Staff Nurse – Full Time
CLASSIFICATION/STATUS: Non-Exempt Licensed, Full Time, Permanent
Immediate Supervisor: Lead RN
General Supervision: Nurse Manager, Associate Director of Nursing, Associate Director of Clinical Operations, and Medical Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for clinical oversight of medical assistant(s) assigned to team.
WHO YOU ARE:
YOUR ROLE & IMPACT
As part of the dynamic Human Resources team at Charles River Community Health (CRCH), a healthcare practice providing comprehensive and compassionate care to underserved communities, the Staff Nurse provides direct professional nursing care and education to Health Center patients and ensures continuity and quality of care. The Staff Nurse has a solid understanding of patient needs and will work collaboratively with primary care providers and a multidisciplinary team to develop, assess, coordinate, and optimize patient care plans.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess patients' medical problems and complaints by phone and in person. Provide information and advice for home treatment when indicated.
- Arrange for evaluation by a provider when indicated either by scheduling an appointment or telephone follow-up. Refer patients to the emergency room in consultation with a provider when indicated. Refer patient to other Health Center support services when indicated. Arrange transportation as indicated.
- Educate patients and families by phone and in the Health Center about minor illnesses, medication usage, health maintenance needs, blood sugar monitoring, nebulizer usage and other prescribed health care regimens, operational procedures, and specialist referrals.
- Participate in the establishment and documentation of standard triage protocols and procedures and patient education information and present materials for review/approval by Medical Director and/or quality assurance committee.
- When necessary, secure appropriate interpreting services to handle communication with patients.
- Work within various managed care systems to make appropriate triage decisions and to coordinate referral authorizations with the Managed Care Coordinator.
- Routinely monitor patient flow during clinical sessions so as to maximize patient access and provider productivity, adjusting add-ons or same day episodes to even patient volume amongst providers and to accommodate patients waiting to be seen. Report on-going issues to his/her supervisor.
- Active participant in supervision of medical assistants including co authoring and participating in medical assistants evaluation with the Medical Assistant Coordinator.
- Documents all encounters in the medical record.
- Calls patients or emergency rooms to follow-up on acute illnesses.
- Reviews lab results daily, ensuring that they are filed appropriately and works with providers on appropriate follow-up.
- Handle requests for prescription renewals in consultation with a provider.
- Under the direction of the Associate Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations, assist with the training and orientation of Medical Assistants.
- Perform injections, diagnostic tests and procedures as necessary. Administer PPD planting and follow-up checks including referral to TB clinic.
- Assist providers and provide nursing intervention during medical emergencies.
- Complete WIC forms, school and camp forms, and immunization forms.
- Receive and process lead test results and performs related patient contact and documentation.
- Maintain emergency cart, controlled substances box, surgical, eye, ear, and suture trays. Report equipment maintenance needs to the Associate Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations.
- Participate in community outreach projects and Center meetings as requested.
- Participate in Quality Assurance activities as directed.
- In conjunction with the Associate Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations, establish and document procedures for treatment room stocking and securing clinical supplies and ensures supplies are properly stored in appropriate places and treatment rooms appropriately stocked to enhance visit efficiency.
- Work collaboratively with other Health Center staff in meeting JCAHO and other regulatory and/or funding requirements.
- Perform other duties as required.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, TRAITS
- Bachelor of Nursing preferred or graduate of School with at least four years of previous experience in nursing.
- Massachusetts Nursing license - RN or LPN.
- At least three years of experience preferably in an ambulatory setting with Family Practice focus.
- Experience with telephone assessment and crisis management preferred.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Certification in CPR.
- Bilingual/Bicultural preferred.
- Willing to work one evening per week.
- Basic computer skill preferred or willingness to develop these skills.
- Experience in diverse culture preferred.
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
Charles River Community Health’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the communities of Allston, Brighton, Waltham and surrounding areas by providing quality, compassionate, coordinated care that is patient-centered, family friendly, and community focused.
CRCH is a comprehensive practice providing medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, optical, and vision services to diverse underserved local communities. We serve over 15,000 patients annually, and 80% of those served are well below the poverty line while over 60% speak in a language other than English.
We are committed to providing patients with timely access to the right care, at the right place and at the right time, collaborating with other organizations to connect patients with a comprehensive range of services and provide continuity of care, and creating new community partnerships to meet the changing needs of patients and the community.
We value caring for everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion, reducing cultural, financial and other barriers to care, and eliminating health care disparities for our patients. We also advocate for the needs of our patients, the community, and public health causes.
OUR PROMISE
If you are passionate about providing service excellence in a mission-driven, team-oriented, and progressive organization, you will find your career as Staff Nurse rewarding and impactful! You will also find a partner in your career path goals and trajectory!
OUR BENEFITS & PERKS
Medical & Dental Insurance
Short & Long-term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
Tickets at Work
Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Travel Reimbursement
Professional Development Opportunities
Solid track record of developing and promoting employees internally!