What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse - Internal Medicine position at PEOPLE'S HEALTH CENTERS?
About Company:
Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers provides quality health care and social services to thousands of uninsured and medically underserved. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of the community by providing healthcare that is comprehensive, equitable and trauma informed, including primary care, dental and behavioral health services rooted in compassion, hope, dignity, and cultural competency. PHC is committed to serving the impoverished, uninsured populations in St. Louis and St Louis County communities. With three (3) conveniently located health centers, three (3) behavioral health sites and a friendly welcoming staff, PHC aspires to serve all the health care and wellness needs of the entire family.
About the Role:
The Registered Nurse plays a critical role in delivering exceptional healthcare services to a diverse patient population, with a focus on geriatric and cardiac care. This position requires providing direct patient care that ensures quality outcomes through comprehensive patient assessment, monitoring, and intervention. The nurse will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans that enhance patient satisfaction and promote recovery. Compassionate patient education is integral to this role, empowering patients and their families to understand health conditions and treatment options. Ultimately, the nurse contributes to maintaining a safe, supportive, and healing environment that upholds the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Missouri.
- Completion of an accredited nursing program (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in acute care or geriatric nursing.
- Demonstrated ability to perform patient assessments and deliver direct patient care.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Experience in critical care or cardiac nursing units.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Strong background in patient education and quality improvement processes.
Responsibilities:
- Perform thorough patient assessments to identify health status and care needs, particularly in geriatric and critical care settings.
- Administer medications, treatments, and cardiac care interventions in accordance with established protocols and physician orders.
- Monitor patient progress and document clinical information accurately to inform ongoing care decisions.
- Provide compassionate education and support to patients and their families regarding health conditions, treatment plans, and preventive care.
- Collaborate with healthcare team members to coordinate care, participate in case conferences, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, safety standards, and infection control policies to maintain a safe care environment.
- Respond promptly and effectively to patient emergencies and changes in condition, utilizing critical care skills as needed.
Skills:
The required skills such as direct patient care and quality patient care are applied daily to assess and meet the complex needs of patients, ensuring their safety and comfort. Geriatric nursing expertise is essential for addressing the unique challenges of elderly patients, including managing chronic conditions and promoting functional independence. Patient assessment and critical care skills enable the nurse to identify subtle changes in patient status and respond appropriately to prevent complications. Compassion and patient education skills foster trust and understanding, which improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. Cardiac care knowledge is vital for managing patients with heart conditions, ensuring timely interventions and monitoring to optimize health outcomes.