This position serves a traveling Licensed Practical Nurse in a federal facility in a Native American/American Indian community in McLaughlin, SD. A minimum six (6) month commitment is preferred. Options for additional consecutive six (6) month commitments do typically exist, but are based on client needs. The purpose of this position is to interview patients and record their medical history, physical condition, and vital signs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Job Classification: Contract

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of diagnostic support duties, which includes taking vital signs, documenting patient’s pain perception, obtaining specimens, administering medications, receiving and recording lab results.
• Setting up medical equipment for procedures; and assisting physicians and registered nurses with procedures.
• Supports patients and/or family in the integration of the patient plan of care toward changes to improve health.
• Maintains the dignity and worth of individuals, respects cultural, spiritual and psychosocial differences and applies philosophical and ethical concepts that promote quality and continuity of care. Demonstration of continual cultural awareness and focus on customer service while adhering to the Code of Ethics and Federal Code of Conduct
• Observes and documents pertinent information regarding patient status in the electronic health record.
• Participates in planning patient care that is consistent with accepted nursing standards and in compliance with prescribed medical treatment plans.
• Carries out nursing procedures according to guidelines and a nursing plan of care.
• Provides instructions to the patient and/or family of the patient.
• Observes and abides by all Policies and Procedures, Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations of this IHS Service Unit.
• Will rotate at least once a week to provide support duties for the COVID Hot Team
• Conducts daily monitoring of patients with COVID-19 during self-isolation and contacts during self-quarantine for temperature, signs/symptoms. The monitoring methodology training will be provided.
• Collects COVID specimen;
• Supports COVID vaccine clinics
• Examines and analyzes body fluids, such as blood and cells.
• Ensures that policies and procedures as well as safety practices are effectively followed and shares responsibility for ensuring compliance with OSHA and CLIA standards.
• Comply with all IHS Privacy Act, HIPAA, and Ethical regulations.
• This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the individual. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability in effective oral and written communication.
• No reports of breached patient safety, infection control, and other procedures that might adversely affect patient outcome.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Ability to listen and accept constructive criticism.
• Maintaining credentialing uninterrupted as required by each facility.
• Ensure all required documentation meets established IHS Medical Facility, Joint Commission, and CMS standards to include, but are not limited to, timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content, date, time, and signature.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Any absence from scheduled work shifts requires prior approval by the Government representative or designee. Approval of leave is contingent upon availability of a qualified replacement.
• Absences of three (3) or more consecutive days due to illness require documentation from a qualified healthcare provider stating: (1) the cause of the current illness or incapacitation; AND (2) indicating the staff member as contagious or non-contagious to the Government. The Government reserves the right to examine and/or re-examine any individual who meets the criteria.
• Experience that equips the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position in a clinical laboratory.

Education and Experience:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Associate’s Degree or Diploma required from an nationally accredited LPN program
• Candidates must posses IV certification 
• Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia