Clinic Nurse

Position Overview

The Clinic Nurse is a registered nurse who is key to providing support for our providers, safe care for our patients, strengthening operational quality, and ultimately improving clinical patient outcomes. The Clinic Nurse assists in care coordination of patients’ healthcare needs and serves as a teacher, advocate, and navigator for these patients within the care team. This nurse is responsible for providing direct nursing care, performing nursing assessments, participating in the continuity of patient care, serving as a servant-leader, and helping improve patient outcomes. Reports to the Director of Nursing, Chief Clinical Officer of Operations, and Providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides clinical and administrative support for providers within the care team model. This includes:
  • Serving as a liaison between providers and their patients
  • Communicating abnormal lab results and treatment plans to patients as outlined by the provider and/or protocols
  • Providing patient education in areas such as chronic disease, medications, and pregnancy
  • Completing medication reconciliation, new patient intakes, and OB intakes as appropriate
• Works with other members of the care team to coordinate patient care, referrals, DME orders, care management, and hospital/ER follow-up
• Executes nursing care under the direction of the provider such as IV infusions, medication injections, wound care, dressing changes, and assisting in procedures
• Navigates medication changes and prior authorizations due to insurance requirements under standing orders and provider guidance
• Obtains pre-authorizations and/or RQIs for diagnostic testing as required by insurance
• Manages the clinical phone line, assisting pharmacies, responding to patient requests, conducting triage, and conveying messages among providers, clinics, specialists, and other care team members
• Directs the assessment of acutely ill patients who present to the clinic in person or via phone to ensure efficient workflow
• Provides nursing care to patients presenting through the Nurse Visit Schedule; tasks may include MAT care, latent TB evaluation, INR level checks with Coumadin titration, BP checks, wound care, transfer of scripts, patient education, medication administration, triage, pregnancy tests/counseling, and HIV rapid tests with result conveyance
• Collaborates with medical support staff to prioritize clinical tasks and assists with training and competency verification of support staff
• Participates in Care Management and Chronic Disease Management efforts in collaboration with the Population Health Department, which may include home visits, consultations with Complex Care Coordinators, targeted patient education, and additional tasks as needed
• Ensures that all emergency equipment and clinic-use medications are properly stocked, stored, and logged for patient care at the clinic site
• Participates in care team meetings, monthly nurse meetings, clinic-wide quarterly meetings, and other meetings as directed by the Director of Nursing
• Documents all activities appropriately in the Electronic Medical Record

Required Qualifications

• Strong patient assessment skills including the ability to triage patients
• Ability to use the nursing process to guide patient encounters and care
• Effective communication with patients in a manner that protects confidentiality and is sensitive to cultural and emotional needs
• Flexibility to adapt to changing or stressful conditions, including unanticipated changes to working schedules or locations
• Good physical stamina with the ability to be on one’s feet and active throughout the day
• Strength and dexterity to move patients, handle equipment, and respond quickly within the clinical area
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism when interacting with patients and staff of diverse ages, cultures, and temperaments
• Commitment to punctuality, honesty, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and set priorities in line with the clinic’s mission
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for professional interactions with patients and co-workers
• Adherence to departmental and organizational policies and a commitment to the mission of the Lawndale Christian Health Center
• Ability to serve as a clinical leader and guide a team of medical support personnel, including delegating appropriate tasks
• Proficiency in hands-on clinical nursing skills such as venipuncture, medication administration, wound care, and urinary catheter insertion
• RN licensure in the state of Illinois
• CPR certification
• Clinical experience is preferred (ideally in a clinic, acute care, or triage setting); however, new graduates with an interest in community health are encouraged to apply
• Knowledge of Spanish is helpful