The Clinical Nurse provides direct nursing care, performs assessments, and coordinates treatment plans for a diverse patient population. They collaborate with the care team to improve patient outcomes and ensure compliance with clinical and regulatory standards.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold an active DC Registered Nurse license and a current CPR certification. A minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is required, with a commitment to obtain a BSN within five years.
Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager and following clinical guidance from the treatment team, the Clinical Nurse, RN assists in the care coordination and management of the complex healthcare needs for a diverse patient population. The incumbent will serve as teacher, planner, advocate, and navigator for the patients of Unity Health Care. The incumbent will be responsible for providing direct nursing care, performing nursing assessments, participating in the continuity of patient care and helping improve patient outcomes through systems processes and direct provision of clinical care. The incumbent may supervise the medical assistant staff when indicated.
Major duties/Essential functions
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Performs routine nursing procedures such as intake, triage, injections, and emergency care.
Develops a working, therapeutic relationship with patients.
Assesses and evaluates problems related to chronic or acute conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma, as well as the socio and ecological barriers that impact the improvement of health and wellness.
Develops effective treatment plans identifying, activating, and linking patients to appropriate care and established support systems (i.e., family, social, treatment programs, services, emergency assistance).
Assists patients in following through with established treatment plans; Identifies and addresses any barriers effecting a patient’s ability to adhere to treatment team.
Improves patient outcomes through the coordination and follow up of care.
Collaborates with entire care team (Provider, Medical Assistant, social services/care support, registration and health information staff) to assure that the patient receives timely care and follow-up.
Collaborates with other team members regarding the status of patients’ social and mental health needs.
Utilizes multi-modality educational concepts during nurse visits to help manage complex chronically ill patients; Nurse Visits include blood pressure follow-up, family planning education, and immunization compliance.
Coordinates the quality control checks for the glucometers and any other waive testing.
Works with the Nurse Manager and Medical Assistant III to ensure compliance with infection control.
Provides discharge instruction to patients.
Monitors patients use of health center services; Provides patient education and helps address barriers related to receiving adequate care, and addresses patient utilization of health systems in Washington DC.
Assist with coordination of care following recent hospitalization.
Executes and monitors data collection and reporting requirements for all institutional and federal regulations as required through an electronic or manual system.
Participates in professional development opportunities and attends staff/team meetings as deemed necessary.
Documents in medical records per policy and standards. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records in a timely manner.
As allowable by the nursing scope of practice, assists with supervision and delegation of duties of other clinical staff members (LPNs, MAs).
Must be able to take initiative, identify areas of clinical improvement and discuss plan of action with appropriate personnel.
May facilitate home visits to patients unable to schedule appointments at the Health Center if appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a minimum ADN. Must obtain BSN within five (5) years of hire into the position.
Licensure
Current active DC License as a Registered Nurse
Current CPR Certification.
Experience
If ADN, two (2) years of clinical experience.
If BSN, one (1) year of clinical experience.
Clinical expertise may include any of the following: emergency room, mental and behavioral health, women’s health, pediatrics, infectious disease, community or public health, polypharmacy teaching, care coordination, discharge planning, triage, and chronic disease care management.
Additional work experience may include any of the following: teaching, health promotion, social and ecological determinants of health, monitoring and evaluation of health outcomes, working with diverse populations, family studies, and outreach.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Professional skillsets including but not limited to communication, conflict resolution and management, and inter-professional teamwork.
Ability to work independently, to supervise and to work in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Must be well organized, flexible and action-oriented.
Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
Supervisory controls
This position reports to the Nurse Manager.
Guidelines
The position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.
Personal contacts
The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual.
Physical effort and work environment
Some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as books and paper is required.
Must be physically able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time. Be able to bend, lift, and carry files from one location to another.
Must have visual acuity and the ability to differentiate colors, and sustain long periods of computer usage.
May sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk or in an automobile and/or may use the telephone for long periods of time.
The office environment may be stressful with multiple, time-sensitive tasks to be accomplished within a short period of time.
Must be able to work any time of the day, independently with minimal supervision, be capable of making sound business and decisions, be detail oriented, alert and self-motivated.
Must be able to effectively manage difficult situations, staff and customers.
See the ADA Physical Efforts Checklist.
Other significant facts
The incumbent must be able to balance the needs of diverse constituencies on a daily basis.
RISKS
The position involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC health Care Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. All medical services shall be provided according to medically accepted community standards of care. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
