Hybrid License Practical Nurse at Optimus Health Care

Join a Team That Makes a Difference at Optimus Health Care!

Are you passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered care? Optimus Health Care—the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County—is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team! With multiple locations in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Stamford, our mission is to be a lifelong health care partner, dedicated to achieving optimal wellness for the communities we serve.

Optimus Healthcare is looking for a full-time LPN-adherence Nurse to join our Ryan White HIV Department in Bridgeport. This position is a grant funded position. 

The Licensed Practical Nurse - HIV Adherence is a member of the clinical support staff for the Ryan White Program.  The Licensed Practical Nurse - HIV Adherence will support the Nurse Practitioner HIV in providing patient care.  The prime role of the Licensed Practical Nurse - HIV Adherence will be to provide nursing services to the Ryan White program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Assess patient’s general condition, coordinate follow-up visits with Providers and take vital signs including weight.  Provide direct patient care.

2.    Assist physicians with examinations, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.

3.    Provide triage services during non-clinical sessions.  This includes educating patients on health care needs during non-clinical sessions.

4.    Provide basic patient care as ordered by the clinical provider.

5.    Document all activities / interventions with patient in the EHR.

6.    Assist the clinical staff in data management.

7.    Promote wellness by providing patient education materials, communicating physician’s advice/instructions.

8.    Adhere to infection control and safety guidelines, confidentiality, and privacy policies.

9.    Maintain medical supplies and orders as needed.

10.    Use the electronic medical records to document encounters.

11.    Present new / active / closed cases during HIV staff meetings.

12.    Participate in QA/QM Committee meetings to ensure compliance with HRSA Standards of Care / Ryan White Care Compliancy.

13.    Conduct home visits to PLWA, HIV.  Home visits will be made to ensure compliance with medications and other therapy.

14.    Educate patients on the importance of compliance with their HAART regimen.

15.    Maintain ongoing contact with the HIV FNP and the Medical Case Manager.

16.    Serve on Infection Control Committee.

17.    Attend the following meetings as scheduled:  Statewide Adherence meetings, trainings, and updates, CAREWare user meetings, and HIV team meetings.

18.    Document home visits in CAREWare

19.    Refer to EIS.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Professional positive attitude, vision, understanding of customer service principals, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility required by this position.  Ability to drive to make home visits. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS  

EDUCATION:  Graduate of an accredited LPN Program.

 EXPERIENCE:   Minimum of three (3) years’ clinical experience in a community health environment.  Preferably HIV / AIDS experience.  Knowledge of basic nursing principles and protocols.    Knowledge of electronic medical chart. Knowledge of policies and procedures related to infection control.  Utilize environmental safety practices and adhere to patient confidentiality.  Skill in appropriate assessment and assistance techniques.  Appropriate use of universal precautions, safe workplace, and confidentiality methods.  Ability to work effectively as a team member with providers and other staff.  Ability to interact with patients and their families.  Ability to respond to changing demands.  Familiarity with tele-medicine and prior experience a plus

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Bi-lingual English/Spanish helpful

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:   Excellent Mathematical Skills

REASONING ABILITY:   Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

 LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION:    Valid and current LPN license to practice nursing in the State of Connecticut.  CPR certification required upon hire and recertification bi-annually

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS 

    Supports an ethical standard which complies with a code of conduct free of conflicts of interest.

    Supports the Mission and Values of Optimus Health Care, Inc. 

    Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: 

o    Safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs. 

o    Confidentiality of all data, including patient, employee, and operations data. 

o    Quality Assurance and compliance with all regulatory requirements. 

o    Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and all illegal and discriminatory behavior. 

    Supports and participates in common teamwork.

    Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment. 

    Uses tactful, appropriate communication in sensitive and emotional situations. 

    Follows up as appropriate with supervisor and co-workers regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns. 

    Promotes positive public relations with patients, family members and guests. 

Working for Optimus:

 • OHC provides a fun, fast-paced working environment, where our commitment to quality is present in every job function. 

• 100% Outpatient Setting

* Excellent health & welfare benefit options

• Competitive Compensation 

• Optimus and its caring, multilingual staff proudly serve our community in a patient-centered environment.

Optimus is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees as protected by applicable federal and/or state law.