Clinic - Registered Nurse

Description

The Clinic Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing professional nursing care to patients in the Rural Health Clinic. The RN utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate patient care while collaborating with providers and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote positive patient outcomes.

The Clinic RN assists with clinical operations, patient education, quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, and supervision of assigned clinical personnel. The RN supports the mission, vision, and values of Reeves Regional Health by providing compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care.

All RRH employees must perform their job responsibilities according to all RRH Hospital policies, as well as to accrediting organizations, federal and state regulation, and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Requirements

Job Qualifications:

· Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing. Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent preferred. 

· Personal Job-Related Skills: Advanced knowledge of nursing theories and practices. Leadership and management abilities and effective oral and written communications skills.

· Licensure, Registry or Certification: Registered Nurse currently Licensed by the State of Texas and BCLS required. 

Experience

· Previous clinic, family practice, emergency, or medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.

· Rural healthcare experience preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

· Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.

· Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtained within 90 days of hire.

· Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

· Current immunizations and certifications required by Reeves Regional Health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong clinical assessment skills.

· Knowledge of nursing standards of practice.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

· Knowledge of infection prevention principles.

· Electronic Health Record (EHR) proficiency.

· Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

· Leadership, coaching, and delegation skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Patient Care

· Perform comprehensive nursing assessments.

· Collect and document patient histories, vital signs, and clinical information.

· Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized plans of care.

· Prepare patients for examinations and procedures.

· Administer medications, injections, immunizations, and treatments as ordered by the provider.

· Monitor patient responses to treatment and report significant changes promptly.

· Assist with minor procedures and diagnostic testing.

· Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, disease prevention, and self-care.

· Coordinate follow-up appointments, referrals, diagnostic testing, and care transitions.

Clinical Operations

· Assist in maintaining efficient clinic workflow.

· Ensure examination rooms are appropriately stocked and prepared.

· Monitor medication and vaccine inventory.

· Verify emergency equipment, crash cart, oxygen, and supplies are checked according to policy.

· Assist in maintaining regulatory compliance with Rural Health Clinic requirements.

· Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

· Support infection prevention and control practices.

Documentation

· Document all patient care accurately, completely, and timely within the electronic medical record.

· Complete medication reconciliation.

· Process provider orders, referrals, prior authorizations, and patient follow-up communications.

· Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with HIPAA.

Communication

· Collaborate effectively with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, radiology staff, and other healthcare professionals.

· Promote positive relationships with patients, families, and coworkers.

· Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as appropriate.

· Communicate changes in patient condition promptly to the provider.

Leadership

· Provide clinical guidance and support to Medical Assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and other assigned clinical personnel.

· Assist the Clinic Director of Nursing with orientation, competency validation, staff development, and performance improvement activities.

· Participate in policy development and implementation.

· Assist in identifying educational needs of clinic staff.

· Promote teamwork and a culture of safety.

Quality and Compliance

· Maintain compliance with:

· Texas Board of Nursing regulations

· Rural Health Clinic Conditions for Certification

· OSHA standards

· CDC infection prevention guidelines

· HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules

· Reeves Regional Health policies and procedures

· Participate in audits, quality improvement projects, and accreditation readiness activities.

Physical Requirements

· The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

· The employee must be able to:

· Frequently stand and walk for extended periods.

· Bend, squat, reach, twist, and kneel.

· Lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance.

· Assist patients with transfers and mobility.

· Use manual dexterity for clinical procedures.

· Demonstrate visual acuity sufficient for medication administration and patient assessment.

· Hear and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Working Conditions

· The employee may be exposed to:

· Blood and body fluids

· Communicable diseases

· Hazardous chemicals

· Medical equipment

· Stressful situations requiring rapid decision-making

· Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be used according to Reeves Regional Health policies.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned to meet the operational needs of Reeves Regional Health.