Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

About the position

This Position is Contingent on Contract Award. Under the direction of the National Medical Director, physician supervisors, and advanced practice providers and in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCMO) of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), contracted Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) deliver healthcare services to persons in custody in accordance with the policies and protocols listed in the Statement of Work (SOW) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directives for the delivery of healthcare services to persons in custody. LPN/LVNs work to assure delivery of quality healthcare services in accordance with the SOW for the medical services contract within medical units at U.S. Customs and Border Protection sites including, Office of Field Operations (OFO) ports of entry, U.S. Border Patrol Border (USBP) Stations. Performs the clinical responsibilities as agreed upon by the National Program Director. Contracted medical staff will be working alongside uniformed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents/Officers in secured federal facilities along the southwest border of the United States. These secured federal facilities are staffed and monitored by CBP personnel and/or contracted security staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assure a safe working environment to include the co-located medical unit. Contracted medical staff work together with CBP personnel to provide health care services for persons of all ages, to include infants, children, adults, and pregnant females. MISSION CBPs Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCMO) employs a trauma informed care model to provide frontline medical care for persons in CBP custody in accordance with Enhanced Medical Support Efforts CBP Directive (2210-004). This model provides a team of medical professionals comprised of physicians, advanced practice providers (e.g., physicians assistants, nurse practitioners) and support staff (e.g., Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Paramedics, EMTs, Certified Medical/Nursing Assistants). These contracted medical teams provide basic assessment and medical treatment for persons in CBP custody to include emergency care as needed.

Responsibilities

• Works within the scope of their license and certifications performing direct patient care as directed or indicated.
• Consults with/or works under the direct supervision of a Physician or Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for complex medical, pediatric, or psychiatric patients, completes orders recommended/authorized by the physician or APP.
• Performs history and physical assessment, behavioral health care support, minor outpatient procedures, patient education, and refers any care beyond the scope of the medical unit to offsite facilities.
• Performs vital signs electronically and manually, as indicated.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory procedures and guidelines, skill in collecting a variety of samples, performs quality control of laboratory reagents, and performs CLIA waived testing as needed, following up with any abnormal findings.
• Maintains compliance with DHS and CBP policies and any overriding accreditation standards that may apply.
• Ability to properly use equipment and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Is expected to respond to medical emergencies for persons in custody, visitors or employees within the scope of their license and certifications until emergency services arrive.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy of medical records, complies with HIPAA regulations, performs record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and the system of records management.
• Utilizes the electronic medical record for all patient care documentation and must maintain an 'active status' for use and complete all required trainings as required.
• Maintains non-involvement in the security aspect of patient care and custody.
• Attends all general staff meetings during duty hours and participates with medical quality management initiatives and reviews as applicable.
• Assures a safe and clean working environment and assists in the disposal of biologically hazardous waste on a regular basis, adheres to universal precautions, and takes appropriate infection control precautions.
• Completes all annual trainings as required, or any additional training as assigned.
• May be required to travel short notice, or to serve in various medical units within the sector/region.
• Duties will be performed on-site at medical units, flexible scheduling and overtime are optional, as available.
• All medical documentation will be signed and dated, whether electronic or paper.
• Communicates an end of shift report to the oncoming shift.
• Participates in Medical Quality Management/Quality Assurance/Risk Management activities and initiatives as needed.
• Performs direct care that may include assisting with feeding or meal set-up, oral care, nail care, washing hair, and basic hygiene, bathing and/or dressing, toileting or changing disposable diapers/briefs, ambulation and transfer assistance in and out of beds, wheelchairs, and or showers, etc.
• Restocks medical units with forms, supplies, or equipment, and helps with maintaining stock supplies.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a program in Practical or Vocational Nursing located in any United States jurisdiction.
• Candidates must have a current, active, valid, and unencumbered license, registration, or certification to practice as a practical nurse or vocational nurse issued by any United States jurisdiction.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification must be from an approved organization.
• Must have a minimum of one year of clinical experience in direct patient care as a licensed practical or vocational nurse.
• Experience in detention or correctional healthcare, residential healthcare, a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided direct care.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident Card is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the U.S. Government security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish encouraged but not required.
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401k plan.
• Paid time off.
• Annual bonus.