Open Forum

Thanks for the responses thus far. While states differ regarding scope, there are still opportunities to learn from each other as we introduce the LPN role in primary care settings. While most states don't allow LPNs to perform acute triage, I think there are opportunities for LPNs to perform phone coordination, screening, collect information etc while supervised by the RN. If any PC setting has any information to share, we would appreciate it.

Finally, if there is sufficient interest in this topic, we could arrange a call to explore maybe?

Thanks,

Anne Mørk, MS, MHCDS, RN

VP Ambulatory CNO & Nursing Support Services

UW Health Madison, WI

Cell: 608 215 3653

We utilize the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model in Primary Care for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This is similar to the patient centered medical home model of care.

Just like any organizations comparing staffing/skills models, the facilities at all the primary locations in the VHA may have some differences/nuances.

In thinking what I could get you that is public facing and generalized in nature, I would suggest looking at the descriptions of LPN vacancies that are in the USA Jobs platform @ USAJOBS - Search

I looked at a few announcements and while they do have some similar formats/outline, they are not all the same.  I've included a sample from one of the announcements below. There are some that are weighed more heavily with a specific skill/function list.

The PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) LPN :

• Possesses broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a wide range of nursing problems.
• Possesses the knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out patient care based on the patient's condition.
• Utilizes judgement in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Contributes to the development of the patient treatment plan for assigned veterans.
• Accurately recognizes, reports, and records relevant patient information.
• Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating and training less experienced LPN's related to support duties.
• Demonstrates comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills needed to perform duties in the primary care program.
• Possesses the ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiates appropriate emergency interventions.
• Possesses the knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations.
• Completes assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities.
• Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the primary care work setting in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
• Identifies high risk populations, targets chronic disease indicator outliers, and works with the PACT Team to improve veteran self-management and outcomes.
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve nursing practice.
• Possesses communication skills that enhance interactions with veterans, family members, co-workers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Possesses the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and internal/external customers.
• Serves in the outpatient setting as a member of a health care team with assigned duties which include prioritization and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision.
• Utilizes advanced communication and conflict resolution skills to appropriately manage disagreements in the workplace and in diffusing verbally or physically abusive patients or visitors.
• Maintains knowledge of program policies and procedures to include VHA and VISN Directives, VAMC and Service Policies and Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, Memorandums of Understanding, Standard Work Tools, and PACT Nursing Protocols.

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Courtney A. Monterusso, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, FNS

Performance Improvement Facilitator –Primary Care Nursing 

VA St. Louis Health Care System | 915 N. Grand Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106 

314.652.4100 ext. 54396 or 289-7676  11F/JC  courtney.monterusso@va.gov

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