REGISTERED NURSE LEVEL 1

Description: Statement of Purpose:

Provides professional nursing care for patients and assesses their wellbeing. Works as part of a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient quality of life through competent nursing care following established standards and practices. Assists medical providers, clinical staff, and the Practice Administrator in the coordination of patient care.

Career Path:

Registered Nurses (RN) manage a varying degree of skill and work depending on their certifications, community engagement participation, and participation in CAN sanctioned specialty roles or committees. There are three RN levels: RN 1, RN 2, and RN 3. A level and salary are assigned based on their participation, skill level, experience, and education. A RN can directly affect their career path (level) based on their work to increase the size and scope of their participation in activities and skill development. Levels are reviewed at minimum annually as part of the annual review/merit cycle.

Essential Functions:Promotes and practices CAN Community Health Inc's mission, vision, guiding principles, and values and follows its policies and procedures.

Performs nursing duties and responsibilities as part of the clinical team in the provision of nursing care to patients and their families.

Performs patient triage including the assessment of vital signs and measurement of anthropometric measures, history taking, and reviews patient chart to ensure all necessary documentation is present, current, and complete to facilitate physician visits.

Performs venipuncture, obtains specimens, and processes these according to laboratory specific requirements.

Performs intravenous catheterization and administers intravenous fluids and medications per medical provider order.

Triages patient phone calls and walk-ins and facilitates access to care to all patients in collaboration with medical provider, and clinical staff.

Completes medication refills per medical provider's order and in compliance with CAN Medication refill and EMR Policies.

Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods according to established protocols and procedures.

Assists with quality assurance duties as assigned by Nurse Manager or Practice Administrator.

Supports quality program processes and objectives; participates in local quality team as assigned.

Documents all patient care in an accurate and timely manner, and ensures compliance with grant requirements (340B, HRSA, Ryan White).

Coordinates services with other departments, partner organizations, and the community as needed.

Assists with referrals and coordinates services with other healthcare facilities, organizations, and federal and local programs.

Collaborates with clinic team members and sister organizations to coordinate patient services.

Assists in all clinical areas and delegates tasks to LPNs/LVNs, MAs, Phlebotomists, and/or support staff while ensuring that these are completed effectively.

Maintains and stocks inventory of clinical supplies, medications (including samples), and vaccines, and completes the necessary logs per CAN policies and procedures.

Performs care team intake procedures in collaboration with clinic team members to address patient needs.

Maintains nursing licensure up-to-date and in compliance with state and regulatory requirements.

Continues professional training and education to advance knowledge and skills of HIV/AIDS, STIs and other topics related to the care of CAN mission patients.

Develops and fosters networking relationships with the community and support resources.

Utilizes resources and supplies in a cost-effective manner.

Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, professionalism, and respect in all interpersonal relationships with CAN patients, clients, staff, and visitors.

Participates and strives to achieve assigned Annual Performance Objectives as established by CAN leadership.

Continuously demonstrates clinical competency with nursing skills and safety procedures and utilizes universal precautions where appropriate.

Requirements: Education/Professional:Baccalaureate or Associate Degree in Nursing, graduate of an accredited school of nursing, currently licensed to practice in the state where clinic is located.

Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Certification

Experience:

Minimum two years of professional nursing experience directly, clinic experience preferred.

Competencies:

Communication - Maintains strong interpersonal and communication skills while working with patients, visitors and clinical team.

Computer Skills - Proficient ability to use a computer and electronic medical record. Possess the ability to learn and utilize computer software programs.

Confidentiality - Maintain patient, team member, and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.

Competent nursing skills - Ability to perform basic nursing skills safely and effectively.

Customer Service Oriented - Friendly, cheerful, and helpful to patients and others. Ability to meet patients' and others' needs while following CAN policies and procedures.

Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

Adaptability/Flexibility - Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.

Interpersonal Skills - Display a positive attitude and is a positive agent for change.

Teamwork - Work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers.

Problem-solving/Decision Making- Ability to identify problems and make decisions under stressful situations.

Time management - Ability to work effectively, be organized, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously and meet required deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of HIV/STI/Hep C documentation protocols.

Knowledge of local, federal, department, and OSHA/Stericycle rules, regulations, and mandates.

Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, medications, and accepted treatment practices.

Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.

Knowledge of community health services and agencies

Understanding of health care technology, equipment, and supplies.

Familiarity with state law on nursing care, nurse practice guidelines, and clinic policies and procedures.

Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information.

Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish/maintain a safe work environment.

Skills:

Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods, and techniques of professional nursing to provide ongoing patient care.

Skill in time management, problem solving, multitasking, prioritizing, and nursing care coordination.

Skill in initiating appropriate crisis interve.