Staff Nurse – Registered Nurse (RN)

Job purpose

Nurses provide leadership support to the Care Team by collaborating with

team members and performing high quality, cost effective medical care essential to the assessment,   promotion, maintenance and restoration of patients’ health and wellness consistent with Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) policies and missions.

Duties and responsibilities

The Registered Nurse is responsible for guiding and supervising assigned nursing personnel in delivering patient care. The RN will collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals in the delivery of patient care. Assume responsibility for management of a selected case load of patients as defined by the clinical practice area.

Typical tasks include but are not limited to:

• Performs assessments and data collection in an ongoing and systemic manner, focusing on physiological, psychological, psychosocial and cognitive status
• Responsible for performing face to face and phone triage. Assesses patients’ medical urgency and determine care needs based upon presented symptoms and department standards of care
• Assesses and document conditions, wound status, cardiopulmonary status, neurological status, skin integrity, and vital signs.
• Accurately recognizes abnormal diagnostic values for the adult/pediatric medical patient. Interprets their significance and follows through with appropriate Physician
• Formulates a patient specific goal directed plan of care which is prioritized and based on nursing assessment and patient outcomes
• Exhibits an understanding of infection control principles and universal precautions when changing sterile dressings, injections, or performing any procedure that required sterile techniques
• Evaluates and documents the effectiveness of Nursing intervention and teaching by patient’s response to teaching measures, behavior outcomes, knowledge base/understanding and/or skill demonstration and ongoing reinforcement of educational process
• Assist in obtaining any outside records from specialists for the Primary Care Physician before upcoming appointments. The nurse will also make certain the patient is following any recommendations made by specialists.
• Establishes measurable patient-centered outcomes with patient, family and other disciplines. Maintains confidentiality by communicating patient/family/significant other information only to health care workers involved in the care of the patient in an appropriate manner
• Assists with initial patients by documenting medical history, medications, allergies and other relevant details in collaboration with the PCP.
• Administers medications/vaccines and performs clinical procedures per standing order or clinician written order. Perform medication reconciliation by phone or in office for established patients.
• Performs screening tests and order routine lab work with medical standing orders
• Completes specific treatment or nursing procedures as ordered by the provider
• Assists in providing outreach services to patients who miss their appointments
• May be responsible for preparing the patient for the physical exam according to specific guidelines and prepare necessary equipment for the procedure and obtains EKGs and vital signs to be reviewed by a Provider
• Carries out assessments and interventions identified in panel management meetings.
• As needed, conclude the office visit with a review of the after visit summary and any relevant interventions.
• Coordinate all phone/electronic message follow-up and place calls to patients to answer questions, conduct an assessment, or review lab results, as directed by the PCP.
• Assists with the orientation and training of new clinical staff
• Attends mandatory monthly nursing meetings and occasional weekend trainings as required
• Documents all patient calls in the EHR and creates nursing interventions to help patients meet goals outlined in the provider’s care plan. Assist in completing patient forms, as needed.
• Provides education to all patients on the importance of medication compliance, diet, exercise etc and ensures patients are following provider instructions for upcoming visits.

Qualifications

• RN Graduate from an accredited Nursing School. Must be registered as an RN in the State of Connecticut. Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a fast paced primary care setting preferred
• Supervisory experience a plus. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability and excellent skills to independently carry out assignments and nursing tasks; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, patient registries, and web-based tools and the use of an EHR; strong knowledge of medical terminology and relevant procedures; excellent written, electronic and oral communication skills; and strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. The ability to work effectively in a team environment is essential. Oral and written proficiency in English is a must. Bi-lingual with fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.