JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse - Walk in Clinic

DEPARTMENT: Walk in Clinic

REPORTS TO: Clinical Nurse Manager/Chief Ambulatory Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Walk in Clinic nurse is responsible for providing high quality care to patients in a safe, efficient and courteous manner, using proper procedures. The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned shift. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. He/she must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the Walk in Clinic and CRH policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Current Wyoming licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse.

EXPERIENCE

Prefer at least 2 years of experience in an outpatient care area. BLS, ACLS, and PALS required.

SKILLS

Communicate effectively with personnel and interact effectively with a wide variety of patients. Knowledge regarding aseptic technique, up-to-date on currently used drugs, their actions, and side effects. Able to recognize dysrhythmias and intervene according to standing orders, basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology. Understanding of medical/legal considerations. Able to take pertinent, concise history. Make adequate physical assessment of: Cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, ENT, skin, GYN/GU, GI, OB patients, neurological, psychological/social. Ability to verbally present information and ideas. Up-to-date IV therapy-venipuncture ability. Assist with simple splinting. Able to cleanse and irrigate wounds and burns, fit patient with crutches, apply various dressings, administer medication according to physician, monitor ill patients, and collect specimens for lab. Assist with application and removal of casts. Able to draw blood and perform testing. Knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control principles. Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations. Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Excellent communication skills. Able to serve as an example to other employees.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Maintain a current BLS, ACLS, and PALS status.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Take patient to exam room, obtaining and documenting chief complaint, allergies, and medications.
• Assist provider (MD, PA, NP) in procedures such as dressing changes, pelvic exams, laceration repairs, etc.
• Attend to needs of patients and visitors.
• Assure patient as needed; allay fears and answer questions as necessary for the patients.
• Assure that consents are obtained and signed.
• Exhibit cooperation and positive attitude toward other hospital departments and physicians’ offices.
• Complete incident and error forms when appropriate.
• Follow procedure for authorized medication administration and narcotic control.
• Communicate questions about appropriateness of medical care through chain of command as needed.
• Perform treatments and procedures as directed, which are within the individual’s training and capabilities with diagnostic exam and procedures, including cardiac monitoring and care of patient using IV medications as directed by physician.
• Assure that patients are seen in an orderly and fair manner, and that delays and waiting times are explained. Acutely ill and injured patients are triaged and seen first.
• Initiate evaluation and care of the patient prior to the physician’s arrival according to standing orders.
• Prepare patients for examination and assist, as necessary. Arrange for the follow-up care or referral.
• Complete necessary forms and logs, documents medications and patient care in a timely and accurate manner.
• Be thorough and accurate in documentation of patient complaint, vital signs, current medication and allergies. Document medications administered.
• Arrange for the transfer of patients to other departments or facilities (i.e. Emergency Dept.)
• Be able to assist the Practitioner on duty (MD, PA or NP) with BLS, ACLS or PALS algorithms and to contact 911 to transfer patient to the Emergency Department.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Patient teaching – including review of written discharge instructions with patient or responsible party.
• Answer telephone calls per department standards relaying information as directed by the provider and document the same.
• Complete routine equipment checks and stock supplies. Order, as necessary, from Materials, CSR, and Pharmacy. Assist with monthly out-dating and routine cleaning.
• Attend pertinent in-service and educational conferences, and attend monthly staff meetings.
• Take primary responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills current.
• Work with other departments in coordinating smooth transfer of patients for procedures or diagnostic tests.
• Apply and change dressings.
• Collect and deliver lab specimens as required.
• Adhere to standards of safety and infection control in delivery of patient care.
• Certify annually with CRH Lab Director for lab competencies, ensuring knowledge of correct lab procedures and QC.