Overview
The Registered Nurse (RN) will assume responsibility and accountability for care of infants, children, adults, geriatric patients undergoing surgical procedures. Care needs may range from those requiring outpatient procedures to the critically ill.The RN will utilize the nursing process in the provision of care and will practice within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Arkansasand the policies, procedures and standards of the Health System. The RN will demonstrate a commitment to teamwork through effective collaboration efforts.
The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients in the General Surgery and Vascular Surgery clinics while supporting providers in delivering efficient, safe, and compassionate care. The RN serves as a clinical resource for patients, providers, and staff by coordinating patient care throughout the surgical continuum, including evaluation, surgery scheduling, prior authorizations, patient education, and postoperative follow-up.
This position requires excellent organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills while working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The RN may be required to travel to satellite clinic locations, including outreach clinics, to provide clinical support and maintain continuity of patient care.
SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION:
This position is a designated as "Safety Sensitive Position" under Act 593 of the State of Arkansas. An employee who is under the influence of Marijuana constitutes a threat to patients/customers which Conway Regional is responsible for in providing and supporting the delivery health care related services.
Responsibilities
Clinical Patient Care
- Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and document findings in the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Obtain medical histories, medication reconciliation, allergies, and vital signs.
- Triage patient phone calls, patient portal messages, prescription refill requests, and urgent patient concerns.
- Assess patients for emergent symptoms and collaborate with providers regarding appropriate treatment plans.
- Administer medications, injections, wound treatments, and other nursing interventions as ordered.
- Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, lifestyle modifications, and postoperative care.
- Review laboratory and diagnostic imaging results with providers and communicate recommendations to patients.
Surgical Coordination
Coordinate elective and urgent surgical procedures from initial scheduling through postoperative follow-up.
Schedule surgeries with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and procedural facilities.
Ensure completion of all pre-operative requirements including:
History & Physical
Laboratory testing
Imaging
Cardiac or medical clearance
Medication instructions
Patient education
Coordinate postoperative appointments and ongoing surgical follow-up.
Prior Authorizations & Insurance Coordination
- Obtain insurance prior authorizations for surgeries, procedures, imaging studies, medications, and specialty services.
- Work with insurance companies to resolve authorization denials or requests for additional clinical information.
- Collaborate with financial counselors, surgery schedulers, and providers to ensure timely approval of services.
Coordination with Outside Facilities
- Coordinate patient care with affiliated hospitals, surgery centers, and referring providers.
- Communicate regularly with the clinic's Little Rock office and other affiliated locations to ensure continuity of care.
- Coordinate referrals, consultations, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care between locations.
- Obtain and review outside medical records, imaging, operative reports, and pathology reports as needed.
Vascular Patient Care
- Assist in the management of patients with arterial disease, venous disease, aneurysms, dialysis access, and wound care.
- Coordinate vascular testing and imaging.
- Review vascular procedure instructions with patients.
- Educate patients regarding compression therapy, wound management, and vascular disease prevention.
Care Coordination
- Coordinate referrals to specialists and ancillary services.
- Facilitate communication between primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and ancillary departments.
- Assist with discharge planning and transitions of care.
- Monitor outstanding diagnostic testing and ensure timely follow-up.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the EMR.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention standards, Joint Commission requirements, and clinic policies.
- Assist with quality improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance activities.
- Participate in chart audits and clinical quality projects.
Clinic Operations
- Assist with daily clinic workflow to maintain efficient patient throughput.
- Monitor and maintain clinical supplies and medication inventory.
- Ensure examination and procedure rooms remain clean, stocked, and compliant with infection prevention standards.
- Participate in staff meetings, educational programs, and mandatory training.
- Cross-train to support clinic operations as needed.
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse with current, active Arkansas license
- Strong assessment, critical thinking, and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience using an electronic medical record (EMR)
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to satellite clinics
- Basic keyboarding skills