Clinic Nurse

Position Summary

The Clinic Nurse is a registered nurse who is key to providing support for our providers, safe care for our patients, strengthening operational quality, and ultimately improving clinical patient outcomes. The Clinic Nurse assists in the care coordination our patient's healthcare needs, and serves as a teacher, advocate, and navigator for these patients within the context of the care team. This nurse will be responsible for providing direct nursing care, performing nursing assessments, participating in the continuity of patient care, being a servant-leader, and helping improve patient outcomes within the role a clinic nurse. Reports to Director of Nursing, Chief Clinical Officer of Operations, and Providers.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides clinical and administrative support for providers within the care team model. This includes:
• Serving as a liaison between providers and their patients
• Communicating abnormal lab results and treatment plan to patients as outlined by the provider and/or protocols
• Providing patient education in areas such as chronic disease, medications, pregnancy
• Completing medication reconciliation, new patient intakes, and OB intakes as appropriate
• Working with other members of the care team to coordinate patient care, referrals, DME orders, care management and hospital/ER follow-up
• Executing nursing care under direction of the provider such as: IV infusions, medication injections, wound care and dressing changes, and assisting in procedures
• Navigating medication changes and prior authorizations due to insurance requirements under standing orders and the guidance of the provider
• Obtaining pre-authorizations and/or RQIs for diagnostic testing as required by insurance
• Manages the clinical phone line. Assists pharmacies, responds to patient requests, conducts triage and conveys messages to and from providers, clinics, specialists, and other care team members.
• Directs the assessment of acutely ill patients who present to the clinic in person or via phone to ensure efficient work flow.
• Provides nursing care to patients who present through the Nurse Visit Schedule. This may include, among other types of visits: MAT care, Latent TB evaluation, INR level checks with Coumadin titration, BP checks, wound care, transfer of scripts, patient education, medication administration, triage, pregnancy tests/counseling, HIV rapid tests and conveying test results.
• Collaborates with medical support staff and assists with prioritizing clinical tasks to ensure efficient work flow. Assists with training and competency verification of medical support staff.
• Participation in Care Management and Chronic Disease Management efforts in collaboration with the Population Health Department possibly including home visits, consultation with Complex Care Coordinators, specific patient education and assessment efforts, other tasks as they arise.
• Ensures all emergency equipment and clinic use medications are properly stocked, stored and logged (as applicable) for the care of patients at their clinic site.
• Participates in care team meetings, monthly nurse meetings, clinic-wide quarterly meetings and other meetings as directed by the Director of Nursing.
• Documents all activity appropriately in the Electronic Medical Record.

Required Skills or Abilities

• Strong patient assessment skills required including ability to triage patients.
• Ability to use the nursing process to guide patient encounters and care.
• Communicate effectively with patients in a manner that protects their confidentiality and is sensitive to their culture and to their physical/emotional/spiritual condition.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing or stressful conditions, including unanticipated changes to working schedules or locations.
• Good physical stamina and an ability to be standing/active/in motion most of the day.
• Strength and dexterity to move patients, handle equipment, and move quickly within the clinical area to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Good interpersonal skills are a necessity, including an ability to work well with the variety of ages, cultures, and temperaments represented among LCHC staff and patients, treating others with kindness and professionalism in all they do.
• Commitment to demonstrating personal integrity through punctuality, honesty, an ability to follow instructions, proper attention to detail in all work matters, and a willingness learn from others.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and set priorities in accordance with the needs and mission of the clinic.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for communicating coherently and professionally with patients and co-workers.
• Conscientious of departmental and organizational policies and procedures, and able to embrace and personify the mission of the Lawndale Christian Health Center.
• Ability to be a clinical leader in the organization and guide a team of medical support personnel.
• Ability to delegate appropriate tasks to medical support staff.
• Proficiency in basic clinical nursing hands-on skills such as venipuncture, medication administration, wound care, and urinary catheter insertion

Required Knowledge, Education, Experience or Licensure/Registration

• RN licensure in the state of Illinois
• CPR certification
• Clinical experience preferred (desirably in a clinic, acute care, or triage setting), but new graduates with an interest in community health are encouraged to apply
• Knowledge of Spanish is helpful