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Pool Therapy, onsite and cost effective MRI and X-ray services, and orthopaedic bracing, as well as our Bone Health Clinic, OAM Now Urgent Orthopaedic Care Clinic, and Surgery Center at MidTowne – all of which are committed to optimizing your outcome. 

Our teams work together to maximize and adjust treatment quickly and easily, resulting in a smoother, faster recovery for patients. From neck to toe, and from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions, patients will receive compassionate care that will get them back to living. Patient goals our goals – we will restore their health so they are functioning as fully as possible in the activities they love at home, work, and play.

Position Summary

As a Licensed Practical Nurse at OAM, you will play a pivotal role assisting OAM providers and staff with the seamless coordination of patient care and treatment. Your responsibilities will include preparing patients for appointments, administering medications, assisting with orthopedic procedures, maintaining accurate medical records, educating patients and their families about post-operative care, and collaborating closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. For this role, you will need to possess strong clinical skills and a passion for delivering the best patient care possible using a compassionate and empathetic approach.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Physician and/or mid-level provider to facilitate care and assures that patient needs are met. 
• Review patient charts and ensure that all films, reports, and records necessary for visits are organized prior to appointments.
  1. Review what x-rays are needed at the time of visit. 
• Prepare the patient prior to being seen by the Physician.
  1. Welcome patients into the back office and bring them to exam rooms.
  2. Obtain information about the patients’ chief complaints
  3. Collect and update medical history.
  4. Record documentation through the electronic medical record software (i.e. NextGen).
  5. Take and record vital signs and draw up injections per protocol.
• Assist providers with patient examinations, diagnostic procedures and treatments, and minor office procedures.  
• Handle confidential information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Perform and document blood draws, using electronic order submissions as appropriate.
• Remove staple/sutures and splints, dress and treat wounds, cast patient extremities, etc. as appropriate.*
• Educate and reinforce the importance of the Physicians’ instructions to patients (i.e. activity limitation, wound care, braces, studies/blood work, medication renewals, medical equipment, appointment scheduling, etc.)
• Schedule outside studies and make referrals as ordered by the Physician.  
  1. Obtain appropriate authorizations.
  2. Follow up on studies to ensure they were scheduled and completed. Ensure patient received results.
  3. Ensure follow up appointments are scheduled as needed.
• Schedule patients for injections as prescribed by provider; educate patients regarding the injection; obtain appropriate medical clearance as appropriate.
• Communicate with OAM team members and outside providers as needed in order to ensure patients are receiving the best possible care from injury to rehabilitation.
• Educate patients on Patient Reported Outcomes and other outcome data or research as appropriate.
• Assist with telephone triage:
  1. Collect appropriate information to determine need, 
  2. Answer questions as documented in the chart and respond to patients’ needs, per protocol and/or under the direction of the physician or physician assistant. 
• Enroll, assist, and educate patients on the patient portal. Use the patient portal to communicate with patients.
• Copy and send signed medication and therapy prescriptions, physical therapy protocols, handouts for patient instructions, and requested medical records as signed and directed by the Physician. 
• Assist with completing forms, documents, charts, etc. as needed. 
• Maintain a cleanly and safe environment for patients.
  1. Remain knowledgeable on updated OSHA guidelines and protocols. 
  2. Monitor the cleanliness and sterility of instruments and equipment used in the office.
  3. Maintain the autoclave as assigned.
  4. Dispose of soiled dressings and used sharps appropriately.
  5. Clean rooms and equipment between patients and at the end of the day.
  6. Restock rooms.
• Complete fee tickets in a timely and accurate manner so that patients are billed correctly.
• Adhere to the Clinical Treatment and Communication Standard Operating Procedure.
• Adhere to the Controlled Substance Workflow and Documentation Protocol.
• Assist in the training of new employees within the scope of job duties.
• Other duties or functions as assigned.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Required:
  1. High School diploma or GED.
  2. Graduate of an accredited LPN program and licensed with the state of Michigan.
  3. Completed competency-based orientation program and CPR certification (BLS), the ability to maintain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Preferred:
  1. 1 years of nursing experience.
  2. Experience in the orthopaedic field.
  3. Experience working in NextGen.

Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain phenomenal people skills while exhibiting a calm, courteous, and pleasant manner. 
• Ability to explain complex medical terminology and concepts to patients and family members in a way that they will understand.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Proven positive record of attendance and timeliness when reporting to work.
• Working knowledge of computers and relevant applications, including electronic health records.

Motor, Sensory, and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequent bending, stooping, lifting and reaching required.
• Employee may be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.
• Employee must have normal or correctible range of hearing and eyesight.