What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinic - RN/LPN/CMA position at PALO ALTO COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM?
At Palo Alto County Health System, we’re proud to be the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa. We’re building a versatile clinic care team and are seeking Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), or Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) who share our passion for compassionate, patient-centered care. In this role, you’ll partner with providers to deliver safe, timely, and personalized care—helping each patient feel heard, informed, and supported from check-in to follow-up.
What You’ll Do
- Own the rooming process: escort patients, gather histories, document chief complaints, and obtain accurate vitals; set up rooms/equipment for exams and procedures.
- Assist during visits and procedures: support providers with exams (e.g., suturing setup, casting setup, wound care), ensure sterile technique, and maintain a calm, efficient environment.
- Administer care within scope: give medications and immunizations per policy and scope (RN/LPN) or under provider direction (CMA); verify dosage calculations as required; provide oxygen therapy and place basic monitors as trained.
- Perform clinic testing tasks: collect specimens using universal precautions; complete point-of-care/lab tasks per protocol (CLIA-appropriate), perform quality controls, and communicate critical values promptly.
- Educate and coordinate: explain prep and post-visit instructions with clear, teach-back education; schedule future tests/appointments; assist with population health outreach to close care gaps.
- Document with accuracy: chart care and phone triage notes in the EMR in real time; maintain required logs (lab/diagnostic, temperatures, narcotics as applicable).
- Support daily operations: maintain/stock rooms, track supply levels and expirations, clean and prepare equipment for sterilization, troubleshoot basic equipment issues, and assist with orientation of new staff.
- Be a great teammate: practice excellent communication with patients, families, and colleagues; participate in CQI/quality projects, huddles, and required meetings; adapt positively to process and technology changes.
What You’ll Bring
- Credentials (one of the following):
- RN – Current Iowa RN license (Associate or higher from an accredited program).
- LPN – Current Iowa LPN license (accredited program graduate).
- CMA – Graduate of an approved medical assistant program; certification preferred.
- Core requirements: Current BLS/CPR; basic computer/EMR proficiency; professional communication; strong organization and follow-through; flexibility in a fast-paced clinic.
- Nice to have: Ambulatory/clinic experience; demonstrated phone etiquette/triage skills; comfort supporting basic in-clinic procedures and quality initiatives.
Scope & Safety Note: All care is performed within licensure/credential scope and PACHS policy. Medication administration and clinical procedures follow provider orders and established protocols.
Employee Benefits
PACHS offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.
Health & Wellness
- Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care
- Employer HSA contributions for HDHP participants
- Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage
- Vision coverage through VSP
- Discounted membership at the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center
Financial Security
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
- Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Optional voluntary life insurance
- Employer-paid Short-Term Disability
- Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage
Time Off & Lifestyle
- PTO begins accruing on your first day
- PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year
- Holiday Club payroll savings program
Support & Resources
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 confidential counseling, financial guidance, legal support, coaching, and more
About Palo Alto County Health System
Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, delivering compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, respect, and a commitment to personalized service. At PACHS, you’ll find a supportive, family-oriented environment where your expertise is valued and your growth is encouraged. Join us—and help us care for our community and for one another.