POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Nursing Director, the LVN I will provide nursing care in accordance with the legal scope of practice and within established standards of care, policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs patient care functions, within the scope of competency, considering age related needs of the patient as prescribed by health care provider(s) following established protocols, policies and procedures.
• Assist medical personnel with special procedures and minor outpatient clinical procedures.
• Assess and monitor patients' condition and notify health care provider for disposition.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by health care provider order following established protocols.
• Maintain equipment and supplies.
• Identify and arrange for equipment needing repair.
• Apply principles of aseptic technique and infection control as directed by the Infection Control Manual.
• Monitor patient flow and assign/direct other ancillary personnel as needed.
• Provide medical information and education to patients, following established protocols and guidelines.
• Document pertinent patient information, assessment and nursing procedures following established protocols.
• Ability to skillfully administer oral, IM and subcutaneous medications.
• Ability to perform venipuncture with skill, adhering to all OSHA PPE safety requirements.
• Work with Clinical Nurse Manger to ensure that HIV and/or STD screening services provided are done so in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Refer individuals who test positive for HIV and/or a STD to Partner Counseling Services.
• Refer individuals who test positive for an STD for immediate treatment.
• Link individuals who test positive for HIV into medical care and ensure that follow-up is conducted with individuals who have tested positive for HIV to ensure that they are successfully linked into care.
• Conduct follow-up to ensure that individuals who test positive for an STD have accessed treatment.
• Link individuals who test negative for HIV and/or a STD and are at high risk for HIV and/or STD infection into appropriate prevention programs, substance use treatment programs or mental health programs.
• Ensure that referrals and linkages to substance use treatment programs and other mental health support programs are current.
• Enter HIV and/or STD data into appropriate databases and submit in a timely manner to the appropriate funder(s).
• Maintain HIV and/or STD records to ensure that all documentation as required by funder(s) is kept on file.
• Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned by Clinical Nurse Manager in a timely manner.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

• Current CA LVN license.
• Minimum of two years experience as licensed vocational nurse in an Internal Medicine/Family medical practice a plus.
• Current certification as an HIV Counselor a plus.
• Experience working in a nonprofit ASO environment a plus; specific training/experience with HIV/AIDS-related issues a plus.
• Skill and knowledge to maintain current LVN license/certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge and experience working with target populations, including individuals who share injection paraphernalia, gay and non-gay identified men, youth, women, and transgender individuals a plus.
• HIPAA certified and knowledge of informed consent.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of all safety requirements when handling bio-hazardous specimens or contaminated instruments.
• Knowledge of MSDS and emergency treatments.
• Knowledge of referral processing and case management of clinical referrals.

Ability to:

• Ability to use computerized patient care systems.
• Ability to perform accurate quality control and patient sample testing for waived tests.
• Work independently with minimal direction.
• Work effectively with diverse staff, volunteers and professionals.
• Be at ease and work with a diverse group (ethnic, class, gender, sexual orientation) of individuals who may hold a wide range of opinions regarding prevention needs.
• Engage in community/coalition building.
• Multitask.
• Meet multiple deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ensure that HCT services have the following qualities: 1) nonjudgmental 2) are harm reduction focused 3) are sex positive 4) are LGBT positive.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID vaccination is required and APLA Health will consider accommodations for medical- and religious-based reasons. 

Some weekend/evening work may be required. Local travel (within LA County) is required and some out-of-town and national travel may required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.