LPN

Job Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides safe, compassionate outpatient nursing care in the Gastroenterology Clinic under the direction of the Registered Nurse and in collaboration with the Gastroenterologist, Nurse Practitioner, and interdisciplinary team. The LPN assists with implementation of established nursing plans of care; obtains and reports clinical information; prepares patients for examinations and office-based services; administers medications and treatments as authorized; reinforces patient education; and coordinates follow-up activities. The LPN supports care for new and established patients with gastrointestinal and liver conditions, including patients referred for diagnostic testing or procedures at the GI Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). This position is assigned solely to the GI Clinic and does not perform ASC procedure-room or recovery nursing duties. All activities must comply with Mississippi LPN scope-of-practice requirements, appropriate supervision, demonstrated competencies, and Forrest Health policies.

Performance Expectations

Patient Care and Clinical Support

• Verify patient identity using approved identifiers; obtain and document vital signs, pain scores, weight, and other assigned clinical information; promptly report concerning findings to the RN or provider.
• Prepare examination rooms and patients for GI evaluations and approved office procedures; assist providers with examinations, specimen collection, and treatments within authorized scope and validated competencies.
• Collect and document patient-reported symptoms, medication and allergy information, medical history updates, and screening information; escalate findings requiring nursing assessment or provider decisions.
• Implement assigned components of the RN-established nursing plan of care; observe and report changes in condition, including bleeding, dehydration, severe abdominal pain, syncope, or other urgent symptoms.
• Perform point-of-care testing, specimen handling, and medication administration when ordered, permitted by law and policy, and competency-validated; document actions and patient responses accurately.
• Follow fall prevention, infection prevention, medication safety, and emergency response procedures; promptly summon RN/provider assistance for unstable patients.

GI-Specific Education and Care Coordination

• Reinforce provider-approved instructions for colonoscopy and EGD preparation, bowel regimens, medication instructions, diet modifications, and post-visit care; refer questions requiring clinical judgment to the RN or provider.
• Support follow-up for patients with GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, and other GI disorders according to established care plans and provider direction.
• Communicate authorized test results and instructions using approved protocols; route abnormal results, patient concerns, and treatment questions to the RN or ordering provider.
• Coordinate ordered laboratory tests, imaging, specialty referrals, and GI procedures with clinic scheduling and authorization personnel; confirm completion of assigned follow-up tasks.
• Assist with medication refill requests and prior authorization documentation within approved workflows; prescribing and independent treatment changes remain the provider’s responsibility.

Documentation, Teamwork and Operations

• Document patient encounters, medications administered, telephone communications, clinical observations, and assigned care activities accurately and timely in Epic or the designated electronic health record.
• Communicate clearly with patients, families, the RN Clinic Manager, Gastroenterologist, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Assistants, and administrative staff while safeguarding confidentiality and patient dignity.
• Support efficient clinic patient flow, stocking, equipment checks, and safe room turnover; identify delays or safety concerns and notify appropriate leadership.
• Participate in orientation, required competencies, continuing education, quality improvement, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Demonstrate accountability, professional conduct, compassion, and commitment to Forrest Health’s purpose and promise; perform other related duties within authorized scope as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an approved practical nursing education program required.
• Experience: One year of nursing experience preferred; previous outpatient clinic or gastroenterology experience preferred.
• Licensure (upon hire): Current LPN license authorizing practice in Mississippi required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS): Required within 30 days of employment, consistent with source template.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Required within 90 days of employment, consistent with source template.
• Skills: Accurate clinical documentation, patient communication, medication safety, medical terminology, and ability to use the electronic health record.