Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Pediatric PCMH

Job Summary

The Pediatric LPN will serve as a key member of a multi-disciplinary care team in our Patient-Centered Medical Home. You will provide direct clinical care to patients from birth to age 18. This role emphasizes building longitudinal relationships with families and ensuring seamless transitions between various healthcare services.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Care: Prepare patients for office visit with provider, including, but not limited to, verifying current medications, documenting vital signs, and assessing for current needs related to the office visit. Administer immunizations and medications safely. Collect lab specimens via swabs as needed. Communicate lab results as directed by the provider. Ensure that medical supplies are stocked appropriately in exam rooms. Practice and support standard infection control measures throughout the clinic. 
• Care Coordination: Obtain prior authorizations on applicable medications. Process all referrals for special services, such as radiology and other diagnostic testing, in a timely manner; communicate with parents/guardians regarding follow-up appointments as directed by the provider.
• Patient Advocacy & Education: Identify patient and family needs and makes referral to clinical social worker as needed.
• Triage & Management: Perform telephone and in-person triage to prioritize patient needs and facilitate timely access to care. Utilize pediatric-specific protocols (e.g., Schmitt-Thompson) to provide evidence-based phone triage, helping parents determine the appropriate level of care for acute illnesses. 
• Preventive Outreach: Use our EMR data to identify children who have "gaps-in-care" (overdue for immunizations or well-visits) and lead outreach efforts to bring them back into the medical home. Follow-up on hospitalized patients and schedule appointment if needed. Use SHARE reports to obtain ancillary information. 

Special Skills Needed: 

• The ability to handle multiple requests in an organized and professional manner.
• The ability to conduct patient education as directed by the physician.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining performance expectations.
• The ability to calculate correct doses as ordered by the physician.
• The ability to clearly communicate with parents and children.
• The ability to organize tasks and keep accurate records.
• The ability to meet customer service expectations in a friendly, professional manner.

Physical Requirements: 

• The ability to pick-up/hold infants and appropriately restrain older children.
• The ability to tolerate extensive walking, standing, bending, and reaching.
• The ability to carry a laptop and other hand-held medical equipment. 
• The ability to safely use a step stool.
• The ability to speak and hear clearly on the telephone.
• The ability to sit at a computer and clearly visualize the screen.
• The ability to complete legible documentation on medical documents.  

Other Essential Skills

• Pediatric Expertise: Strong knowledge of childhood growth stages and common pediatric illnesses.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to explain medical concepts in age-appropriate language to children and families.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and proficiency in administering vaccines and obtaining vital signs.
• Adaptability: Ability to remain calm and decisive during medical emergencies or in a high-pressure clinic environment while maintaining performance expectations.
• Teamwork: Ability to function as a vital team member, demonstrated by excellent attendance habits and congenial rapport with teammates and supervisors.  

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program (LPN).
• Licensure:  Active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of Arkansas.
• Certification: BLS certifications required.  (Can be obtained after hired.)
• Experience: New graduates welcome; pediatric primary care or community health experience a plus.
• The "Pedi-Touch": A natural ability to de-escalate "white coat syndrome" in children and provide empathetic support to anxious caregivers.