The Wound Care LVN/LPN at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System reports directly to the Wound Care Nurse Manager, Nursing Ambulatory Care. The incumbent is in a complex assignment with minimal supervision and demonstrates the ability to coordinate competing demands and set priorities effectively, while supporting multiple providers to ensure effective operations of the wound care and telehealth clinic.
The incumbent supports the Inpatient Nursing Service and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. Major duties: Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional The role includes orientation and mentoring of peers and other interdisciplinary team members in maintaining compliance with standards. The incumbent serves as a clinical expert through training and mentoring of nursing staff (RN, LVN/LPN, and NA) in the knowledge and skills of the wound care program.
In addition, the LVN/LPN is a clinic leader involved in keeping the clinic workflow operating efficiently and appropriately. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties Includes but is not limited to: Direct Patient Care: Manages the daily operations of the Wound Care and Tele-wound Clinics. Independently works in collaboration with the Wound Care provider (MD, NP, or RN) to manage the continuation of care for Veterans with ongoing wound care problems such as pain, healing concerns, dressings, and comfort.
Makes appropriate referrals as needed. Tele-wound Clinics: Store and Forward Telehealth (SFT) LVN/LPN Incumbent performs telehealth imaging and test administration for Tele-wound care, as identified and referred by the VA provider. Guided by local policy/standing orders and protocols, the imager can generate consultations for patients based on guidance or protocol on behalf of the provider, who retains the overall responsibility for patient care.
These consultations encompass follow-up service as a result of events that unfold during the telehealth visit. Examples may include changes in the health status, a finding during or immediately after the visit, or from the initial or ongoing interview performed by the LVN/LPN Imager before, during, and after the telehealth visit. The imager will provide specific/individualized patient education regarding the imaging/testing process, including expectations, follow-up, and how to address equipment failure or other environment of care concerns.
Obtains abbreviated patient medical histories relevant to the examination being performed. Wound care clinic/Telehealth Tele-presenter/Clinical Facilitator: Incumbent serves as patient site clinical coordinator and is essential for the clinical aspects as described below of the appointment. The incumbent serves as a member of the clinic team, available for all tele-wound visits, and carries out the following duties: Patient site facilitation of the clinical, business, and technical aspects for real-time telehealth applications for wound clinics.
Observation, Reporting and Documentation: Identifies subtle changes in patient condition, both physical and emotional. Possesses a high degree of specialized skill in the evaluation and documentation of wounds. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivation, and reactions to situations. Reports these in a timely manner and initiates appropriate action within scope. Documents all interactions, observations, interventions, and outcomes in CPRS.
Through the initial interview pre-telehealth process, identifies potential triggers for negative patient response and takes definitive action to mitigate or eliminate these triggers. For example, a patient who self-reports claustrophobia will be educated on ways to ensure privacy while offering alternatives to the closed room feeling for the Veteran. Maintaining a Safe and Therapeutic Environment: Maintains a safe, clean, therapeutic environment and ensures adherence to infection control guidelines.
Nursing Practice/Technical Competence: Current and active in licensure requirements, basic life support, and TMS e