Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinic Nurse is responsible for providing patient care under the supervision of the CMO and/or DON. One important role for the Clinic Nurse is to support their assigned Providers; this includes handling patient phone calls, medication refills, completion of paperwork, and assisting with direct patient care in the clinic. The clinic nurse will perform triage duties, either in person or on the telephone; this will be done under the guidance of a Provider and/or DON to ensure safety and proper care for patients. The Clinic Nurse is responsible for assisting Providers in the examination, treatment and education of patients coming to our clinics in a manner that best fits the needs and wants of the community we desire to serve. The Clinic Nurse will be an integral part of the team in developing interventions that are relevant, sensitive and responsive to the needs and wants of our diverse patient population, taking into consideration cultural, religious, sexual orientation, language, age and the developmental stage of the patient. Promote a friendly environment by creating an atmosphere in which our patients feel safe, secure and empowered in the decision making processes concerning their health care. Be an asset to the team in providing high-quality, comprehensive, and confidential health care.

POSITION-SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides support to assigned Provider(s); this includes medication refills, completion of patient forms, patient reminder calls/cards, patient f/u (med changes, lab results, future appointment needs, etc.), and liaison between provider and incoming callers (outside agencies, providers, patients, etc.).
• Assist with triage of patients walking into the clinic to be seen; this entails assessing the patient and determining the priority for which the patient needs to be seen and coordinating the appropriate care based on the assessment.
• Provide phone triage by collecting appropriate information over the telephone to determine the urgency of a health problem and to determine whether medical intervention is needed and how soon treatment should begin.
• Exercise skill and care when giving advice, ensuring responses are based on appropriate standards of care for specific situations.
• Document all triage encounters, accurately and timely, in the patient’s electronic health record; make sure to document any advice or instructions given and the patient’s / caller’s response.
• Communicate in an attentive and individualized manner in every encounter.
• Serve as an advocate for the patient when working with the Provider in charge.
• Active member of assigned provider’s healthcare team (PCMH); assist with coordination of needed services, track completion of provider referrals, patient/family education, appointment reminder calls (health maintenance, preventive screenings), review of daily schedules and appropriate f/u in preparation for next day’s visit.
• Assist in the clinic with direct patient care, as needed; this includes rooming patients, taking vital signs and completing clinical reminders, performing and/or assisting with diagnostic procedures/examinations, and administering medications/vaccines.
• Obtains specimens and performs screenings, such as venipunctures for lab work and blood glucose monitoring, urine specimens and specific gravities, throat and sputum cultures, STD screenings.
• Maintain professional appearance and personal conduct at all times.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures including office and state protocols.
• Alerts Director of Nursing to patient flow problems.
• Maintains patient care equipment and notifies supervisor of repair requirements.
• Performs all duties in compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Listens courteously and responds to patient questions, concerns, and/or refers to the appropriate individual.
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Current State of Nebraska LPN or RN licensure.
• CPR certification for Health Care Providers (within 3 months of hire).
• Two to three years of professional nursing experience in a clinical setting preferred. Previous work in a community health center is also preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and skills needed for practical nursing to provide patient care and treatment.
• Ability to administer a variety of treatments and medications as directed.
• Ability to use various types of equipment for examination and treatment procedures.
• Ability to take vital signs and maintain quality control standards.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office – particularly Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with an Electronic Practice Management (EPM) and/ or Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills both written and verbal, as well as, exhibiting strong organizational skills and work ethic.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor when responding to patients/customers.
• Hearing - must be able to respond to telephone calls and face to face interactions. Near vision - to type on computer.
• Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 – 7:00 Expect to work a minimum of 40 hours a week.
• Travel: Some travel may be required, when participating in outreach events or floating to another clinic site.
• Exposure: The exposure characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. For example, while performing the essential functions of this job, the employee (Rarely) is exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. Additionally, the employee may (Occasionally) be exposed to bloodborne and other hazardous chemicals. Finally, the noise level in the work environment can (Rarely) is quite loud. In all cases personal protective equipment will be provided to the employee in combination with adequate ventilation and other engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure or other hazardous occurrence.
• Physical: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with special challenges to perform these essential functions.