RN Lead in Outpatient Family Medicine

Description

Compensation:

• Non-exempt/Hourly
• The standard wage range for this role is $43.67 to $53.51 per hour
• It may be possible to earn more over time up to $63.29 per hour
• This role is eligible for a Saturday shift differential

Work Schedule:

• Schedules are set between 7:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday with participation in a Saturday rotation working a Saturday every 4-6 weeks
•  Opportunity to work four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days

Who We Are:

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing more than 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

What We Value

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

Job Summary:

The RN Lead provides day-to-day leadership and assists with optimizing the roles, functions, efficiency, and performance of Medical Department RNs as part of an integrated, outpatient primary care team. This role supports Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, Communicable Disease RN, Triage RN and new RN hires, ensuring consistent workflows, strong clinical practice standards, and a coordinated patient care experience. The primary duties and responsibilities include:

1. Provides leadership to assigned RN staff: 

a. Assigns daily RN tasks and responsibilities based on clinic needs and staff competency.

b. Reviews progress of work and offers suggestions and direction for problem-solving.

c. Provides coaching, clinical guidance, and peer support to RNs.

d. Leads group discussions, workflow improvement sessions, and RN meetings.

e. Provides timely feedback to the Medical Operations Manager regarding team performance, workflow gaps, or resource needs.

 

2. Optimizes RN workflow, function and performance: 

a. Reviews RN staffing and schedules each day, adjusting coverage based on callouts, visit needs, same-day demand, and provider support.

b. Ensures consistent application of workflows across Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, Communicable Disease RN, and Triage RN roles.

c. Assists with development, maintenance, and training of RN workflows and standing orders.

d. Keeps current on UCNW policies, clinical protocols, and departmental standards.

e. Monitors RN task distribution and works with leadership to improve efficiency and coverage strategies.

f. Supports implementation of quality and operational initiatives affecting nursing services.

3. Clinical operations, Care Coordination, and Documentation: 

a. Provides clinical support within RN scope, including telephone and in-person triage, nurse visits, chronic disease management support, patient education, medication reconciliation, and protocol-based refills.

b. Supports care coordination workflows such as TOC calls, preventive outreach, and care-gap closure, ensuring safe and timely follow-up for high-risk and complex patients.

c. Troubleshoots clinical gaps, escalating urgent or high-risk concerns to the Medical Operations Manager or Medical Director as appropriate.

d. Responds to urgent patient care needs and assists in maintaining safe and efficient clinic flow.

e. Uses the EMR to document care, manage tasks, and ensure timely completion of in-basket messages and follow-up actions.

f. Ensures task loops are closed for labs, imaging, referrals, and other clinical work.

g. Communicates with Care Team members using SBAR when appropriate to support coordinated care.

h. Promotes adherence to protocols, standing orders, and documentation standards across the RN team.

4. In partnership with Medical Operations Manager leads RN onboarding, training, and competency development:

a. Provides onboarding for new RNs using established checklists, workflows, and training plans.

b. Coaches staff through procedural skills, standing-order workflows, and Epic documentation.

c. Monitors competency progress and identifies skill or knowledge gaps early.

d. Models’ effective clinical practices, communication, and team-based care behaviors.

e. Supports ongoing training needs as workflows or scope expand.

5. Supports patient care experience and team culture

a. Promotes and models Shared Team Agreements and patient-first communication.

b. Responds to patient escalations related to RN-delivered care and ensures timely follow-up.

c. Addresses concerns within scope and keeps Medical Operations Manager informed on progress and outcomes.

Reinforces a culture of accountability, reliability, and collaboration within the RN team. 

What We Offer:

• A friendly and collaborative team environment
• A competitive compensation package
• Outpatient clinic only – no hospital work
• Day shifts only – no nights
• No Sunday shifts

Loan Repayment Application Opportunities

Watch our video at https://youtu.be/Z8LjtB3hxnE to learn more about loan repayment opportunities at UCNW!

• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid.
• Eligible RNs may apply for loan repayment through the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (Apply to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov))

Generous benefits including:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1 gradually increasing to 196 hours per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave
• Continuing Education
• Reimbursement of Washington State license renewal fees
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services

Requirements

• Washington State RN License
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (can get certified when starting)
• Ability to use the following software: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Electronic Medical Records, patient scheduling system, HR/Payroll program, training systems and SharePoint.
• Ability to work at both our Bellingham and Ferndale locations on a regular basis

Qualified candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham & Ferndale

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Set amidst lush farmland on the Nooksack River with a commanding view of Mount Baker, Ferndale’s 15,000+ residents pride themselves on their relaxed, small-town friendliness and affordable quality of life. Ferndale’s convenient location in Whatcom County on the I-5 corridor is just 15 minutes away from our main site in beautiful downtown Bellingham. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

• Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)
• Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)
• Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)
• Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants)

To Apply

Visit our Careers Page at www.unitycarenw.org. For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/363mfhv!

If you feel this job posting is missing any required compensation or benefit information, please contact HR@ucnw.org. Other questions can be addressed throughout the recruitment process for candidates selected to move forward.

Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up to date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.