RN/LPN Office Nurse - North Country Hospital

Sign on Bonus Available for Experienced Candidates

Statement of Purpose:

To administer nursing care for patients of all ages who present to the practice for care in accordance with directives from clinicians and/or Primary Care Clinical Manager. Maintains safe and effective nursing care while working cooperatively with other patient care team personnel in maintaining high standards in a patient-centered medical home setting. The RN Office nurse is an integral part of the patient experience and a key contributor to delivering high quality care to the patients and families who receive their medical care at North Country Primary Care locations.

The RN Office Nurse is the first clinical point of contact in the practice for patients and families and, as such, receives patients when checked-in and rooms patients as necessary to maintain patient flow.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Reports to Clinical Manager.
• In accordance with guidelines established by the State Board of Nursing for RNs, performs both telephone triage and assesses acute patients who present to the practice. Receives patients, ascertains needs, obtains history of current complaint and details of past medical history and prepares patient for exam. Checks vital signs appropriate for standard of care relating to specific illness. Checks allergies and medication list.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients including use of emergency equipment when indicated.
• Responsible for maintenance of emergency equipment and supplies as per office protocol.
• In accordance with directives established by the physician, performs minor procedures and
• screening tests and administers injections as needed: including blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, ear irritation, B-12 shots, allergy shots, flu shots, and strep screens, EKG.
• Draws blood for lab testing following phlebotomy procedure and lab protocol for collection.
• Assists physicians with special tests and procedures. Educates the patient with regards to any questions they may have pertaining to the special test/procedure.
• Communicates with Clinical Manager on a regular basis, regarding providing operational feedback concerning protocols and other office specific functioning.
• Establishes criteria and content as well as coordinates patient education following physician established guidelines.
• In conjunction with medical professional directive, develops and implements individual guidelines for patient specific education.
• Administers medications and vaccines according to office procedure as well as specific protocols of the manufacturer.
• Make adjustments in patients' medications following physician directed guidelines to achieve therapeutic levels. Evaluates patients' response to those interventions.
• Coordinates care with community and regional ancillary health services for extended needs of patients in cooperation with a care plan developed by the practice clinical team.
• Maintains the standards of nursing care and implements the policies and procedures of the hospital.
• Educates patients with appropriate method suitable for individual learning abilities regarding diet, medication, or test needs. Responsible for planning a strategy of medical or other health care needs.
• Calls patients with lab results or new orders as needed.
• Obtains refills on prescriptions when indicated, according to office policy.
• Responsible for daily preparation and upkeep of exam rooms.
• Performs various lab studies under the direction of a provider.
• Assists and completes various forms for the patient.
• Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures the equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner.
• Prepares equipment to return to CRS for sterilization.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff according to VOSHA guidelines.
• Maintains inventory of medical supplies as directed by supervisor. Notifies supervisor of supply needs.
• Schedules patients for referrals and sends necessary papers to accompany patient.
• Proficient in computer skills.
• Runs controls on lab equipment according to CLIA requirements as directed by Office Manager.
• Follows procedural protocols for CLIA & VOSHA.
• Reviews and assists in maintenance of patient charts.
• Documents all data collected and procedures performed in patient's chart.
• Attends in - service training programs as directed.
• Participated in establishment and maintenance of policies and procedures relating to clinical activities including quality assurance and compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Speaks with patients or care providers who call the practice with medical concerns, assessing patients with physical complaints, and making appropriate recommendations based on that assessment, including recommendation the patient be seen in the office or in the emergency room. Follow-up on telephone contacts as needed.
• Establishes and maintains communications and utilizes teaching opportunities with patients and other significant individuals.
• Participates in team conferences and development of nursing care plans.
• Coordinates nursing care of patients when scheduled for procedures by other departments.
• Positions infant on side/back. Holds/cuddles baby. Encourages caretakers in planning and providing care.
• Involves primary caretakers in planning and providing care to child. Uses age appropriate & familiar terminology. Provides age appropriate toys and activities. Encourages participation in planning of care, and provides for emotional needs.
• Communicates face to face with geriatric patient. Allows time for patient to respond to communication. Gently removes tape to avoid skin tears. Handles patient gently, and allows slower pace for treatment and care.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Clinical Manager.
• The above statement reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identifies and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Job Requirements:

Vermont licensed RN or LPN. 1-2 years clinical experience in the office setting preferred. Ability togreet and interact with public in a tactful, compassionate manner.

BLS required

ACLS Certification preferred.

PALS Certification preferred.

PI253022834