Responsibilities:
Performs, under the direction of the R.N. Coordinator, technical nursing services in caring for acute or chronically ill patients, including:
(a) assists physician with examinations or special procedures, such as lumbar punctures, sigmoidoscopies, etc.
(b) administers medications orally, topically, and by injection.
(c) provides nursing services, including routine screening services, ( e.g.: EKG, hearing and vision assessments, and immunizations ).
Communicates information to the RN Coordinator through observation of the patients physical condition and behavior, signs and symptoms of illness and reactions to treatment and through communication with the patient and other team members. Executes interventions in accordance with patients care or treatment plan. Contributes to evaluation of individualized interventions related to care or treatment plan. Serves as the nursing team leader and coordinates the activities of Medical Assistants and Team Clerk in the absence of the Registered Nurse Coordinator. Initiates emergency procedures and coordinates the activities of Medical Assistants and Team Clerks until a physician or registered nurse arrives. Participates in planning and executing emergency code drills. Performs CPR as needed. Assembles appropriate and required chart data and provides basic physical assessment of client health problems. Maintains required logs and statistics ( e.g.: CHDP, hospital, and referral logs ). Participates in the in service training of unlicensed assistive personnel and the orientation of new team members. Applies communication skills for the purpose of patient care and education. Contributes to the development and implementation of a teaching plan related to self-care for patients and provides education and reinforcement to the patient for the self-care. Participates in patient follow-up activities for missed appointments, abnormal laboratory results, and maintains patient tickler file. In the absence of the lab assistant/phlebotomist, draws blood specimens and performs routine tests, including hematocrit, dipstick urinalysis, and the preparation of other specimens. Participates in routine audits of patient medical records to determine appropriateness of nursing care, documentation, and follow-up plans. Performs other duties as may be required or assigned by the R.N. Coordinator, Clinic Administrator, or Director of Nursing Services. Performs clinical specialty area related duties as required ( e.g.: Pediatrics, Adult Care, Family Planning, Perinatal, Adolescent Medicine, Care of HIV+, etc.). Participates in all safety programs which may include assignment to an emergency response team. Participates in hazardous waste and infection control assignments as required in the health center which may include being designated as an emergency responder to a hazardous substance release or spill; performing infection control data collection, evaluation, reporting and follow-up as specified in the NEVHC clinical health services policy and procedures manual.