Staff Nurse ProTime

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The RN Protime nurse is clinically competent to coordinate and deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Manages anticoagulation medications in collaboration with providers through lab value interpretation, clinical assessment and patient education. Uses critical thinking and appropriate provider consultation to work within scope of practice to the highest level of licensure and training. Engages in interdisciplinary collaboration which includes the use of available community resources.

Essential Functions
Participates in the advancement of professional nursing practice through continuing education and self development; develops and maintains professional credibility. Demonstrates professional nursing leadership and contributes to a smooth work flow by assisting team members as needed. Responds to codes within the assigned facility if assigned to code team. Collaborates with department Practice Manager and Clinical Supervisor to ensure new team members receive appropriate orientation and reports on trainee performance. Serves as clinical resource to department staff; contributes to the professional growth and development of other clinical staff. PATIENT SATISFACTION- Assists patients, family members, and others with concern and empathy; respects their confidentially and privacy. Ensures accurate and timely communication is facilitated. Identifies him/herself in a pleasant and positive manner. Takes responsibility for helping the caller and/or visitor. TEAMWORK- Assists in the orientation /training of new Team Members. Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members. Assists other Team Members in the performance of their assignments. Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked. Considers the impact of his/her actions on Team Members throughout SRH. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and volunteers to assist whenever possible. Takes direction and initiates actions to ensure seamless patient care. Demonstrates flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within SRH. PROBLEM SOLVING- Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participates in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet patient expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is the work of someone else. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT- Attends required annual in-service programs. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement of annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 95% of scheduled staff meetings and is responsible to read and understand all meeting minutes and materials covered at meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SRH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES ? Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures; has the ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SRH?s infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation and the Exposure Control Plan which reflects OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SRH is operated in a an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SRH and departmental attendance policies and support of SRH-Wide Service Standards and SRH/Department Safe Practice Standards. Performs other duties as assigned by manager or designee. Performs technical skills within the scope of licensure in a safe and efficient manner. Maintains patient flow by placing patients in rooms, taking brief histories and vital signs. Reviews current problem with patient. Obtains pertinent past medical history, allergies and medications. Assists with and performs procedures as requested by provider. Maintains workstation in an orderly manner. Correctly completes charge slips with ICD-9 codes and notation of service given by provider. As appropriate, makes physician aware of lab results, x-ray reports and reports of other tests ordered. Requests patient charts as needed. Contributes to a smooth work flow by helping team members as needed. Attends all mandatory meetings and in-services provided and broadens professional knowledge by attending outside classes of association with professional specialty organizations. Works collaboratively with Training Team to develop competency checklists. Complies with all SVH policies and procedures. Provides feedback to managers regarding trainee performance. Develops scripts for handling difficult insurance or patient account issues. Utilizes effective triage and assessment skills on a daily basis. Performs telephone triage and assessments as needed. Performs IV Therapy and Observation duties as required. Administration of medications including IV and sublingual. Administers medications as required. Performs invasive procedures per physician order and within scope of practice. Makes recommendations for care utilizing approved standing orders and protocols. Demonstrates independent critical thinking with the ability to multi-task to include urgent situations, giving work direction, and prioritizing work. Demonstrates understanding of coagulation, antithrombotic therapy including pharmacodynamic properties of anticoagulant medications. Acts as a Provider extender in the management of patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, and as such quickly develops and maintains credibility with ordering providers. Demonstrates knowledge of the influence of disease states, medications, diet and lifestyle on international normalized ratio (INR) results in patients that are anticoagulated. Demonstrates ability to elicit signs and symptoms of bleeding and or thromboembolism and reaches correct conclusions through sound reasoning and implements effective solutions. Provides comprehensive and ongoing education to patients and /or family members about anticoagulation therapy with specific attention to signs and symptoms to report. Performs INR testing with point of care device and interprets lab values. Assesses current dose of Warfarin, adjusting the medication per ACC protocol and current ACCP guidelines. Maintains accurate records of all Protime clinic visits and other patient communications. Manages patient scheduling to optimize work flow.

Education
Graduate of an accredited RN program. BSN preferred.

Experience/Training
Minimum one (1) year previous nursing experience in a clinic or acute care setting required; experience specific to departmental specialty strongly desired. Experience with medication and case management preferred. Patient education experience required.

License/Certifications
Current WA State RN License required. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required. Must complete the approved Anticoagulant Therapy Management Certificate course within 12 months of hire.

Other Skills
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong organizational skills and technical proficiency. Must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use critical thinking skills to problem solve. Proficient in the use of Electronic Health Record systems, Microsoft Office suite and other clinical applications. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.