JOB SUMMARY

Incumbent is a key member of the physician's practice and promotes and restores patients' health by completing the nursing process, collaborating with physicians and with multidisciplinary team members. Provides general nursing care to the patients at True Health Centers. Works independently, providing safe, accurate, and clinically competent care. Assesses patient's medical urgency and determines care needs based upon presented symptoms and organizational standards of care and provides clinical assistance to ensure all patients receive high quality, efficient care.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to triage of patient signs and symptoms, collecting information for phone notes, calling and routing calls to other departments, documenting the electronic medical record, and solving problems within the purview of their authority. Duties include, but are not limited to the collection of data for patient intake, assisting with provider / patient needs during procedures / examinations, and basic documentation of the encounter. Manages clerical activities related to appointment scheduling, patient intake including data verification, and clinic communications for any referrals. The registered nurse also works on the clinical floor as required.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Provides overall support for all providers and clinic operations.
• Scribes for provider and assists provider with procedures.
• Systematically greets, rooms, and chaperones patients / families promptly and with courtesy during the medical visit.
• Assists providers with procedures specific to that specialty (if applicable), including, but not limited to suturing, suture removal, sterilizing procedures, equipment preparation, and minor surgical procedures and casting / splinting.
• Performs and documents patient intake information specific to the vitals needed for that visit (height, weight, head circumference, blood pressure, vision and hearing screening, reason for visit, chief complaint, Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG, etc.).
• Explains procedures to patients to allay apprehension and gain their cooperation. Have patient sign consent forms as indicated and perform "time-out" when applicable
• Adheres at all times to general and clinic guidelines in:
  • a. Universal Precautions
  • b. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • c. Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA) not limited to:
    • i. Blood-borne / foodborne pathogens
    • ii. Biohazard Waste
• May assist laboratory technician to perform phlebotomy via venipuncture or capillary techniques to obtain blood specimens as well as transcribe, collect, label and arrange transport for lab specimens. May assist with back office CLIA waived laboratory tests.
• Administers prescribed medication, injections, and treatment in accordance with approved nursing technique (within scope of practice).
• May assist with Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program and directed to ensure appropriate measures are taken to ensure viability and preservation of program.
• Documents / Charts accurately and promptly in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Initiates patient education plans with patient and family.
• Rotates among various departments and office sites as needed at a moment's notice.
• Helps maintain efficient patient flow through communication with healthcare teams.
• Answers telephone and returns messages in a timely manner (within 24 hours).
• Monitors desktop and sends patient letters / make phone calls daily.
• Answers patient questions as needed and within scope of practice.
• Completes and prepares patient's chart 48-96 hours prior to scheduled appointment.
• Fills-out appropriate logs as indicated / required.
• Makes lab and specialty appointments for patients.
• Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures and protocols within the scope of nursing practice.
• Performs basic materials management functions to include ordering and stocking of supplies.
• Assists with maintaining a clean and orderly environment in all clinical areas not limited to exam rooms or treatment rooms, but overall clinic area.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current, active and in good standing Registered Nurse license
• Current CPR certification
• 1-year experience in telephone medical triage preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience in telephone medical triage along with knowledge of the referral process and medication refill requests
• Knowledge of adult and pediatric primary healthcare
• Excellent assessment skills
• Ability to direct calls to other departments as needed
• Understand and strive to maintain teamwork with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn
• Ability to communicate effectively with healthcare teams
• Ability to work under pressure
• Computer competency
• Telephone manners and excellent verbal communication

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual a plus (English - Spanish).
• Up-to-date immunizations

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

• Reports to the Clinical Manager

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, walk or view computer screen for extended periods of time
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Ability to reach with hands or arms
• Ability to perform repetitive hand or wrist motions for extended periods of time
• Ability to effectively talk and listen to patients and co-workers