POSITION SUMMARY

This full time position is responsible for nursing care of patients in the primary care clinic as directed by medical providers. Responsible for patient flow and assisting providers as necessary with examination. Provides nursing care for patients in accordance with established standards, policies, and nursing scope of practice. This position will be at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic.

JOB-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINIC NURSE SERVICES

1. Coordinates the collection of all documentation required prior to the patient's first visit including labs, x-rays, pathology reports, physician notes, etc.
   1. Assists as needed with patient assessments (vitals, reason for visits, etc.) adapting basic procedures to patient medical needs and treatment stage. Obtain lab results
   2. Coordinates and ensures patients are in the room and ready for the physician to see.
   3. Prepares equipment and aids providers during treatment, examination, and procedures.
   4. Implements and notes physician orders.
   5. Directs patient flow as dictated by the treatment plan.
   6. Observes, records, and reports allergies and reaction to drugs. Administers medications as directed.
   7. Coordinates and assists with discharge instructions, follow-up care, diagnostic tests, and existing and new medication instructions.
   8. Administers and documents general nursing care.
2. Prescriptions:
   1. Advises patients regarding filling medication prescriptions.
   2. Coordinates new prescriptions as well as refills
   3. Coordinates pharmacy contacts. Notifies the pharmacy when a new drug is ordered to ensure it is available.
   4. Administer IV fluids as per the direction of physician orders.
3. Phone Triage:
   1. Triages patient telephone calls for medical providers.
   2. Reports information to physicians and directs patients as orders are received.
   3. Provides patient education/advice through direct and/or telephone contact as directed by the physician.
   4. Implements and signs off physician orders.
4. Coordination:
   1. Communicates and coordinates with ancillary departments (lab, x-ray, OP, IP, pharmacy).
   2. Coordinates and assigns coding review/documentation.
   3. Communicates and coordinates with outside facilities for patient lab, radiology, and outpatient orders. Implements and documents follow-up care as needed. Coordinates further exams, procedures, and appointments.
   4. Performs insurance prior authorization.
5. Supply, instruments, and equipment
   1. Participates in supply ordering and inventory management under guidance and according to established Materials Management processes.
   2. Handles instruments and equipment according to manufacturing guidelines to support providers in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the clinic.
   3. Participates in processes of cleaning, high-level disinfecting, and sterile processing of instruments and equipment used in the clinic according to established standards and manufacturing guidelines.
   4. Participates in regular quality control and record-keeping needed to document compliance with standards.
6. Applies nursing process, critical thinking, and judgment to clinical practice.

ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Pursues professional growth through educational opportunities, professional reading, and seeking learning opportunities.

Assures cost and time efficiency of the department by maintaining maximum productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Promotes good interpersonal relationships through effective communication.

Abides by the philosophy, mission, and objectives of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and follows organization policies and procedures.

Actively participates in Prairie Lakes Healthcare System programs based on safety, continuous quality improvement, and infection control.

Maintains confidentiality of all information pertaining to customers, patients, residents, employees, physicians, and their affairs.

Demonstrates a positive image of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System by applying effective human relations skills with customers, patients, residents, visitors, other employees, and physicians.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Graduate of an approved school of nursing. Three to five years of progressive clinical experience in a primary care setting or similar clinical experience preferred.

Mandatory Basic and Advanced Life Support Training per policy

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Holds or is eligible for licensure as a registered nurse/licensed practical nurse in South Dakota.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office applications, Evident, and other EHR's as applicable.

Required Skills and Abilities

Communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and decision-making skills are required. Overall primary care knowledge. Knowledge of staffing systems and productivity standards. Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changes in the work environment, and prioritize and plan work activities.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be standing and walking and infrequently sitting. The employee will occasionally be required to balance, kneel, reach above shoulder level, squat, and twist. The employee will frequently be required to bend/stoop and push/pull. The employee will occasionally be required to carry up to 30 pounds, lift up to 50 pounds, and frequently push/pull up to 30 pounds. Per policy and procedure, for any lifting over 50 pounds employees are able to use mechanical lift devices or obtain the assistance of other employees. Manual dexterity, visual acuity, and hearing are necessary.

Environmental Conditions

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The employee may infrequently work in uncomfortable positions.

HAZARDS & RISKS: DOES involve routine exposure to infectious disease and body fluids. The employee's job requires potential exposure to other hazards, radiation, and repetitive motion.

The above statements reflect the characteristics considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.