LPN (Back Office) - Gastroenterology

Position Summary
Position functions as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) float in the department, and may be strictly administrative, clinical or a combination of both.
An LPN in an administrative role acts as a liaison between physicians and patients, fielding phone calls, referring physicians, clinical justification for insurance reimbursement of patient medication or procedures, and communicates lab results and patient education. They document patient information in Epic. May be asked to cover clinical care in the event of a call in.
An LPN in a clinical role prepares and maintains exam rooms, interacts directly with patients in the office completing tasks such as vital signs, EKGs, phlebotomy and administration of medication vaccines, and allergy shots under the order of a physician or practitioner. These tasks vary according to the department specialty which dictates the skills required. This LPN would assist with setting up for procedures, assist with procedures and direct patient flow. They document patient information in Epic. Provides nursing care, under supervision for patients according to established standards and practices. May be asked to cover administrative coverage in the event of a call in.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Administrative Duties

• Acts as a liaison between physicians and patients, fielding phone calls, follow-up with patients, referring physicians and their support staff, clinical justification for insurance reimbursement of patient medication, answering questions, scheduling outpatient office visit appointments, and communicating lab results.
• Schedules tests and procedures; coordinating schedules with inpatient and outpatient nursing staffs, patients, and physicians. Completes necessary paperwork accurately and thoroughly. Makes appropriate phone calls and coordinates those involved in successfully providing outpatient as well as inpatient care.
• Explains pre- and postoperative instructions to patients and calls patients with test results.
• Occasionally assists physician in outpatient office setting and assists in supporting the physician follow-up plan for the patient during their office hours.
• Aids in the updating and data entry in electronic medical records.
• Promptly alerts physicians of abnormal test results.
• Assists in the assessment, monitoring, and termination of prescribed tests.
• Observes, monitors, and responds appropriately to changes in patient treatments.
• Participates in development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care plans with other members of the patient care team.
• Answers phone, screens and routes calls providing information in accordance with Division policy.
• Provides assistance in the day-to-day administration of physician practices.
• Arranges and coordinates meetings as requested.
• May be asked to help cover in the absence of other supportive staff
• Maintains a physician clinical and administrative schedule.
• Occasional clinic work with direct patient care may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Patient Care Duties

• Interacts directly with patients in the clinical office and completes clinical tasks which may include obtaining vital signs, completion of EKGs, phlebotomy, and performance of CLIA waived tests, for example, HgbA1C testing, pregnancy tests, etc. (tasks vary according to the department specialty).
• Documents appropriately and accurately in EMR.
• Prepares for office hours by ensuring each exam room is clean and adequately stocked.
• Assists with examinations, procedures and lab tests. Observes, monitors, and responds appropriately to changes in patient treatments. 
• Reviews patient data and communicates pertinent information to superior in a timely manner, charting entries appropriately.
• Administers medications as prescribed within state and facility guidelines and performs CPR when required.
• May be asked to help cover in the absence of other supportive staff.
• Monitors supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment, or garments are available and that they comply with regulations.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms, provider areas and other clinical space. Sterilizes equipment as required.
• Performs quality controls for all point-of-care testing in compliance with CLIA, WUSM, and EH&S recommendations and guidelines.
• Monitors and records temperatures for all refrigerators located in clinical areas, in compliance with VFC and departmental guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of recent physician’s office or hospital experience.
• Epic experience.
• Interactive communication skills with ability to work with physicians, patients and support staff.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, a professional demeanor, and discretion.
• Working knowledge of fundamentals anatomy, physiology and medical terminology.
• Willingness to develop computer skills.
• Working knowledge of general nursing theory and practice with ability to recognize and interpret symptoms/conditions and assist in emergency or adverse situations.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of LPN program.
• REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: Current LPN licensure in the state of Missouri and/or Illinois depending on location or received within 3 months from date of hire. Basic Life Support Certification required and must be obtained within one month of employment. Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements. 

Grade
C08-H

Salary Range
$20.17 - $30.24 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.