Hybrid Diabetes Program LPN - Closing Date: 8/21/25 bei Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services. 

The Diabetes Program Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care, diabetes self-care education, foot care and identified clinical support tasks within the LPN scope of practice for achievement of the patient’s plan of care for the Ponca Health Services (PHS) Diabetes Program.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provides direct services (nursing assessments, case management, diabetes education, etc.) of clients utilizing the Ponca Health Services (PHS) Diabetes Program
2. Assists in the development of an effective referral and education network to identify individuals for the PHS Diabetes Program.
3. Records and monitors clients’ clinical and educational progress and completes charting within an appropriate timeframe determined by Diabetes Program Director and/or business department.   Assists with the writing of, updates, and revises client care plans to ensure effective development of self-management skills.
4. Implements the instructions as directed by the Diabetes Program Director and the policies of the Ponca Tribal Council, which is the governing body of the Ponca Tribe, and complies with policies, procedures, orders, rules and regulations of the Tribe. 
5. Maintains and preserves records and submits on a monthly basis the number of client visits, client education/nutrition visits and diabetes prevention activities to the Diabetes Program Director.
6. Obtains continuing education on all aspects of diabetes prevention management in order to play a vital role in the Diabetes Program.
7. Maintains confidential and secure medical records and enters all data into the PTN’s Electronic Healthcare Record and/or other related tracking systems.
8. Assists with diabetes prevention activities 
9. Provide limited transportation to Native Americans and their families to attend the Diabetes Program and other health related programs.
10. Responsible for staffing the Diabetes Program Nurse Foot Care Clinic as assigned. 
11. Participates in the Quality Improvement within the health department in order to improve continuity of care of patients.
12. Participates in data entry/analysis of diabetic patient records including, diabetes risk indicators, diabetes incidence and care.
13. Collaborates with medical team and pharmacy to provide remote patient monitoring services for chronic disease management of patients. 
14. Participates in various trainings or meetings that involve obtaining support for the Diabetes Program, keeping updated on current nutrition, dietetics, and diabetes knowledge. Must be willing to obtain continuing education on all aspects of diabetes prevention management in order to be compliant with required CEUs.
15. Recruits AI/ANs with diabetes and/or at high risk of diabetes to participate in the diabetic control and prevention programs offered by the Diabetes Program.
16. Participates in activities promoting healthy eating and physical activity as a means of preventing diabetes and other health related problems associated with diabetes. These activities will be offered during health fairs, youth camps, powwows etc.
17. Complies with all ethical and professional codes applicable to the profession of nursing and all federal, state, municipal and tribal laws and ordinances related or regulating the actions of the Nurse.
18. Regular travel to all other PTN offices as required to provide foot care clinical services
19. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

Incumbent will have no supervisory duties.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

The position is located within an outpatient medical clinical setting.  Works throughout the clinic area.  Sits, stands, bends, lifts items weighing 50 pounds or less, and moves intermittently during work hours.  Is subject to emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors. 

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Diploma/certificate from an accredited practical nursing program
2. Current Licensed Practical Nurse license by the State of Nebraska
3. Able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within three months of hire date, if not already certified.
4. Computer proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
7. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
8. Able and willing to travel.
9. Current knowledge of HIPAA regulations.

Preferred:

1. Prior experience with foot care and performing lower extremity assessments. Willingness to complete required CEUs related to foot care and attend a comprehensive foot care training for nurses within 1 year of hire and become a Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN) or Certified Foot Care Specialist (CFCS).
2. Two years of experience working with persons with diabetes; patient education and self-care management experience.
3. Two years of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
4. Knowledge of Public Law 93-638, Public Law 101-484, and the Privacy Act of 1974.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe.  However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approved: 08/05/2025